Deprax 100 mg: characteristics and effects of this psychotropic drug

Deptrax 100 mg is an antidepressant drug which has turned out to be, in addition to being effective, very economical and not associated with weight gain. It was discovered in the middle of the last century and, in a matter of very few years, its consumption became popular.

It is a drug that acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, since it is a derivative of trazodone, and has anxiolytic and hypnotic effects.

Next we will take a closer look at this drug, what it is used for, how it works, its side effects and its precautions.

• Related article: "Types of psychotropic drugs: uses and side effects"

What is Deprax 100 mg?

Deprax 100 mg is a second generation antidepressant drug. Its active ingredient is trazodone and it is prescribed to treat, above all, chronic depression, insomnia and anxiety. It was invented in Italy in 1961 when a pharmacological alternative to first-generation depressants was being sought. Chemically it belongs to the phenylpiperazine family, its mechanism of action acts by selectively inhibiting serotonin reuptake (SSRI), and has anxiolytic and hypnotic effect

The main benefit of this drug is its great effectiveness during the first week of administration and, for this reason, it became very popular. Also, unlike many antidepressants, this one does not promote weight gain. How is a cheap drug Its consumption ended up being widely extended during the 70s and 80s.

But, like any drug, it also has its drawbacks, including side effects. It can cause orthostatic hypotension, that is, a drop in blood pressure when the person stands up. As it has been investigated and used in the clinic, it has been seen that this drug is more effective in small doses, it is not addictive but, equally, the patient who uses it should be monitored, especially if there has been suicidal ideation.

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For what do you use it?

Deprax 100 mg is an antidepressant, so it is not surprising to learn that it is used primarily for mood disorders. Also, due to its sedative and hypnotic effects, is used to treat various sleep-related problems, as well as to help reduce pain associated with chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia. Among the main conditions for which it is administered we have:

• Clinical depression, with or without anxiety.
• Chronic insomnia
• Excessive worry
• Fibromyalgia with difficulty falling asleep.
• Nightmares and other sleep disorders.
• Schizophrenia.
• Alcoholism.

It has also been prescribed for people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Improvement has been seen in these patients, especially reducing symptoms such as insomnia, nightmares, and high anxiety associated with trauma. Whatever condition it is used for, the drug can never be consumed without the supervision of the psychiatristIn addition, it could be counterproductive since research seems to indicate that this drug is more effective at low doses than at high doses.

How does Deprax work?

As we mentioned, Deprax 100 mg (trazodone) is a second generation drug, specifically an SSRI. This drug acts as an antagonist and inhibitor of serotonin reuptake, specifically antagonizing the 5-HT2 receptor.

It is by acting on this receptor that it is explained that this drug treats anxiety and depression. Unlike Prozac, Deprax 100 mg is a chemical compound belonging to the phenylpiperazine family

However, in addition to acting on the 5-HT2 receptor, it also acts on the alpha adrenergic receptors and on the transporter proteins of serotonin, blocking them. This is a negative effect, since it can lead to a wide range of side effects that, despite the fact that in the Most cases are the least serious, they can bother the patient enough so that he does not continue with the treatment.

Side effects

No drug is without side effects, and Deprax 100 mg was not going to be an exception.

Not all people have to manifest them and, in fact, on many occasions they appear or because the dose does not It is adequate or because the patient already had a previous condition that has influenced the therapeutic effect of the drug. They can also be due to an interaction of Deprax with other substances, such as alcohol or other medications.

Among the main side effects of this drug we find:

• Fluid retention
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting
• Rashes and itchy skin
• Sweating and shaking
• Feeling of confusion, restlessness ...
• Tachycardia
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Flu-like symptoms
• Blood dyscrasias
• Allergic reactions
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
• Hyponatremia
• Suicidal ideation or behavior
• Confusion and disorientation
• Insomnia, drowsiness, and nightmares
• Headache, vertigo, and dizziness
• Seizures
• Disorientation
• Mania and hallucinations
• Anxiety, agitation, and nervousness
• Decreased libido
• Abstinence syndrome
• Serotonin syndrome
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, and tachycardia
• Orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, syncope

Although of this long series of side effects those that are most likely to manifest themselves are the least serious, it must be said that this is not always the case. This is why it is so important to consume the drug in the doses that the psychiatrist has prescribed, in addition to respecting the frequency of taking it. As with most drugs, the higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience side effects and, also, there can be extremely serious reactions that end the life of the patient.

