In psychiatric practice, Eglonil is often used. Instructions for use recommend the use of this medicine for apathic and depressive disorders. The drug is also prescribed by therapists for the treatment of psychosomatic pathologies. Experts note that this tool has a milder effect than other antipsychotic medications. It usually does not require additional corrective medications to mitigate unwanted effects and is well tolerated.
Composition and release forms
The active substance of the drug is sulpiride. The drug is released in the form of tablets, capsules and a solution for injections.
The tablet form is produced with an active ingredient content of 200 mg. The composition of the medicine includes additional substances: starch, talc, compounds of magnesium and silicon, as well as lactose and cellulose. These ingredients contribute to the absorption of the drug. Egonil tablets are white with a yellowish tinge. The inscription "SLP 200" (the content of the active component) is engraved on one of their sides.
Capsules are coated with a gelatin shell. They contain 50 mg of the active substance and have a white or yellowish-gray color.
Injection for injection includes 50 mg of sulpiride. This is a clear, odorless liquid, it is poured into ampoules of 2 ml. The composition of the drug also includes distilled water, sulfuric acid and sodium chloride. Egonil injections are done in the gluteus maximus.
How does the medicine work?
To understand the effect of the drug, it is necessary to understand the biochemistry of the central nervous system. In the human body, a substance is formed - dopamine. He is called the "hormone of pleasure", as he is responsible for the emotional background and uplifting. However, an excess of this substance is harmful and can lead to impaired brain function. Sulpiride blocks dopamine receptors and thereby reduces the manifestations of psychosis.
However, this substance acts selectively. Sulpiride only blocks receptors in the limbic system of the brain. The accumulation of dopamine in this section leads to delirium, hallucinations, as well as other manifestations of schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Sulpiride does not cause feelings of depression and inhibition. On the contrary, it eliminates apathy, increases human activity and works as a mild stimulant.
Is Eglonil an antidepressant? Strictly speaking, this remedy refers to antipsychotics. But it helps a lot with depression with apathy. Its effect on the body depends on the amount of the drug. In large doses, it acts as an antipsychotic, and in small doses it affects the symptoms of depression. Such drugs are called atypical antipsychotics.
Sulpiride also eliminates excitation in the departments of the hypothalamus. This helps to improve blood circulation and the formation of mucus in the digestive tract. This action allows you to use the medicine for stomach ulcers of psychosomatic origin and irritable bowel syndrome. Sulpiride calms and the vomiting center in the brain, so the medicine is used for nausea.
In small doses, sulpiride eliminates dizziness with vegetovascular dystonia due to a calming effect on the central nervous system.
This medicine affects the hormonal levels in women and men, stimulating the secretion of prolactin. This can be attributed to the disadvantages of the drug. Many atypical antipsychotics possess this property. However, endocrine disorders when taking this medication are temporary and disappear with a dose reduction or drug withdrawal.
Indications for use
Why is Eglonil prescribed? The list of indications for the use of the drug is quite extensive. It includes both psychiatric and somatic diseases:
- The medicine helps with depression with manifestations of apathy and anxiety. In this case, small doses of the drug are used.
- The drug is able to reduce the manifestations of apato-abulic syndrome. This serious condition is characterized by a decrease in activity and will, a feeling of constant fatigue, and a loss of interest in any activity. It is most often observed in schizophrenic disorders. This syndrome is difficult to treat, however, the Eglonil medicine can increase the patient's activity due to its stimulating effect.
- Tablets and injections of the drug are prescribed for schizophrenia with delusions and hallucinations. In such cases, the use of large dosages is indicated. Also, the medicine is used in other conditions with manifestations of delirium.
- "Eglonil" in case of neurosis is prescribed only to adult patients, if other means are ineffective.
- In child psychiatry, the medicine is also used. It helps with violations of behavior in a child: motor anxiety with nervous excitement, obsessive repetitive actions, causing damage to oneself. This remedy is especially effective in treating such disorders in autistic people. However, children can take the medicine only in 50 mg capsules and at least 6 years old.
- The antipsychotic eliminates pain in stomach ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome, if these diseases are caused by stress.
- The drug can be used as an antiemetic, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Egonil reduces migraine headache. Also, the drug eliminates dizziness with VSD, panic attacks and neurosis.
The drug has an antidepressant effect, but this does not mean that the drug can be taken independently with low mood or stress. Temporary emotional distress is not an indication. Eglonil can only be prescribed by a doctor. This is a strictly prescription drug with a pronounced effect on the psyche. It has many contraindications and side effects that only a specialist can take into account.
