Azaphen - instructions, dosage, side effects, analogs

Antidepressant: Azaphen

Active ingredient: Pipofezine (pipofezine)

Analogs: Tetrindol, Deprim, Bethol, Normazidol, Alventa, Pyrazidol, Negrustin, Esprital, Mirtalan.

"Azaphen" is an antidepressant, classified as tricyclic. The action of the drug is timoleptic and sedative, and also anti-anxiety. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters of norepinephrine and serotonin in the human brain, which leads to marked relief in depressive states. To the peculiarities of "Azaphen" as a tricyclic antidepressant is almost zero m-cholinoblocking activity (the same can be said about MAO). In addition, the drug does not give cardiotoxic (a negative effect on the heart) effect.

"Azaphen" helps to reduce aggressiveness, relieves feelings of anxiety and tension, has good tolerability, normalizes sleep (without causing daytime sleepiness). It is especially effective for moderate and mild depression.

The high efficiency of "Azaphen" is proved by numerous studies. Thus, in the clinical trial of 2005, the efficacy of the drug in the treatment of depressive states of mild and moderate severity was investigated. At the end of a 1.5-month course of treatment, it was found that more than half of the patients (53.3%) had complete remission, while the rest remained only minor signs of depression. It was noted that, first of all, the drug improves mood, then removes anxiety with its somatic manifestations, and then relieves retardation. All patients described their state of health as "good" or "excellent."

In general, "Azaphen" - a drug with an almost perfect ratio of safety and efficacy with a fairly simple selection of dosage.

Indications for use: Depression of various origins (anxiety-depressive states, astheno-neurotic syndrome, endogenous, exogenous and alcoholic depressions, depressive phase of manic-depressive syndrome, senile depression, asthenodepressive states, and depressive conditions in the background of chronic somatic diseases).

Contraindications: Administration of the drug is prohibited to people with hypersensitivity to substances that make up its composition; with renal or hepatic insufficiency; IHD; myocardial infarction; CHF; at post-stroke states; diabetes mellitus; infectious diseases. It is also not recommended to take the drug during pregnancy, lactation period, and also simultaneously with therapy with MAO inhibitors. Children should be assigned "Azaphen" with caution.

Method of application and dosage: "Azaphen" is taken orally. The initial dose for adult patients is 25-50 mg / day (the dose should be divided into two doses: morning and day). In the absence of side effects, it is possible to increase the dose to 150-200 mg / day (divided by 2-3 doses). The maximum allowed dosage is 400-500 mg / day, the optimal dosage is 150-200 mg / day. When positive changes in the state are achieved, it is advisable to switch to a maintenance dose (25-75 mg / day). The course of treatment "Azaphen" lasts at least 1-1.5 months (up to a year).

Side effects: "Azaphen" is usually very well tolerated, not causing, for example, sleep disorders and without increasing the feeling of fear and anxiety. Among the side effects, the most common are: headaches, vomiting and nausea, allergic reactions of the body, dizziness. These side effects can be easily removed by lowering the dose.

Storage conditions: Keep away from children, in a dry, dark place (temperature - no higher than 25 ° C).