A-Depression

The drug A-Depression refers to the pharmacological group of antidepressants. Manufacturer - TEVA Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Israel). International name - Sertralin, analogues: Adjuvin, Asentra, Depralin, Zalox, Zoloft, Seralin, Sertraloft, Serlift, Sertralux, Solotik, Stimuloton.

[1]

Indications A-Depression

The drug A-Depression is used in clinical neuropsychiatric practice for the treatment of severe chronic depression (dysthymia), acute depression, unipolar depression (without manic manifestations), bipolar affective mental disorders, acute and chronic obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic attacks (unmotivated seizures of fear and anxiety) , as well as to prevent recurrence of depression.

[2], [3], [4]

Release form

Form release: tablets in a shell of 50 and 100 mg.

[5], [6], [7]

Pharmacodynamics

The active substance of A-Depression is a selective serotonin neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitor-sertraline (in the form of hydrochloride), which slows down the process of capturing serotonin from blood platelets back into the nerve. During these processes that occur during depression, the pineal gland (epiphysis) located in the center of the brain stops producing a new serotonin. Preventing a decrease in the production of serotonin increases the level of its content in the brain.

There is also a decrease in the excitation of serotonin neurons in the medulla oblongata, which leads to the preservation of a high concentration of serotonin in the synapses - the zones of contact of the processes of nerve cells with other cells. Thus, the drug helps activate depression-depressed cells and alleviates the symptoms of depressive conditions - without exerting psychostimulating or sedative effects.

In addition, the use of A-Depression for a long time is accompanied by a decrease in brain adrenoreceptor activity.

[8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15],

Pharmacokinetics

After ingestion, A-Depression from the gastrointestinal tract is rapidly penetrated and absorbed by the tissues of the body, 98% binding to blood proteins. At the same time, the maximum concentration of the active substance of the drug in the blood is noted after 5-8 hours after taking a single dose.

This drug is metabolized in the liver. Metabolites are excreted from the body through the bladder and large intestine; In the unchanged form, kidneys release not more than 0.2% sertraline; the period of his half-life from the blood plasma ranges from 22 to 36 hours, from the body - from 60 to 104 hours.

[16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23]

Dosing and administration

On the prescription of a doctor, A-Depression is taken daily: once a day (morning or evening), regardless of food intake. The usual daily intake for adults is 50 mg, the maximum daily dose is not more than 200 mg.

Depending on the therapeutic effect, the dose may be gradually increased, but not earlier than one week from the beginning of admission. Dose changes more than once a week are unacceptable.

The therapeutic effect of the drug A-Depression is noted at the end of the second week of regular admission, and the maximum effect occurs after a month and a half from the beginning of the use of the drug.

[31], [32], [33], [34], [35]

Use A-Depression during pregnancy

The safety of the use of drugs with sertraline in pregnant women is not clinically confirmed. So the use of A-Depression during pregnancy (as in the case of other antidepressants) is permissible only when the potential benefit of treatment for the mother is higher than the possible risk to the fetus.  

The active ingredient of A-Depression enters the breast milk, and if necessary, taking this drug during lactation, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding.

A-Depression and all drugs containing sertraline, can not be used to treat children under the age of 18.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of A-Depression are hypersensitivity to the active substance, simultaneous use of MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, tryptophan or fenfluramine, as well as unstable epilepsy.

A-Depression should be used with caution in patients with kidney dysfunction and with severe liver disease.

[24], [25], [26],

Side effects A-Depression

The most common side effects of A-Depression include: skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, chest pain, tachycardia.

From the blood and lymphatic system may be purpura, hemorrhagic diathesis (with nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding or hematuria), flushing of blood to the face.

A-Depression affects the functions of the central nervous system, causing insomnia, drowsiness, anorexia, excessive sweating, pathological yawning, euphoria, anxiety, tremors, convulsions, movement disorders (change in gait), confusion. A-Depression can lead to sexual disorders: a delay in ejaculation in men, a violation of the menstrual cycle and dysmenorrhea in women.

Reception of A-Depression can cause emotional and behavioral changes, including an increased risk of suicide, and in patients with schizophrenia, psychotic symptoms may increase.

[27], [28], [29], [30]

Overdose

Overdose of the drug (in doses up to 13.5 g) causes drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, tremor, dizziness and arousal. Overdose of A-Depression in combination with other drugs or alcohol can lead to coma and death. The drug has no specific antidotes, with overdosage signs intensive therapy with gastric lavage, activated charcoal intake and ventilation of the respiratory tract is necessary.

[36], [37], [38], [39], [40],

Interactions with other drugs

A-Depression should not be used simultaneously with antipsychotic drugs - tramadol, sumatriptan, fenfluramine, pimozide.

Drugs for treatment of depression, made on the basis of St. John's wort (Helarium hypertome) with A-Depression are incompatible, since it is possible to strengthen the serotonergic effect.

It is not recommended simultaneous use of A-Depression with alcohol-containing drugs.

The use of A-Depression together with drugs-normotimikami (mood stabilizers), which include lithium salts, leads to an increase in trembling hyperkinesia (tremor). When treating A-Depression, do not take medications that affect the function of platelets (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulant warfarin), since sertraline binds to plasma proteins and increases prothrombin time (blood coagulation rate).

Simultaneous administration of A-Depression with antiulcer drug cimetidine causes a significant decrease in the rate of cleansing of the body of metabolites.

[41], [42], [43], [44]

Storage conditions

Storage conditions of A-Depression: at a temperature not higher than + 25 ° C in a place inaccessible to children.

[45], [46], [47], [48], [49], [50],

Shelf life

Shelf life - 3 years.

[51], [52], [53]