We have been facing a lot of stress whether it is related to studies, entrance exams, or job preparation other than these there are many kinds of stress, that a human deals with in his/her daily life.
Most, cases of depression are related to the heartbreak of an individual, this is a difficult situation from which one can recover. Such conditions not only require medical assistance but also some kinds of therapies to recover from their conditions.
Here in this blog, we are going to discuss two such drugs, which are used to treat depression.
Amitriptyline
What is Amitriptyline?
The drug belongs to the drug class of tricyclic antidepressants. The drug is sold under brand names such as Elavil, Endep, and Vanatrip. It is an antidepressant that is used to treat depression and its symptoms in an individual, a non indicated use of the drug is to treat insomnia, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), prevent migraine, relieve mild pain and psychotic disorder, etc.
The drug is a only prescription drug and was approved by the FDA (Food And Drug Administration) in the US on April 7, 1961, for use.
Things to keep in mind before consuming Amitriptyline
Be cautious to use the medicine if you are allergic to it. The consumption of the drug might have effects such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling in various parts of the body such as lips, face, tongue, and throat.
Immediately inform your consulting healthcare expert if you have changes such as behavioral changes, anxiety, panic attacks, irritation, aggressiveness restlessness, etc.
Seek medical help or try to contact with an ambulance if your condition becomes worse like:
- Strange thoughts
- Feel that you might die
- Pain in the chest
- Signs of blood clots such as unforeseen numbness, vision problems, and swelling in the arm or leg.
- Multiple episodes of seizures
- Fever
Avoid Consuming the Medicine If
- You should keep this in mind if you are allergic to amitriptyline or the active ingredient that is present in it or if you recently had a heart attack.
- Avoid using MAO (Monoamine Oxidase) inhibitors such as (Linezolid, Methylene blue injection, Isocarboxazid, etc)with Amitriptyline there must be at least a 14-day gap or more.
- Children younger than 12 years should avoid using this medicine.
- Inform your doctor if you have used any kind of
similar medications in the last 5 days or not.
- Sometimes consumption of this drug can make a person to suicide mostly young children. Be careful while taking this drug.
- Get yourself diagnosed by a healthcare expert to get the correct dose or to know whether the drug is suitable for you or not. Inform your medical history if you ever had:
- Mental Problems
- Heart Stroke
- Bipolar Disorder
- Glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Liver Disease
- Urine Problems
Strength and Dosage of Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline comes in three strengths, which are as follows:
- 10 mg
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
Generally, an initial oral dosage of 75 mg a day is divided into doses and might increase according to the needs of an individual.
40 to 100 mg oral dose a day is considered as a maintenance dosage.
150 mg per day is the maximum dosage of the medicine.
The I2 variant of the medicine is round in shape and brown in color.
The ZA2 is also round and green in color.
Xanax
What is Xanax?
Xanax belongs to the drug class of Benzodiazepines and Alprazolam is the generic name of the medicine. It is sold under the brand names Xanax and Xanax XR. It is used in the treatment of symptoms of depression that as anxiety and is also sound useful in treating panic disorder in an individual. Being a federally controlled substance (C-IV) has accountability for misuse and can make an individual dependent.
Xanax was approved by the FDA in the US on October 16, 1981, for use.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Consuming Xanax
Avoid the consumption of medicine over opioids or alcohol, as this might lead to stop your breathing.
An overdose or misuse of the medicine can cause addicting effects in an individual or can even lead to death.
Consult a medical healthcare expert before withdrawing the medicine, as the medicine can have adverse withdrawal effects.
Avoid Consuming Xanax If
Avoid using Xanax if you have used any kind of antifungal medicines such as itraconazole, or ketoconazole.
Especially inform your doctor about your medical history or if you are allergic to benzodiazepines, (Valium, Alprazolam, Diazepam, Ativan, Lorazepam, Versed, and Klonopin).
To confirm whether the medicine is safe for use or not you can consult a medical healthcare expert, who will diagnose and suggest you the correct medication.
Inform your doctor if you ever had:
- Drug or Alcohol Consumption
- Depression
- Mood Swings
- Thoughts related to committing suicide
- Breathing Problems
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
Avoid the use of medication while you have to breastfeed your child as this can cause drowsiness to the child.
The medicine is not approved for children younger than 18 years.
Allergy or overdose of the medicine can have serious side effects such as:
- Multiple episodes of seizures
- Gasping
- Hallucinations
- Increase in energy
- Decreased sleep
- Jaundice
- Being talkative
Strength and Dosage of Xanax
The drug comes in various strengths, which are as follows:
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
- The initial oral dosage of immediate-release tablets for an adult is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg thrice a day is recommended.
- 4 mg per day is the maximum dosage of the medicine for an adult.
- Initial dosage of extended-release tablet 0.5 to 1 mg orally 1 time in a day.
- An oral dose of 3 to 6 mg per day is the maintenance dose.
- 10 mg is the maximum dosage that one can have.
- The medicine is rectangular in shape and white in color and is imprinted with X ANA X 2.
- The 1 mg of Xanax is oval in shape and blue in color.
Conclusion
Such medications should only be consumed with the advice of an expert medical practitioner. Keep the medicine away from the reach of children and in a safe place.