Melitor

Melitor has an antidepressant therapeutic effect.

The active element of the drug is agomelatine, which selectively increases the release of norepinephrine with dopamine. The drug is a selective agonist of MT1 and MT2 endings and a selective antagonist of 5-HT2c endings.

The drug has no effect on cholinergic, benzodiazepine, adrenergic and dopaminergic endings. It does not change blood serotonin levels. In addition to the antidepressant effect, it also has a thymoanaleptic effect.

Indications Melitora

It is used in case of development of depressive episodes accompanied by sleep disorders.

Release form

The medicinal substance is released in tablets of 25 mg.

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Pharmacodynamics

The drug helps restore sleep phases, as well as the processes of melatonin secretion. In addition, it accelerates falling asleep and promotes long and high-quality sleep, not interrupted by awakenings; it should be noted that at the same time, the drug does not cause the development of daytime sedative effects. Agomelanin has a longer half-life than melatonin, as well as a higher affinity for melatonin endings.

It is extremely important that the drug has almost no negative manifestations of serotonergic (tremor, anxiety, headaches, impotence, insomnia and dizziness) and adrenergic nature (dry mouth mucosa, increased blood pressure and constipation).

In volunteers, Melitor did not cause any negative effects on weight, memory, sexual activity, or blood pressure. In addition, the drug does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms.

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Pharmacokinetics

The drug is well absorbed, penetrating into the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability values are approximately 3% (in women, they are slightly higher than in men). Bioavailability increases with the use of oral contraception. Cmax values of the active element are observed after 1-2 hours. The drug has high protein synthesis rates.

Metabolic processes take place inside the liver.

Approximately 80% of the drug is excreted through the kidneys in the form of inactive metabolic elements. The half-life is 1-2 hours.

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Dosing and administration

The medicine is taken orally - the tablet is swallowed without chewing, washed down with plain water. The medicine can be used without reference to food intake, but if negative symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal tract appear, it is recommended to take it with food.

The standard daily dose of the drug is 25 mg (1-time intake). If there is no noticeable result after 14 days of treatment, the dose is increased to 50 mg. The daily dose is taken in 1 application, in the evening, before bedtime.

The duration of the cycle is selected by the doctor, taking into account the severity of the disease. In case of depression, such a course can last more than six months. After completion of therapy, there is no withdrawal syndrome. During treatment, it is necessary to monitor the patient's liver function.

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Use Melitora during pregnancy

Melitor should not be used during breastfeeding or pregnancy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• liver dysfunction;
• severe drug intolerance;
• lactose intolerance;
• elderly people with signs of dementia;
• use in combination with ciprofloxacin or fluvoxamine.

Caution is required when using it in people who work with life-threatening machinery or drive vehicles, as well as in people who abuse alcohol.

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Side effects Melitora

Side effects often include: migraine, nightmares, drowsiness or insomnia, headaches, anxiety, and dizziness. In addition, stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, or nausea may occur, and transaminase levels may increase. Severe fatigue, back pain, and hyperhidrosis may also occur.

Occasionally, paresthesia, itching, eczema, visual disturbances and suicidal thoughts occur.

Most of these disorders disappear within 14 days from the start of therapy.

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Overdose

In theory, the following symptoms may appear: stomach pain, agitation, severe fatigue, tension, drowsiness and anxiety.

Melitor has no antidote; symptomatic measures are required.

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Interactions with other drugs

Fluvoxamine has a retarding effect on the metabolic processes of the active component of the drug, due to which its half-life is prolonged.

The drug should be used with great caution in combination with propranolol, estrogens, enoxacin and grepafloxacin.

Melitor does not change the indicators of drugs synthesized with intraplasmic protein.

Does not interact with paroxetine, theophylline, benzodiazepines, fluconazole, or lithium substances.

It is prohibited to use together with alcoholic beverages.

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Storage conditions

Melitor can be stored at temperatures in the range of 18-25°C.

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Shelf life

Melitor can be used for a period of 24 months from the date of sale of the medicinal substance.

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Application for children

Not prescribed in pediatrics for children under 18 years of age.

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Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Agomelatine and Valdoxan.

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Reviews

Melitor is usually used in cases of depression, which are accompanied by sleep disorders and anxiety, and in addition to this, in cases of hypertensive VSD, accompanied by asthenoanxiety symptoms. Patients leave quite different reviews regarding the effectiveness of the drug.

All patients note that the drug helps regulate the sleep cycle, while its hypnotic effect does not lead to the development of daytime sedation. Among the disadvantages, they note a weakening of concentration while driving, as well as mild headaches during the first 7 days of use.

Some commentators consider the drug effective, but there are also those who did not find it very helpful. Such differences depend on many factors, including the intensity of depression, sensitivity to drugs, etc. In addition to medications, it is recommended to prescribe psychotherapy - going to sessions with a psychotherapist. This helps improve the effect of the therapy.

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