Indications
Melitracen is an antidepressant. It is almost always supplied combined with a low dose of Flupentixol. The combination is used for:
- Mild to moderate depression with anxiety.
- Anxiety, nervous tension and low mood linked to stress.
- Physical complaints made worse by anxiety or low mood, such as tension headache or a nervous stomach, when a doctor judges this suitable.
How It Works
Melitracen belongs to the tricyclic antidepressant group. It increases the action of the brain chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin, which helps lift mood. Flupentixol, given with it at a low dose, has a calming and mildly activating effect. Together they can ease low mood and anxiety, often within the first week or two.
Dosage and Administration
- Adults: as prescribed. A common pattern for the combination tablet is 1 tablet in the morning, or 1 tablet in the morning and 1 at midday. Older people usually take 1 tablet in the morning only.
- Do not take it in the evening, as it can cause restlessness and poor sleep.
- Not for children or teenagers.
Do not stop suddenly after long use; your doctor will reduce the dose slowly. Treatment is reviewed regularly and is usually not meant to continue long term without review.
Interactions
- Never take it with, or within 14 days of, MAO inhibitor antidepressants.
- Other antidepressants (such as Fluoxetine or Amitriptyline), Tramadol and some migraine medicines can add to side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
- Alcohol, sleeping tablets and sedating antihistamines increase drowsiness.
- Medicines that affect heart rhythm, such as some antiarrhythmics, Domperidone and some antibiotics, increase heart rhythm risk.
- It can reduce the effect of some blood pressure medicines and Levodopa, and add to anticholinergic effects of other medicines.
Contraindications
- Allergy to melitracen, flupentixol or any ingredient of the product.
- Recent heart attack, heart block or other serious heart rhythm problems.
- Closed-angle glaucoma.
- Use with MAO inhibitors.
- Severe agitation or overexcited states, untreated mania, or reduced consciousness from alcohol or sedatives.
Side Effects
Common: dry mouth, constipation, restlessness, sleep problems, dizziness, tiredness, tremor, and blurred vision.
Get urgent medical help for a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, fits, a high fever with stiff muscles and confusion, uncontrollable movements of the face or body, being unable to pass urine, eye pain with blurred vision, signs of a serious allergy, or any thoughts of harming yourself. Young adults should be watched closely for worsening mood when starting an antidepressant.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless a doctor decides it is essential. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with care in heart disease, epilepsy, enlarged prostate, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disease and in older people.
- It can cause drowsiness or blurred vision; do not drive or use machines if affected, and avoid alcohol.
- Not recommended for very excitable or agitated patients, as it can be mildly activating.
- People with bipolar disorder may switch into a high (manic) mood.
- Keep follow-up visits, and contact your doctor if mood gets worse.
Overdose
Overdose can be dangerous and may cause drowsiness, confusion, fits, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, breathing problems and coma. Get emergency medical help straight away, even if the person seems well at first.
Therapeutic Class
Tricyclic antidepressant (usually combined with an antipsychotic, Flupentixol).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.