agomelatine

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Brand Name

Agoprex 25mg Tablet 10s , Agopose 25mg Tablet 10s ... show more

Approved Treatment Indication:

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What conditions agomelatine is used for
Agomelatine is used to treat depression, which is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. It helps improve mood and sleep patterns in people with depression.
How agomelatine works in the body
Agomelatine works by affecting melatonin receptors, which are parts of the brain that help regulate mood and sleep patterns. This action helps restore normal sleep-wake cycles and improve mood in people with depression.
The usual dosages and routes of administration of agomelatine
The usual starting dose of agomelatine for adults is 25 mg taken once daily in the evening. If needed, the doctor may increase the dose to 50 mg daily. It is taken orally, which means by mouth, with or without food.
The most commonly observed adverse effects of agomelatine
Common side effects of agomelatine include headaches, which are pains in the head, and dizziness, which is a feeling of being unsteady. These effects vary from person to person and are usually mild.
Important safety warnings and contraindications of agomelatine
Agomelatine can affect liver function, so regular liver tests are needed. Symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue require immediate medical help. It should not be used by people with liver problems or allergies to the medication.

Government Approvals

UK(BNF)

WHO Essential Medicine

Known Teratogen

Pharmaceutical Class

Controlled Drug Substance

Summary

What conditions agomelatine is used for
Agomelatine is used to treat depression, which is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. It helps improve mood and sleep patterns in people with depression.
How agomelatine works in the body
Agomelatine works by affecting melatonin receptors, which are parts of the brain that help regulate mood and sleep patterns. This action helps restore normal sleep-wake cycles and improve mood in people with depression.
The usual dosages and routes of administration of agomelatine
The usual starting dose of agomelatine for adults is 25 mg taken once daily in the evening. If needed, the doctor may increase the dose to 50 mg daily. It is taken orally, which means by mouth, with or without food.
The most commonly observed adverse effects of agomelatine
Common side effects of agomelatine include headaches, which are pains in the head, and dizziness, which is a feeling of being unsteady. These effects vary from person to person and are usually mild.
Important safety warnings and contraindications of agomelatine
Agomelatine can affect liver function, so regular liver tests are needed. Symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue require immediate medical help. It should not be used by people with liver problems or allergies to the medication.

Indications and Purpose

How does agomelatine work?

Agomelatine works by affecting melatonin receptors in the brain, which helps regulate mood and sleep patterns. Think of it like adjusting a dimmer switch to balance light levels. This medication helps restore normal sleep-wake cycles and improve mood in people with depression. These effects make agomelatine helpful for managing depression and improving sleep quality.

Is agomelatine effective?

Agomelatine is effective for treating depression. It works by affecting melatonin receptors in the brain, which helps regulate mood. Clinical studies show agomelatine improves symptoms of depression and helps restore normal sleep patterns. It's important to take it as prescribed and have regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor its effectiveness.

What is agomelatine?

Agomelatine is a medication used to treat depression. It belongs to a class of medicines called melatonergic antidepressants. Agomelatine works by affecting melatonin receptors in the brain, which helps regulate mood and sleep patterns. It's primarily used for depression but may also help improve sleep quality in people with this condition.

Directions for Use

For how long do I take agomelatine?

Agomelatine is usually a long-term medication for managing depression. You'll typically take it every day as a lifelong treatment unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Stopping this medication without medical advice could cause your condition to worsen. Always talk with your doctor before changing or stopping your agomelatine treatment.

How do I dispose of agomelatine?

Bring unused agomelatine to a drug take-back program or collection site at a pharmacy or hospital. They will dispose of it properly to avoid harm to people or the environment. If you can't find a take-back program, mix the medicine with something undesirable like used coffee grounds, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it away.

How do I take agomelatine?

Take agomelatine once daily, usually in the evening, with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush it. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Avoid alcohol while on this medication, as it can increase side effects. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.

How long does it take for agomelatine to start working?

