Indication
Flupentixol & Melitracen combination is indicated in-
Psychogenic depression
Depressive neurosis
Psychosomatic affections accompanied by anxiety and apathy
Menopausal depression
Depression in alcoholics and drug-addicts.
Pharmacology
Maximum serum concentration is reached in about 4 hours after oral administration of Flupentixol and Melitracen. The half-life of Flupentixol is about 35 hours and that of Melitracen is about 19 hours. The combination of Flupentixol and Melitracen does not seem to influence the pharmacokinetic properties of the individual compounds. Flupenthixol primarily acts as a neuroleptic drug. The antipsychotic effect of Flupenthixol is achieved by mixed blockade of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. In the mesolimbic dopamine system of the brain, this accounts for the antipsychotic action of this drug. Flupenthixol has other effects on CNS. In the chemoreceptor trigger zone, the dopamine blockade accounts for the antiemetic effect of the drug.Melitracen is a tricyclic antidepressant. It blocks the neuronal re-uptake of both serotonin and nor-epinephrine in the central nervous system, there by minimizing the symptoms of depression.
Dosage
Adults: Usually 2 tablets daily, in morning and afternoon. In severe cases, the morning dose may be increased to 2 tablets.Elderly patients: 1 tablet in the morning. Maintenance dose: Usually 1 tablet in the morning or as directed by the physician.
Interaction
This preparation may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants. Simultaneous administrantion of MAO-inhibitors may cause hypertensive crisis.
Contradiction
It is contraindicated in the immediate recovery phase after myocardial infarction, defects in bundle-branch conduction, untreated narrow angle glaucoma and in acute alcohol, barbiturate & opioid intoxications. Not recommended for excitable patients since its activating effect may lead to exaggeration of these characteristics.
Side Effect
In the recommended doses, side effects are rare. These could be transient restlessness and insomnia.
Pregnancy
The safety of this drug has not been established in pregnancy and lactation.
Precaution
If previously the patient has been treated with tranquilizers with sedative effect these should be withdrawn gradually.
Overdose
Storage
Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.