Afobazole is a popular drug, a tranquilizer, which has a slight activating effect and relieves increased anxiety. Afobazole is part of the group of non-bezodiazepine anxiolytics of selective action, which are characterized by a mild effect and do not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms upon completion of treatment.
The drug Afobazole is prescribed to adults for stress, neurasthenia, anxiety states caused by various traumatic situations, as well as for the treatment of mental disorders such as general anxiety disorder, depression, etc. The drug is well tolerated and quite effective.
Pharmaceutical group: Tranquilizers (anxiolytics).
Composition, physical and chemical properties, price
Afobazole is available in one dosage form - white-cream or white tablets, having a flat cylindrical shape, with a bevel, for internal use.
Active ingredient: morpholinoethylthioethoxybenzimidazole dihydrochloride 5 or 10 mg.
Auxiliary components: microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch, povidone.
Packaging: tablets placed in flat packaging in cells or glass jars, in cardboard packs of 10-100 pieces.
Price: 10 mg No. 60: 330-416 rub.
Who is recommended to use this medication?
This drug is intended for adult patients with the development of anxiety and panic attacks, the appearance of symptoms of neurasthenia or adaptation disorder. Afobazole can also be used by patients with irritable bowel syndrome, bronchial asthma, with the development of systemic lupus (erythematosus), hypertension or ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia.
This medicine can be used for cancer, skin and other diseases. It can also be used by patients with sleep disorders, neurocirculatory dystonia, and anxiety.
This medicine should not be prescribed to children under 18 years of age.
pharmachologic effect
The active substance of the drug is a derivative of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, a selective anxiolytic that is not a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist. This means that the drug does not act on benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.
The drug prevents the development of membrane-dependent changes in the GABA receptor. It has an anxiolytic and mild activating effect, while eliminating the development of a hypnosedative effect. In addition, there are no negative effects such as a depressing effect on attention, memory, or muscle relaxation. After discontinuation of Afobazole, there is no drug dependence and no withdrawal syndrome, characteristic of many tranquilizers, is formed.
The therapeutic effect is realized as a combination of two effects: anti-anxiety and mild stimulating effects. Approximately on the 5-7th day of continuous treatment the following are noted:
- reducing the severity of anxiety, which manifests itself as concern, apprehension, bad feelings, irritability;
- elimination of tension, namely, getting rid of timidity, anxiety, insomnia, fear, tearfulness;
- relief from somatic (muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, sensory, gastrointestinal symptoms), autonomic (sweating, chills, dry mouth, dizziness) and cognitive (weakened memory, difficulties in perceiving information) disorders.
The drug eliminates anxiety well and improves mood, but does not inhibit the activity of the central nervous system (there is no lethargy, drowsiness, lethargy).
The maximum effect is realized after 4 weeks of treatment. The effect continues for 1-2 weeks after finishing taking Afobazole.
Pharmacokinetics
The instructions for use of Afobazole indicate that the drug is non-toxic. It is quickly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream.
Cmax - 0.13±0.073 μg/ml. On average, it lingers in the body for 1.6-0.88 hours and is most actively distributed among organs with good blood supply. The half-life is 0.82 hours (excreted in feces and urine).
Is it possible to drink constantly?
The duration of taking Afobzole can only be determined by a doctor. It depends on various factors. In general, the answer to the question: “How long can you take Afobazol without a break?” depends on the level of anxiety, self-doubt and character traits such as increased vulnerability, a tendency to emotional stress reactions, and much more.
When starting to take Afobazole, you should pay attention to the fact that the medicine will not show maximum effectiveness from the first day. Basically, the first results can be noticed on the 5-7th day of treatment, since it is during this time that the drug accumulates in the body, and the maximum effect is usually achieved by the end of the first month of use.
The standard course of treatment is usually a month, but often its duration varies from 2-3 months.
After finishing taking the drug, the effect lasts for another 1-2 weeks. It is worth emphasizing once again that the most accurate answer to the question: “how long can you take Afobazol?” Only a doctor can give it.
Before determining how often to take Afobazole, you must be aware of the contraindications of the drug. While expecting a child or immediately after its birth, a woman’s body is rebuilt; various hormonal changes occur in it, which can lead to anxiety, worries, and excessive irritability.
Which is better: Persen or Afobazol?
