Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg)
Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) belongs to the class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants, specifically used for managing depression. By altering certain chemical balances, such as serotonin in the brain, it aims to enhance mood, relieve anxiety, and elevate overall feelings of well-being. This medication is generally administered before bedtime due to its drowsiness-inducing effects. For optimal efficacy, it should be taken consistently at the same time every day, with or without food, according to the prescribed dosage and duration set by your doctor.
Uses Of ‘Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg)’
- Treatment of Depression
- Relief of Anxiety and Tension
- Improvement of Sleep Quality
- Boost in Energy Levels
- Enhanced Mood Regulation
- Treatment of Depression. Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain, effectively uplifting mood and reducing symptoms of depression.
- Relief of Anxiety and Tension. This medication helps to alleviate anxiety and tension, promoting a more relaxed and calmer state of mind.
- Improvement of Sleep Quality. Taking the drug before bedtime enhances sleep quality by mitigating restlessness and sleep disturbances.
- Boost in Energy Levels. By managing depressive symptoms, the tablet helps increase your overall energy levels, helping you stay more active during the day.
- Enhanced Mood Regulation. The medication modulates mood swings, leading to improved emotional stability and overall well-being.
Safety & Precautions
- Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication.
- Consult your doctor before taking Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
- Inform your doctor about any existing medical conditions or medications you are currently taking.
- Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to avoid dizziness due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Follow the prescribed dosage and do not discontinue the medication abruptly.
- Seek medical advice if you experience sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
- Report any persistent or troubling side effects to your healthcare provider.
- Store the medicine below 30°C and keep it out of reach of children.
- Ensure regular follow-ups with your doctor for dosage adjustments and monitoring.
Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
- Increased heart rate
- Blurred vision
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
- Dryness in mouth
- Abnormality of voluntary movements
- Parkinsonism
- Weight gain
- Akathisia (inability to stay still)
- Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions)
- Difficulty in urination
- Constipation
FAQ
How should I take Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg)?
Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, but it’s ideal to take it at a fixed time each day. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. Follow your doctor’s recommendations strictly for the best results.
Can I stop taking Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) once I feel better?
No, you should not stop taking Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) suddenly without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor might gradually reduce your dose to safely discontinue the medication.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg)?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one. It’s crucial to take your medication consistently to maintain its efficacy.
Can I consume alcohol while taking Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg)?
No, consuming alcohol while on Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) is inadvisable. Alcohol can enhance the drowsiness and dizziness that the medication may cause, leading to increased risks and side effects.
Is Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg) should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. While animal studies indicate potential harm to the developing baby, there’s limited human data available. Consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication during such periods.
What common side effects can I expect from Oxamine 50mg Tablet (Amoxapine 50mg)?
Common side effects include increased heart rate, blurred vision, dryness in the mouth, and constipation. You may also experience dizziness, sleepiness, and a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. Most of these effects are mild and tend to diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. Always consult your doctor if you experience persistent or troublesome side effects.
Additional Information
Uses for Amoxapine
Amoxapine (amoxapine tablets) is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression in patients with neurotic or reactive depressive disorders as well as endogenous and psychotic depressions. It is particularly useful in depression accompanied by anxiety or agitation.
| Condition | Indication |
|---|---|
| Neurotic Depressive Disorders | Relief of depressive symptoms |
| Reactive Depressive Disorders | Relief of depressive symptoms |
| Endogenous Depressions | Relief of depressive symptoms |
| Psychotic Depressions | Relief of depressive symptoms |
| Depression with Anxiety or Agitation | Relief of symptoms |
Dosage for Amoxapine
Effective dosage of amoxapine may vary from one patient to another. The usual effective dosage is 200 to 300 mg daily. The following table summarizes the dosage guidelines:
| Patient Group | Initial Dosage | Usual Effective Dosage | Maximum Dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | 50 mg two or three times daily | 200 to 300 mg daily | 400 mg daily (up to 600 mg for hospitalized patients) |
| Elderly | 25 mg two or three times daily | 100 to 150 mg daily (may require higher dosage) | 300 mg daily |
Maintenance Dosage
- Recommended maintenance dosage of amoxapine is the lowest dose that will maintain remission.
- If symptoms reappear, the dosage should be increased to the earlier effective level until controlled.
- For maintenance therapy at dosages of 300 mg or less, a single dose at bedtime is preferred.
