In the article we will consider the instructions for the use of the drug "Azafen" and reviews about it. This drug is from the group of antidepressants of the tricyclic type, similar in its pharmacological effect to the action of imipramine. "Azafen" is widely used in the treatment of depressive conditions of various origins. A large number of positive reviews of patients allows us to judge its high efficiency in the treatment of panic attacks, various phobias, and prolonged depression. Neurologists and psychotherapists agree with the opinion of patients. Reviews of experts confirm that this drug helps in getting rid of most of these problems.
Release form, composition
According to the instructions for use, pipofizin acts as an active ingredient in Azafen. The medication is made in the form of tablets intended for oral administration. The quantitative content of the basic substance may have differences. So, tablets are found in dosages of 25 and 150 milligrams. As indicated by the instructions for use, "Asafen MV" is a tablet in which the active component is released modified, they differ in a prolonged action.
Pharmacological properties
The drug "Asafen" has a sedative and antidepressant effect. Its mechanism is due to the ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which increases their content in the central nervous system.
Asafen combines sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The use of the drug does not lead to cardiotoxic effects. Good tolerance allows you to use it with great convenience compared with other drugs that are among the tricyclic antidepressants.
The active component is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The highest concentration is achieved 60-80 minutes after taking the pill. The drug is excreted mainly through the kidneys. The half-life, depending on the dose, ranges from 4 to 9 hours.
Indications
In accordance with the instructions for use, "Asafen" is used in the treatment of the following pathologies:
- Depressive disorders of medium and mild form - the drug in this case is most effective.
- Diseases that are accompanied by neurotic disorders and depression.
- Depressive conditions that accompany somatic chronic diseases.
- Shallow states of depression due to excessive drinking and accompanied by increased inhibition and anxiety. In the treatment of severe depression, Azafen can be combined with other tricyclic antidepressant drugs, if necessary with antipsychotics.
- Depression states in patients with coronary heart disease.
Sometimes the drug is used to consolidate the positive effect after a therapeutic course with more powerful means. Azafen cannot be used for self-medication. You must first consult with a specialist.
Mode of application
As confirmed by the instructions for use, "Azafen" in tablets should be taken after meals: after breakfast in the morning and afternoon in the afternoon. Initially, its dose is gradually increased, and after reaching the optimal therapeutic effect decreases. In this case, a transition to supportive therapy is carried out.
After establishing the optimal daily dosage, the patient may be advised to switch to the use of Asafen MV. At the same time, the effectiveness and tolerability of the drug must be considered. The exact frequency of use and dosage of the medicine is determined by the doctor, taking into account the patient's testimony and the manifestation of the disease. The duration of treatment is also selected individually. The therapeutic course can last from one to twelve months.
Feasible side effects
According to the instructions for use and reviews, Azafen can cause the following adverse reactions:
- headache;
- nausea
- dizziness
- vomiting
- allergies.
Reducing the dosage eliminates the side effects listed above. The use of the drug has a sedative effect. In rare cases, it may develop:
- fatigue, weakness;
- defects in concentration;
- drowsiness;
- dry mouth
- tachycardia;
- Dizziness
- tremor;
- decreased sex drive.
Such side effects most often appear at the beginning of treatment or may be the result of therapy with the use of large dosages. If the patient develops these or other unpleasant symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor. You may need a dose adjustment or prescription of drugs for maintenance therapy.
Cardiotoxic and cholinolytic effects, which are characteristic of other tricyclic antidepressant drugs, were not observed during the use of Azafen. According to experts, the use of the drug does not cause exacerbation of symptoms of psychosomatics in the form of hallucinations and delusions in patients with schizophrenia, fear and anxiety conditions.
No information on overdose by Asafen has been provided. Perhaps, with increasing doses, the likelihood of undesirable manifestations increases.
Contraindications
Instructions for use "Asafen" warns that the drug cannot be used in the development of such conditions and pathologies:
- intolerance to the main or auxiliary substances of the drug;
- severe liver or kidney failure;
- with simultaneous use with drugs from among MAO inhibitors;
- during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
In addition, the drug is used very carefully in some cases. So, in the instructions for use of "Asafen" (the analogues of which we will consider later), they emphasize that the use of this agent requires special monitoring in children, since there is insufficient information on the safety of its use. And also in the treatment of patients with a history of:
- infectious diseases;
- chronic heart failure;
- diabetes;
- myocardial infarction;
- recovery period after acute defects in the blood circulation of the brain;
- coronary heart disease.
Drug interaction
The drug "Asafen" enhances the effect of anticoagulants, alcohol, drugs that inhibit the central nervous system and anti-allergic drugs. The use of "Asafen" helps to reduce anticonvulsant therapy.
According to experts, it is unacceptable to simultaneously use “Azafen” with medicines from among MAO inhibitors. When the transition to "Azafen" was made, you need to maintain an interval of two weeks.
Since its use does not contribute to the cholinolytic effect, the medicine can be used in the treatment of patients with glaucoma and other pathologies that require taking drugs with a cholinolytic effect (Imipramin, Amitriptyline).
Additional recommendations for instructions
The use of "Asafen" requires compliance with certain rules:
- The patient must refrain from drinking alcohol.
- Depressive disorders can increase the possibility of suicide, which is why the patient should be under medical supervision during the therapeutic period.
- During treatment, you need to monitor the normal functioning of the liver and kidneys.
- When treating with Asafen, it is necessary to refrain from driving and engaging in activities that require increased attention.
In accordance with the instructions for use of Asafen, tablets should be stored in a dry place and protected from the sun. The medicine is included in list B, that is, it is dispensed with a prescription. Before using the tablets, you need to consult a specialist and carefully study the instructions for use (patient reviews about Azafen can be found at the end of the article).
It should be noted that pipofesin is not included in other drugs. And analogues of the drug according to the characteristics of the effect are:
- Esprital;
- Alventa;
- Tetrindol;
- Behol;
- Mirtazonal;
- Pyrazidolum;
- Velaxin;
- "Normazidol";
- "Deprim";
- Coaxil and other medicines.
Instructions for use: reviews of doctors about "Azafen"
Among the advantages of the drug, experts distinguish fewer side effects compared to Amitriptyline. It is affordable and well tolerated by elderly patients. "Azafen" is effective in moderate and severe depression, neurotic reactions, neurosis. It has no cholinolytic sign. The drug should be started with 25 mg. Instructions for use with "Asafen" confirms this. Then you should gradually increase the dosage to effective.
Doctors consider the disadvantages to be a weak effect compared to Amitriptyline. High dosages are worse tolerated.
Patient Reviews
When discussing the relative safety and efficacy of using this antidepressant, good reviews about the drug are much more common in comparison with negative statements. Most of the patients taking the medicine, at one time thanks to him, managed to overcome depression, get rid of apathy and feelings of anxiety, improve the general mental state and mood. Mention of its side effects is rare and most often due to the patient's personal sensitivity to its components.
We reviewed the instructions for the use of "Asafen" and the reviews of doctors and patients about this drug.