The intense rhythm of modern life and stressful situations negatively affect the state of the nervous system. As a result of emotional overstrain, disruptions in its functioning occur, which sometimes have to be eliminated with the help of medications. In such cases, experts often recommend Afobazole or Persen. Malfunctions in the functioning of the nervous system sometimes have to be eliminated with the help of Afobazole or Persen. Medicines belong to different pharmacological groups. Afobazole is an anxiolytic, Persen is a sedative drug of plant origin.
The action of the first drug is aimed at eliminating generalized anxiety conditions and disorders associated with them.
The second drug calms the nervous system well and relieves spasms. Therefore, there are a number of differences in the indications for the use of drugs. Afobazole has a wider spectrum of action. This feature should be taken into account during therapy.
Which drug to choose largely depends on the diagnosis and severity of the disease.
Afobazole has a more pronounced effect in cases of neurasthenia, neuroses and other mental disorders. Therefore, its use is indicated in the treatment of severe forms of pathology. Persen is suitable for those who have minor nervous disorders. The choice of drug is influenced by the lifestyle and type of activity that the patient is engaged in.
Adaptol or Afobazol: which is better?
These tools have a lot in common. A comparative description of their features will help you decide between them. Both drugs were developed by domestic pharmacists and belong to the non-benzodiazepine anxiolytics. They restore circadian rhythms, normalize behavioral reactions, and regulate mood. Relieves various manifestations of anxiety:
- feeling of fear;
- nervousness;
- causeless agitation;
- tearfulness;
- fussiness;
- irritability;
- hyperactivity;
- tremor
These medications are available only in tablet form. They do not have hypnosedative and muscle relaxant properties, do not cause behavioral deviations, increased affectivity and agitation, insomnia, or psychophysiological dependence with long-term use. Their active components do not accumulate in tissues after repeated administration. Cases of the development of adverse symptoms requiring discontinuation of medication are rare; there is no withdrawal effect.
Adaptol is a traditional tranquilizer that has been used in clinical practice since 1979. The active substance is the bicyclic compound mebicar, which is close in structure to natural purines. The medicine is used regardless of food intake. The duration of the treatment course is up to 100 days. The medication is valid for 4 years from the date of production. To purchase it you need a prescription. Afobazole is a new generation drug that has been used since the early 2000s. The active component used here is fabomotizole, which is a derivative of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole.
Which is better: Afobazole or Tenoten?
If you compare Afobazole and Tenoten, the main difference immediately becomes noticeable: Afobazole is a “regular” drug, and Tenoten is a homeopathic one. To date, official science has no evidence of any effectiveness of homeopathic medicines. At the same time, Afobazole has studies indicating its effectiveness, comparable in strength to the widely used tranquilizer Diazepam (New anxiolytic “Afobazole” in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: results of a comparative study with Diazepam; Avedisova A.S., Chakhava V.O. , Less Yu.E., Malygin Ya.V.) In this regard, Afobazol is stronger and more effective than Tenoten in coping with anxiety.
If both drugs can be given to an adult patient, then for children, according to the instructions, only Tenoten is suitable.
Taking both drugs at the same time is not recommended. There are no data on the interaction of Tenoten with Afobazole, and therefore there is a risk of developing unpredictable adverse reactions. Persen is a plant-based drug: it contains extracts of valerian, lemon balm, and mint. It has a mild calming effect and makes it easier to fall asleep. At the same time, Persen is not able to have a sufficient effect to eliminate anxiety. If you choose between Persen, Tenoten and Afobazol, then the first will be more effective for improving sleep, and the latter - for the general elimination of irritability and anxiety.
Phenibut or Afobazole: which is better?
Phenibut and Afobazole are drugs that have an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effect and protect nerve cells from various damaging factors, increasing their survival in conditions of oxygen deficiency. It is not entirely correct to say which of these two drugs is more effective, since they belong to different pharmacological groups. Phenibut is a nootropic drug, a stimulator of nerve cells in the brain, improving memory, concentration, and accelerating all intellectual processes. This effect is achieved by improving brain nutrition, activating blood flow, and accelerating the conduction of impulses along nerve fibers. An additional effect of the drug is its anti-anxiety effect, reducing excitability and normalizing sleep.