When is the medicine contraindicated?
The drug can not be taken by all patients. Instructions for use "Eglonila" reports the following contraindications:
- Tumors of the pituitary gland and mammary glands. The drug increases the production of prolactin. It is contraindicated in neoplasms, if their growth depends on the level of this hormone. Also, the medication is not prescribed for endocrine disorders associated with increased prolactin.
- Allergic reaction to sulpiride. In this case, the use of the drug should be abandoned. Tablets should not be taken for patients with lactose intolerance, this form of the drug must be replaced with capsules or injections.
- Aggressive behavior in psychoses and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. Egonil may increase arousal.
- Poisoning with alcohol and sedatives. An antipsychotic aggravates respiratory depression and other functions.
- Tumors of the adrenal gland. The drug can provoke their growth.
- Pregnancy. During the period of bearing a child, the medicine is prescribed only when there is an urgent need. In this case, the doctor weighs the expected benefits for the woman and the probability of risk for the unborn baby. The medicine has an antiemetic effect, but it can not be taken to eliminate nausea with toxicosis of pregnancy.
- Lactation. If sulpiride is prescribed during this period, then breastfeeding should be interrupted. The active component of the drug penetrates into milk.
- Tablets and injections are not used in the treatment of children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Capsules can be prescribed from the age of 6.
Caution should also be exercised in the treatment of elderly people, patients with epilepsy, liver and kidney pathologies, cardiovascular ailments and parkinsonism. In these cases, the appointment of a reduced dosage and monitoring of the patient's condition is required. Caution is also necessary when prescribing atypical antipsychotics to women with menstrual irregularities, since the drug affects the hormonal background.
Undesirable manifestations
Side effects of Eglonil, first of all, affect the work of the nervous and endocrine systems. Extrapyramidal symptoms (increased muscle tone with involuntary movements) are noted much less frequently than with typical antipsychotics. However, spasms of the muscles of the neck and mouth may occur, impaired movements of the eyeballs and tongue. Such dyskinetic symptoms can be eliminated with the use of antiparkinsonian drugs. Some patients have increased drowsiness, trembling in the extremities, dizziness.
As already mentioned, sulpiride increases prolactin levels. Associated with this are hormonal imbalances while taking Eglonil. In women, menstrual irregularities occur, up to the cessation of menstruation, the release of milk from the mammary glands, in men - gynecomastia and a decrease in potency. If the patient requires a long course of treatment, then a blood test for prolactin should be taken periodically.
Often there is an increase in weight during treatment with an antipsychotic. This is also associated with the reaction of the endocrine system to the drug. During therapy, you should control your diet, the number of calories consumed should be limited.
It should be noted that all hormonal changes when taking an antipsychotic are reversible. With the withdrawal of the drug, the disorders pass and the hormonal background normalizes.
Instructions for use "Eglonila" and reports on other undesirable effects. In patients with hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, an allergy with skin rashes may occur. In some patients, arrhythmia, palpitations and pressure surges with a change in body position are noted.
The most dangerous side effect is malignant antipsychotic syndrome. It occurs quite rarely with the use of atypical antipsychotics. But still there is a risk of its occurrence, especially when exceeding the permissible dose or when taking Eglonil with incompatible drugs. A person’s temperature rises sharply (up to + 39-41 degrees), motor and mental arousal occurs, muscles become extremely tense. With such manifestations, an antipsychotic should be urgently withdrawn. If the patient has an elevated temperature while taking Eglonil, you should immediately inform your doctor.
The prescribed dosage of the drug should be carefully observed. Using an antipsychotic uncontrollably and in large quantities is extremely dangerous, this can cause serious poisoning. With an overdose, a person has muscle cramps, uncontrolled movements, blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, and lethargy. Sometimes signs appear that resemble symptoms of Parkinson's disease. In case of drug poisoning, a person needs to rinse his stomach and urgently call a doctor. There are no special antidotes against sulpiride. In the hospital, the patient undergoes symptomatic treatment: they support cardiac and respiratory activity, give drugs from the group of anticholinergic blockers.
How to use the drug?
The dosage is selected by the attending physician depending on the disease and the condition of the patient. In case of psychotic disorders with delusions and hallucinations, Eglonila injections are used. The drug is injected into the gluteal muscle. On average, 400 mg to 800 mg of medication is required per day. Injections are done 1-3 times a day. The duration of such treatment is about 14 days. After the patient's condition improves, the drug continues to be taken, but already in the form of tablets or capsules.
