Information about Melitracen
Generic Name : Melitracen
Pronunciation : Me-litra-cen
Latest prescription information about Melitracen. Learn how to pronounce the drug's name, its indications, dosage, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its storage instructions . Also listed are the Indian trade name(s) of the drug and its price list.
Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics
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Trade Names/Brand Names of Melitracen
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Overview of Melitracen
• Melitracen is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used mainly to treat
depression and
anxiety.
Why is Melitracen Prescribed? (Indications)
Melitracen is prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.
It is also available as a combination drug along with flupentixol which is indicated for different types of depression (psychogenic, masked, menopausal, in alcoholics), depressive neuroses, psychosomatic affections accompanied by anxiety and apathy, and dysphoria in alcoholics. It is also given as a maintenance dose in psychogenic depressions and other psychoses.
Melitracen comes under the category of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) which act by decreasing re-uptake of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin at the nerve synapse. This causes a high concentration of the neurotransmitters in the next neuron causing an antidepressant effect. Melitracen acts similarly as other TCAs regarding efficacy against depression and anxiety. It has an added advantage of improved tolerability and a slightly faster onset of action.
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When should Melitracen not be taken? (Contraindications)
Melitracen is contraindicated in patients with
• Hypersensitivity to the drug
• Myocardial infarction
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Bipolar disorder
•
Epilepsy
• Who received monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within two weeks
For those using the combination drug, it is contraindicated in patients:
• In the immediate recovery phase after myocardial infarction
• With defects in bundle-branch conduction
• With untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
• With acute alcohol, barbiturate and opiate intoxications
• Who received monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within two weeks
The combination is not recommended for excitable or overactive patients since its activating effect may excite them more.
What is the dosage of Melitracen?
The recommended dose of melitracen hydrochloride is
Adults: 25 mg tablet up to two or three times daily. The dose can be gradually increased to a total of 225 mg daily if necessary.
Elderly patients: Reduced doses of 25 or 30 mg daily initially
The recommended dose of melitracen and flupentixol combination drug is
Adults: Dose of 10 mg melitracen and 500 mg flupentixol orally in the morning and at midday. Morning dose can be doubled for severe cases.
Elderly patients:Adult dose is appropriate but only once in the morning. Only in severe cases, the dose has to be given in the afternoon too.
• When withdrawing the drug, do it gradually to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
How should Melitracen be taken?
• Melitracen is available in an oral form as melitracen hydrochloride tablet (melitracen hydrochloride 28.1 mg is equivalent to about 25 mg of melitracen) and should be taken by mouth with a glass of water.
What are the warnings and precautions for Melitracen?
• Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to take the combination drug
• Withdraw the combination drug gradually if the patient has previously been treated with tranquilizers with sedative effects.
What are the side effects of Melitracen?
Rare in the recommended doses
•
Central nervous system: A headache, drowsiness, anxiety, insomnia
•
Gastrointestinal: Dry Mouth, weight gain, nausea, upset stomach, decreased appetite, diarrhea
•
Ophthalmological: Blurred vision
•
Others: Weakness, difficulty in breathing, sweating
Side-effects of the combination drug:
•
Central nervous system: Restlessness, insomnia, hypomania, dizziness, tremor, visual disturbances, headache, extrapyramidal symptoms
•
Others: HyperprolactinemiaWhat are the other precautions for Melitracen?
• Complete the entire dose of the drug prescribed by the doctor
What are the Drug Interactions of Melitracen?
Flupentixol-melitracen combination -
• Enhances responses of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants when taken together
• When taken along with MAO inhibitors, can cause hypertensive crisis
What are the storage conditions for Melitracen?
• Melitracen should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
• Protect from light.
Last Updated : 5/3/2018