Afobazole is an anxiolytic with a mild stimulating effect, relieves irritability, tension, and mild depressive disorders. The drug also activates brain function, restores and protects nerve cells under adverse conditions (including stress). If a person is in a state of stress for a long time, without cerebral circulation impairment, then Afobazol will be the best. If there are cerebral circulation disorders or the child needs treatment, then it is better to choose Phenibut. It is not easy to reliably determine which drug is stronger: it all depends on the situation in which they are prescribed and on the characteristics of the patient’s body.
Afobazole or Novopassit: which is better?
Safe medications that are dispensed from pharmacies without a prescription include Afobazol and Novopassit. The first is a chemical anxiolytic, and the second contains natural ingredients. Which is better - Afobazol or Novopassit, when are the drugs prescribed and are they compatible? What is stronger - Afobazol or Novopassit? The herbal preparation also copes well with its functions - it gently calms, eliminates anxiety and mental tension, and also has a hypnotic effect. The main side effect of Novopassit is drowsiness, decreased attention and weakness.
It should be borne in mind that there is a risk of developing allergic reactions to medicinal herbs included in the sedative.
Fabomotizol does not enhance the effect of ethanol, and the natural drug is contraindicated in alcoholism. Both medications are non-addictive, however, the herbal remedy is not recommended to be taken while driving vehicles, as well as during work that requires increased attention. Afobazole and Novopassit can be taken together on the recommendation of a doctor. Simultaneous use of drugs will lead to a more pronounced elimination of anxiety, while the sedative effect will not change. The dose of medication is selected individually, based on the characteristics of the situation and the age of the patient.
Which is better: Afobazole or Glycine?
Which drug is better to choose depends on the purpose of its use. Afobazol is more effective in the treatment of NCD, anxiety disorders, and prolonged stress. However, it has little effect on the quality of sleep, only indirectly, relieving nervous tension. Therefore, if you have insomnia, it is better to choose Glycine forte. A higher dose of the drug (0.3 g and above) will help you fall asleep faster.
The effect of Glycine on the body is not limited to the regulation of the mental and autonomic components. It accelerates brain recovery during strokes, injuries, and encephalopathies. Afobazole does not have this ability.
Glycine is more affordable. Even tablets with the highest dose of the active substance (“extra”) cost 100 rubles less than Afobazol. Another advantage of Glycine is its convenient dosage form - tablets that dissolve in the mouth. You can drink them even on the road or at work, without drinking water, regardless of meals. Afobazole is approved for use only in adults; Glycine, if necessary, is prescribed even to children in the first year of life. Drinking it during pregnancy and lactation is also acceptable.
Thus, it is better to prescribe Glycine in the following cases:
- strokes;
- encephalopathies;
- insomnia;
- nervous diseases and NCD in children;
- pregnancy and lactation in women with neurological problems.
Afobazole is advisable to use for:
- NCD in adults;
- increased anxiety, excitability;
- stressful situations;
- PMS;
- mental disorders due to alcohol withdrawal;
- quitting smoking.
Indications
The drug is especially indicated for the treatment of people with predominantly asthenic individual traits, which are manifested by anxious suspiciousness, lack of self-confidence, vulnerability, emotional instability, and a tendency to stress. Afobazole is also prescribed quite often for menopause, helping to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of hormonal changes in the female body, which are often manifested by nervousness and anxiety, and vegetative disorders.
In general, indications for the use of Afobazole are any anxiety conditions in adults, such as:
- general anxiety disorder, adaptation disorder;
- somatic conditions, which can also be accompanied by anxiety and depression (bronchial asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus, arrhythmia, hypertension, cancer pathology);
- sleep disorders;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- premenstrual tension syndrome;
- withdrawal syndrome during smoking cessation;
- alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Contraindications
Can be used in complex therapy for patients with somatic, oncological, and dermatological diseases.
The use of the drug is limited when:
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding;
- the patient is under 16 years of age;
- individual immunity of the body to the elements of the composition.
Substances included in the tablets can cause an allergic reaction, so patients with hypersensitivity to medicinal elements should prescribe the drug with caution.
Afobazol® is used in adults for anxiety conditions: generalized anxiety disorders, neurasthenia, adaptation disorders, in patients with various somatic diseases (bronchial asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, coronary heart disease, hypertension, arrhythmias), dermatological, oncological and other diseases.
Individual intolerance to the drug. Galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption. Pregnancy, lactation period. Children under 18 years of age.