If the medicine is taken orally, then it should be taken in the morning, until about 16 hours. This remedy has an activating effect, and if it is taken in the evening or at night, then there may be problems with falling asleep. It must be remembered that this antipsychotic is neither a sleeping pill nor a sedative.
On average, the following daily dosages of Eglonil capsules and tablets are used:
- schizophrenia and depression: 200-1000 mg;
- neurosis, psychosomatic disorders and nausea: 50-150 mg;
- behavioral disorders in children: from 5 to 10 mg per 1 kg of a child’s weight.
For older people, the adult dose is reduced by 2-4 times. The medicine is taken 1-3 times a day.
If the course of treatment is coming to an end, or if you need to cancel the drug, then the dose is reduced gradually. Do not abruptly stop taking the medicine. It is believed that this antipsychotic is not addictive and addictive. However, many patients have Eglonil withdrawal syndrome. It is characterized by apathy, depressive mood, loss of strength, loss of appetite, nausea, and autonomic disorders. To avoid this unpleasant condition, the medicine is canceled within 1-2 weeks, gradually reducing the daily dose.
special instructions
During the course of treatment, it is necessary to completely refrain from drinking alcohol. Eglonil and alcohol are incompatible. Their simultaneous administration leads to severe intoxication. Sulpiride interacts with ethanol. In this case, severe symptoms may occur that resemble the reaction of difilsoram (Esperal) and alcohol. There is redness of the face, a feeling of heat, severe headache, nausea, shortness of breath, tachycardia. If the patient has violated the ban on ethanol during treatment, an urgent need to call a doctor. You can drink a little alcohol only a month after the end of the course of therapy.
Instructions for use "Eglonila" reports that during the course of treatment should refrain from driving a car. This tool affects concentration. Activities that require a high reaction rate should also be avoided.
How does an antipsychotic interact with other medicines?
The drug should not be taken in conjunction with the following medicines:
- Typical antipsychotics, antiarrhythmic drugs and some antibiotics. Their simultaneous administration with sulpiride can cause severe tachycardia.
- Parkinson's disease drugs. Their effect on the body is the exact opposite of the Eglonil effect.
- Calcium channel blockers and potassium-lowering drugs. This technique can cause ventricular arrhythmia.
If the patient takes such drugs, then it is necessary to inform the doctor about this. Instructions for use "Eglonila" recommends caution when taking antipsychotics with drugs for pressure, as it enhances the hypotensive effect.
Sulpiride is often prescribed as part of the complex therapy of mental illness along with antidepressants and sedatives. However, caution is also needed here, such a combination of drugs can depress breathing.
Storage, price and analogues
Tablets and capsules are stored at a temperature of no more than +30 degrees. They are suitable for use for 3 years. The same storage conditions are provided for ampoules with a solution.
The price of tablets (12 pieces) in pharmacy chains ranges from 250 to 350 rubles. Capsules of the drug (30 pieces) cost from 170 to 230 rubles. The price of 6 ampoules of an injection solution is from 290 to 370 rubles.
Patients are often interested in Eglonil analogues. In pharmacies, you can find the following drugs with the active ingredient - sulpiride:
- Betamax
- "Sulpiride Belupo";
- "Prosulpin";
- "Depral".
The cost of the drug "Betamax" from 170 to 230 rubles. The most economical options are Sulpiride Belupo and Prosulpine. Their price is from 95 to 170 rubles. These drugs are available in tablet form.
The analogues of "Eglonil" in therapeutic action include the drug "Solian". It includes the active component amisulpride. This substance is very similar to sulpiride in terms of its effect on the body. There are many good reviews about this drug from patients; people note its high effectiveness in depressive and apathetic disorders. However, Solian is an expensive medicine. Its price is from 3500 to 6500 rubles.
Reviews about the drug
You can find many positive reviews about the drug. Patients with neurosis and panic attacks report that the drug helped them get rid of anxiety, dizziness, irritability, asthenic manifestations. Patients with schizotypic and schizoaffective disorders note that the medicine helped them overcome lethargy, apathy, and gain interest in life. People with cardioneurosis write that they have disappeared heart pains and normalized sleep.
The effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics is also confirmed by patients with psychosomatic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. With irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal pain disappears, nausea and discomfort in the stomach are reduced with an ulcer and gastroduodenitis of neurogenic origin.
Negative reviews about the drug reported its side effects. After injections of the drug, torticollis and other spastic phenomena occurred in some patients. .
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