Precautions and contraindications

As in most drugs, Deprax 100 mg is contraindicated in case the person presents liver, heart, or kidney problems. This drug cannot be given to people who have had an acute myocardial infarction or are suffering from alcohol or hypnotic poisoning. This drug also cannot be given to those who are allergic to trazodone. Among the particular precautions we have:

1. Minors

Trazodone and any derivatives should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. This is because, in clinical studies in which antidepressants have been administered to this population, suicidal behaviors and suicidal behavior have been observed. There are also no long-term safety data regarding the growth and behavioral and cognitive maturation of children and adolescents treated with the drug.

2. Interactions

Deprax 100 mg can increase its sedative effect by interacting with alcohol, antipsychotics, hypnotics, sedatives, anxiolytics and antihistamines. Its effect is also increased by interacting with erythromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, and nefazodone. Instead, its effect is diminished by interacting with carbamazepine.

In turn, trazodone increases the effect of muscle relaxants and volatile anesthetics. When consuming this substance accompanied by tricyclic antidepressants there is a risk of producing serotonin syndrome. Increases its toxicity when combined with Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort)

3. Pregnancy

Animal studies do not indicate harmful effects during pregnancy nor does it appear to affect or deform the embryo / fetus. It has not been associated with difficulties in delivery or postnatal development, as long as the drug has been administered at therapeutic doses.

However, as a precautionary measure, It is preferable not to use Deprax 100 mg or any other derivative of trazodone during pregnancy.. If necessary, the benefits and risks on the fetus and the evolution of the pregnancy will have to be assessed. If this drug has been used throughout the pregnancy, the health of the newborn should be monitored, seeing if there are any symptoms of withdrawal syndrome.

Likewise, there are data that suggest that the use of SSRIs in pregnancy, especially in the final stage, may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the neonate. The observed risk associated with these drugs is 5 cases per 1,000 pregnancies, while in the general population this syndrome occurs in 1 or 2 out of every 1,000 births.

4. Lactation

It is not known whether trazodone and its metabolites are excreted in human milk, but the risk that this is the case should be assessed and whether it is necessary to breastfeed the baby in case the mother must take the drug.

5. Use of heavy machinery

As Deprax 100 mg can cause sedation and dizziness, it is not recommended that, after consumption, use heavy machinery or drive, at the risk of having an accident. Also affects cognitive speed, so it is not recommended to do any activity that involves concentration.

6. Suicidal thoughts

One of the problems with Deprax 100 mg has to do with one of the main symptoms of depression: suicidal behavior and thoughts. In the event that the patient has expressed his intention to harm himself, once the drug has been administered, he should be monitored. It may be the case that the drug does not have therapeutic effects after a few weeks, which may despair the patient thinking that it is not working for him, become disappointed and decide to end his lifetime.

7. Psychotic disorders

Taking antidepressants in people with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders can worsen their symptoms, intensifying paranoid thoughts. During treatment with trazodone the depressive phase can evolve from manic-depressive psychosis to a manic phase. In these cases the Deprax 100 mg must be withdrawn.

8. Old people

Elderly people are at increased risk of experiencing orthostatic hypotension, drowsiness, and other anticholinergic effects of trazodone. Syncope can also occur.

Bibliographic references:

• Haria M, Fitton A, McTavish D (1994). Trazodone. A review of its pharmacology, therapeutic use in depression and therapeutic potential in other disorders. Drugs Aging 4 (4): 331-55. PMID 8019056. doi: 10.2165 / 00002512-199404040-00006
• Le Bon O; Murphy JR; Staner L; Hoffmann G; Kormoss N; Kentos M; Dupont P; Lion K; Pelc I; Verbanck P (2003). Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of trazodone in alcohol post-withdrawal syndrome: polysomnographic and clinical evaluations. J Clin Psychopharmacol 23 (4): 377-83. PMID 12920414. doi: 10.1097 / 01.jcp.0000085411.08426.d3