Dosage
The drug is prescribed immediately in a full therapeutic dose (for example, many tranquilizers require a gradual increase in dose). You can also abruptly stop taking Afobazole without fear of developing withdrawal syndrome, whereas most anxiolytics should be discontinued gradually, reducing the dose.
Afobazol tablets are taken orally, after meals, whole, with plain water. The dose for a single dose is 10 mg, the daily dose should not be more than 30 mg, in severe cases the dose is increased to 60 mg/day. The drug is taken 3 times a day.
The duration of therapy is 2-4 weeks, in severe cases – up to 3 months. A repeat course can be prescribed only after a month of break.
Side effects
Side effects are rare; most often patients complain of the development of allergies.
Therapy may also be accompanied by:
- headache;
- dizziness;
- mild depression, apathy.
If undesirable reactions are detected, you should consult your doctor; you may need to reduce the dose of the drug.
It is important to note that the above symptoms are not a reason to discontinue Afobazole as the main drug in the patient’s therapy.
Allergic reactions are possible.
Rarely - headache, which usually goes away on its own and does not require discontinuation of the drug.
Afobazol® does not interact with ethanol and does not affect the hypnotic effect of thiopental. Enhances the anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepine. Causes an increase in the anxiolytic effect of diazepam.
Afobazole and alcohol
Afobazole is often prescribed to eliminate withdrawal symptoms that develop after alcohol abuse:
- relieves severe mental symptoms (guilt, anxiety, depression);
- envelops the gastric mucosa (thanks to the starch in the composition);
- binds and then removes toxic breakdown products of alcohol (povidone and cellulose);
- stimulates the central nervous system, eliminating lethargy, anxiety, and apathy.
To eliminate hangover, you should take 10-20 mg of Afobazole 1-2 times a day.
In what packaging is the drug Afobazol produced?
As mentioned above, this medication is available in the form of white tablets. They can weigh between 5 and 10 mg. They are placed in contour cellular packaging of 10, 20 or 25 pieces. There is another type of packaging - polymer jars. Each of them can contain from 30 to 120 tablets.
From 3 to 10 contour packs containing 10 pills, or from 1 to 6 such cellular contours containing 20 tablets, or 2 or 4 contour packs with 25 pills each Together with the instructions, they are placed in a cardboard box. Polymer cans are packaged in cardboard packs and instructions for use are included in them.
At home, you should store the medicine in a cool place where children cannot get into. This drug can be purchased in the pharmacy chain without a prescription, but one must take into account the fact that only a doctor, after a detailed examination, can make the correct diagnosis of the patient and prescribe the required dosage of this drug to safely eliminate the painful condition.
Afobazol instructions for use
YOU CAN ORDER FROM THE OFFICIAL STORE
Drug interactions
Afobazole does not affect the narcotic effect of ethanol in any way and does not enhance the hypnotic effect of thiopental when used together.
In combination with carbamazepine, the anticonvulsant effect is potentiated.
When treated simultaneously with diazepam, its anxiolytic effect is enhanced.
When switching from Afobazole to other drugs with a similar effect, you should remember that this tranquilizer remains effective for 1-2 weeks, so you should wait this period in order to adequately assess the therapeutic effect of the new drug.
Customer Reviews
Patient reviews confirm the effectiveness of the product and the speed of its action. The drug can help with severe insomnia.
Irina, 34 years old
“After the death of my husband, I became completely out of character, irritable, nervous and aggressive. The world turned upside down, and I thought I would never get out of this state. I went to the doctor with my last hopes, and she advised Afobazole. Personally, the drug helped me, despite the fact that the side effects are strong. At least I returned to my normal life and began to sleep normally. I took a pill before bed. Be sure to consult your doctor before use."
Sergey, 51 years old
“It all started for me with mild insomnia. I just couldn’t sleep in the evenings, I watched TV series. Subsequently, I started not getting enough sleep, which contributed to my irritability. My neurologist recommended Afobazole. I can’t say that I was satisfied. It causes drowsiness and a feeling of indifference. Is it possible to drink on a regular basis? Definitely not, otherwise you will always be broken.”
