Tianeptine: Drug Information

Brand Name: Stablon, Coaxil

Drug Class: Antidepressant

Uses of Tianeptine:

Tianeptine is a neurporotective antidepressant drug used in the treatment of major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, dysthymia and adjustment disorder. It is known to turn around the neuronal damage in the brain and helps elevate mood. One of the biggest advantages of using this medicine is that it can be used as a non-sedative antianxiety drug as well as mood enhancer.

This drug was formulated in 1981 by Antoine Deslandes and Michael Spedding. Tianeptine is a very unusual drug and is a SSRE (selective serotonin re-uptake enhancer). It works by increasing the neuronal reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at the synaptic cleft as opposed to the effects of SSRIs (Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors). Tianeptine does not cause sleep pattern disturbances and psychomotor deficits. It has a low potential for abuse and is known to be as effective as other medications such as amitriptyline, alomipramine, fluoxetine and sertraline.

Contraindications:

Tianeptine should not be taken along with mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If a patient is on MAOI medication, then it should be stopped at least 15 days prior to beginning Tianeptine therapy.

This medicine is not meant to be given to children below the age of 15 years.

Safety of this drug as not been established during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, it is essential for you to notify your doctor in case you are pregnant or nursing.

The intake of Tianeptine must be stopped at least 24 to 48 hours prior to undergoing surgery or taking any form of anesthesia.

Side effects of Tianeptine:

Some of the most common side effects of this medication include headache, drowsiness, vomiting, anorexia, dry mouth, abdominal pain, athenia tachycardia. Tremors, lumbago, vertigo, fainting, myalgia, postural hypotension, vivid dreams, respiratory problems and gastralgia.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.