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A-Depressin
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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The drug A-Depressin belongs to the pharmacological group of antidepressants. Manufacturer - TEVA Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (Israel). International name - Sertralin, analogous drugs: Adjuvin, Asentra, Depralin, Zalox, Zoloft, Seralin, Sertraloft, Serlift, Sertralux, Solotik, Stimuloton.
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Indications A-Depressin
The drug A-Depressin 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 disorder, panic attacks (unmotivated attacks of fear and anxiety), and also for the prevention of relapses of depression.
Pharmacodynamics
The active substance of A-Depressin is a selective inhibitor of the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin - sertraline (in the form of hydrochloride), which slows down the process of serotonin reuptake from blood platelets back into the nerve. During these processes, which occur during depression, the pineal gland (epiphysis), located in the center of the brain, stops producing new serotonin. Preventing a decrease in serotonin production increases its level 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 synapses - contact zones of nerve cell processes with other cells. Thus, the drug helps to activate cells suppressed by depression and softens the symptoms of depressive states - without having a psychostimulating or sedative effect.
In addition, taking A-Depressin over a long period of time is accompanied by a decrease in the activity of the brain's adrenoreceptors.
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Pharmacokinetics
After oral administration, A-Depressin quickly penetrates and is absorbed by the body tissues from the gastrointestinal tract, binding 98% to blood proteins. The maximum concentration of the active substance of the drug in the blood is observed 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 colon; no more than 0.2% of sertraline is excreted unchanged by the kidneys; its half-life in blood plasma ranges from 22 to 36 hours, from the body - from 60 to 104 hours.
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Dosing and administration
As prescribed by a doctor, A-Depressin is taken daily: once a day (morning or evening), regardless of food intake. The usual daily dose for adults is 50 mg, the maximum daily dose is no more than 200 mg.
Depending on the therapeutic effect, the dose may be gradually increased, but not earlier than one week after the start of treatment. Changing the dose more than once a week is unacceptable.
The therapeutic effect of the drug A-Depressin is noted at the end of the second week of regular use, and the maximum effect occurs after one and a half months from the start of using the drug.
Use A-Depressin during pregnancy
The safety of using sertraline-containing drugs in pregnant women has not been clinically confirmed. Therefore, the use of A-Depressin during pregnancy (as with other antidepressants) is permissible only when the potential benefit of treatment for the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.
The active substance of A-Depressin passes into breast milk, and if it is necessary to take this drug during lactation, breastfeeding should be stopped.
A-Depressin and all products containing sertraline should not be used to treat children under 18 years of age.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of A-Depressin are hypersensitivity to the active substance, concomitant use of MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, tryptophan or fenfluramine, as well as unstable epilepsy.
A-Depressin should be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction and severe liver disease.
Side effects A-Depressin
The most common side effects of A-Depressin include: skin rash, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, chest pain, tachycardia.
From the side of the circulatory and lymphatic system there may be purpura, hemorrhagic diathesis (with nasal and gastrointestinal bleeding or hematuria), flushing of the face.
A-Depressin affects the functions of the central nervous system, causing insomnia, drowsiness, anorexia, increased sweating, pathological yawning, euphoria, anxiety, tremor, convulsions, movement disorders (gait changes), confusion. A-Depressin can lead to sexual disorders: delayed ejaculation in men, menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea in women.
Taking A-Depressin may cause emotional and behavioral changes, including an increased risk of suicide, and in patients with schizophrenia, psychotic symptoms may worsen.
Overdose
An overdose of the drug (in doses up to 13.5 g) causes drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, tremor, dizziness and a state of agitation. An overdose of A-Depressin in combination with other drugs or alcohol can lead to coma and death. The drug has no specific antidotes; if signs of an overdose occur, intensive therapy with gastric lavage, activated charcoal and ventilation of the respiratory tract is necessary.
Interactions with other drugs
A-Depressin should not be used simultaneously with antipsychotic drugs - tramadol, sumatriptan, fenfluramine, pimozide.
Medicines for the treatment of depression, made on the basis of St. John's wort (Gelarium hyperticum) are incompatible with A-Depressin, since an increase in serotonergic action is possible.
It is not recommended to use A-Depressin simultaneously with alcohol-containing medications.
The use of A-Depressin together with normotimics (mood stabilizers), which include lithium salts, leads to an increase in tremor. When treating with A-Depressin, one should not take medications that affect platelet function (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the anticoagulant warfarin), since sertraline binds to plasma proteins and increases prothrombin time (blood clotting rate).
The simultaneous administration of A-Depressin with the antiulcer drug cimetidine causes a significant decrease in the rate of clearance of metabolites from the body.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "A-Depressin" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.