How Supplied
Amoxapine tablets are supplied for oral administration in multiple dosages:
| Strength | Tablet Description | Quantity | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mg | 8/32″, scored, round, white tablets imprinted DAN 25 and 5713 | Bottles of 100 | Dibasic calcium phosphate, magnesium stearate, corn starch, stearic acid |
| 50 mg | 10/32″, scored, round, orange tablets imprinted DAN 50 and 5714 | Bottles of 100 | Contains FD&C Yellow No. 6 |
| 100 mg | 11/32″, scored, round, blue tablets imprinted DAN 100 and 5715 | Bottles of 100 | Contains FD&C Blue No. 2 |
| 150 mg | 12/32″, scored, round, orange tablets imprinted DAN 150 and 5716 | Bottles of 30 | Contains FD&C Yellow No. 6 |
Store tablets at 20-25°C (68-77°F), in a tight container with a child-resistant closure.
Drug Interactions for Amoxapine
Given the complexity of drug interactions, it is crucial to consider various factors:
- Concurrent usage with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated. Hyperpyretic crises, severe convulsions, and deaths have occurred.
- Amoxapine may enhance the response to alcohol and the effects of barbiturates and other CNS depressants.
- Increased serum levels of several tricyclic antidepressants have been reported when cimetidine is administered concurrently.
Refer to the following table for interactions based on P450 2D6 inhibition:
| Drug | Effect |
|---|---|
| Quinidine | Inhibits P450 2D6 |
| SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine) | Vary in the extent of P450 2D6 inhibition |
| Phenothiazines | Inhibit P450 2D6 |
| Type 1C Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Propafenone, Flecainide) | Inhibit P450 2D6 |
Therapeutic Interactions
- Concurrent administration with electroshock therapy may increase the hazards associated with such therapy.
Overdose Information for Amoxapine
Signs and symptoms of amoxapine overdose differ from other tricyclic antidepressants. CNS effects, especially seizures, are prominent, and the following measures should be taken:
- If conscious, induce emesis followed by gastric lavage.
- Administer activated charcoal to reduce absorption.
- Establish an airway in comatose patients and assist ventilation if necessary.
- Control seizures with intravenous diazepam and/or phenytoin.
- Monitor for and treat potential renal complications, such as acute tubular necrosis with rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria.
The lethal dose for amoxapine appears higher compared to other tricyclic antidepressants, with 80% of fatal overdoses involving ingestion of 3 grams or more.
Patient Information for Amoxapine
Patients and their families should be informed about the following:
- Signs of clinical worsening and suicide risk, such as increased anxiety, agitation, and unusual changes in behavior, should be monitored closely.
- Patients should avoid activities requiring full alertness, like driving, until they know how amoxapine affects them.
- Follow up regularly with their healthcare provider and report any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts, including suicidal ideation.
Carcinogenesis, Impairment of Fertility
In animal studies, amoxapine showed some evidence of pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. Male rats showed a slight decrease in fertile matings, and females displayed a reversible increase in estrous cycle length. The significance of these findings in humans is unknown (Amoxapine Tablets USP, FDA, 2007).
Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers
Amoxapine is categorized as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have demonstrated embryotoxicity and fetotoxicity at doses close to human dosage levels, and effects on postnatal survival at higher doses. Amoxapine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the risk (Watson Laboratories, Inc., 2007).
Amoxapine is excreted in human milk, and its effects on infants are unknown. Caution should be exercised when administering to nursing women.
Geriatric Use
Elderly patients may respond differently to amoxapine, and specific renal and hepatic considerations are warranted. Although clinical studies are insufficient, dose selection should be cautious, usually starting at a lower dose.
Tardive Dyskinesia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary movements, may develop from neuroleptic drugs or those with neuroleptic activity like amoxapine. Given the severe risk, chronic use should involve the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration (FDA, 2007).
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal symptom complex characterized by hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. Treatment involves immediate discontinuation of neuroleptic drugs and intensive symptomatic medical care. Recurrence should be carefully monitored.
In conclusion, while amoxapine offers significant therapeutic benefits for depression, particularly where anxiety or agitation are present, its use requires careful monitoring for side effects, interactions, and patient-specific conditions. This vigilance helps optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing potential risks.
Watson Laboratories, Inc. (2007). Amoxapine Tablets USP.