Agomelatine begins working in your body shortly after you take it. You may start to notice improvements in mood and sleep within a few weeks. However, it can take several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. How quickly it works can depend on individual factors like age and overall health. Take it exactly as prescribed for the best results.

How should I store agomelatine?

Store agomelatine at room temperature, away from moisture and light. Keep it in a tightly closed container. Don't store it in humid places like bathrooms. Always keep it out of children's reach to prevent accidental swallowing. Check the expiration date regularly and properly dispose of any unused or expired medication.

What is the usual dose of agomelatine?

The usual starting dose of agomelatine for adults is 25 mg once daily, taken in the evening. If needed, your doctor may increase the dose to 50 mg daily. Agomelatine is not typically used in children. Elderly patients may require careful monitoring. Always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions for your personal health needs.

Warnings and Precautions

Can agomelatine be taken safely while breastfeeding?

Agomelatine is not recommended while breastfeeding. We don't have much information about whether it passes into human breast milk. If you're taking agomelatine and want to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about safer medication options that would allow you to nurse your baby safely.

Can agomelatine be taken safely while pregnant?

Agomelatine isn't recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data. We don't have much information about its use in pregnant women. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the safest way to manage your condition. Your doctor can help create a pregnancy-specific treatment plan.

Can I take agomelatine with other prescription drugs?

Agomelatine can interact with medications that affect liver enzymes, increasing the risk of liver problems. It's important to inform your doctor about all the medications you take. They can help identify potential interactions and adjust your treatment plan to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Does agomelatine have adverse effects?

Adverse effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common adverse effects of agomelatine include headaches and dizziness. Serious side effects can include liver problems, which require immediate medical attention. If you notice symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue, contact your doctor. Always report any new or worsening symptoms while taking agomelatine.

Does agomelatine have any safety warnings?

Agomelatine has important safety warnings. It can affect liver function, so regular liver tests are needed. If you experience symptoms like yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue, seek medical help. Not adhering to these warnings can lead to serious liver damage. Always follow your doctor's advice and report any unusual symptoms.

Is agomelatine addictive?

Agomelatine is not addictive or habit-forming. It doesn't cause dependency or withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. Agomelatine works by affecting melatonin receptors in the brain, which doesn't lead to addiction. You won't experience cravings for this medication or feel compelled to take more than prescribed. If you have concerns about medication dependence, agomelatine doesn't carry this risk.

Is agomelatine safe for the elderly?

Elderly individuals are more vulnerable to medication side effects. Agomelatine is generally safe for the elderly, but liver function should be monitored closely. Dizziness and falls are more common in older adults. Regular check-ups with your doctor are important to ensure safe use of agomelatine in the elderly.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking agomelatine?

It's best to avoid alcohol while taking agomelatine. Alcohol can increase the risk of liver problems and worsen side effects like dizziness. If you do choose to drink occasionally, limit how much alcohol you consume. Talk with your doctor about alcohol use while taking agomelatine to get personalized advice.

Is it safe to exercise while taking agomelatine?

You can exercise while taking agomelatine, but be aware of potential dizziness. This medication can cause dizziness, which might affect your balance during exercise. To exercise safely, start slowly and avoid high-impact activities if you feel dizzy. Most people can maintain their regular exercise routine, but check with your doctor if you have concerns.

Is it safe to stop agomelatine?

Stopping agomelatine suddenly can cause your symptoms to return. It's used for long-term treatment of depression, so stopping without medical advice can worsen your condition. Always talk with your doctor before stopping agomelatine. They might suggest gradually reducing your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms and keep your condition under control.

What are the most common side effects of agomelatine?

Side effects are unwanted reactions to a medication. Common side effects of agomelatine include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These effects vary from person to person. If you notice new symptoms after starting agomelatine, they might be temporary or unrelated to the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Who should avoid taking agomelatine?

Don't take agomelatine if you have liver problems or are allergic to it. Serious liver issues require immediate medical help. Agomelatine shouldn't be used with certain medications that affect liver enzymes. Always consult your doctor about these concerns. They will assess if the benefits outweigh the risks for your specific situation.