Reviews from doctors about Afobazole
The undeniable advantages of the drug are its relative safety and the absence of a negative, inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, as well as withdrawal syndrome after cessation of treatment. That is why Afobazole becomes the drug of choice (even a drug of the first group) for patients experiencing anxiety. However, the severity of the therapeutic effect of this drug is lower in comparison with benzodiazepines, therefore, if there is insufficient or no effectiveness, it is necessary to prescribe more “heavy” tranquilizers.
Afobazole analogues
On the modern pharmaceutical market there are analogues and substitutes for Afobazole, which have more or less similar effects or effects on symptoms.
According to a similar effect, Afobazole has the following analogues:
- Adaptol.
- Grandaxin.
- Novopassit.
- Persen.
All of them have a sedative effect. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system, quality of sleep, tension and anxiety. Doctors often prescribe a combination of some of them along with Afobazole to achieve the best and lasting effect.
There are Russian-made analogues of afobazole. You can ask the pharmacy about Divaz, Tenoten, Phenazepam, Mebicar and Fenzitate. However, when thinking about substitutes, it is worth understanding that price is not the very first argument that you should pay attention to.
When choosing, you should take into account the presence of possible side effects, addiction and depth of impact.
Afobazol - reviews
Having briefly read the instructions for Afobazole, you will probably be interested in the experience of using the drug by other people, and the opinions of doctors. According to reviews, both patients and doctors note the effectiveness of the drug, which helps in difficult life situations. Below are just a few of them.
Patient reviews
Patient reviews about the drug:
“Having carefully studied the instructions, I began to take Afobazol on my own, and decided to write a review after finishing taking it and share my experience. The effect of Afobazole came gradually. The condition improved approximately on the 5-6th day of treatment. I became calmer, more balanced, more collected, and began to look at things more simply. Anxiety and endless stress no longer bother me, my soul is calm, and my sleep has finally improved.”
“I took two courses of Afobazole - in the fall and in the spring. My anxiety disappeared, I was able to concentrate on work, and accepted unpleasant news with firmness. Taking Afobazole effectively helped put both thoughts and affairs in order. I was very pleased with the absence of withdrawal symptoms and drowsiness!”
“With the help of Afobazole, I quit smoking. Several times I was mentally and physically drawn to a cigarette, but this time I managed to overcome this habit after so many years of unsuccessful attempts.”
“Every spring and autumn I take Afobazole. I and, it seems, those around me are beginning to have psychological problems. Fortunately, the drug helps me well, and such periods pass calmly, and, what is needed, and the price is very reasonable for my wallet.”
Afobazol - reviews from doctors
The opinions of doctors regarding Afobazole also agree.
“Anxiolytic without sedation, which does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Inexpensive, available without a prescription, and, most importantly, effectively and safely relieves irritability and anxiety."
“This is a powerful, good tranquilizer at a reasonable price. Persistently reduces anxiety, hyperexcitability, stress and depressive disorders. Normalizes sleep. I prescribe to anxious patients and people who need psychological calm.”
What is Afobazol
The drug is widely used in medicine to eliminate the symptoms of traumatic situations. The instructions for use describe the drug as a medicine that has a sedative effect, which helps patients eliminate anxiety and nervous disorders. After taking the pills:
- mood improves;
- irritability goes away;
- tension is relieved;
- uncertainty disappears;
- stop being haunted by anxiety;
- symptoms of depression go away;
- fearfulness decreases.
The peculiarity of the drug is that even with long-term use it is not addictive and does not develop drug dependence. The product has positive reviews for increased emotional excitability. The drug has an anxiolytic (tranquilizing) effect, but does not inhibit the central nervous system. When using it:
- drowsiness does not appear;
- memory improves;
- concentration increases.
According to the instructions, the drug is prescribed immediately in the required therapeutic dose. Abrupt cessation of taking Afobazole is allowed. The medicine helps relieve the patient’s autonomic disorders and somatic disorders. After using the drug, the patient’s heart and blood vessels function normalizes, breathing stabilizes, and the following resolves:
- dizziness;
- sweating;
- muscle twitching;
- gastrointestinal disorders;
- increased sensitivity;
- dry mouth.
Instructions for use
If a doctor prescribed Afobazole to you, then he probably informed you about the rules for taking the drug. If you have independently made a conscious decision to take a course of Afobazole, based on reviews, then the instructions are the first thing you need to study in order to achieve the maximum effect from the treatment.
How to take Afobazol?
The effect of Afobazole begins to appear already on the 5-7th day of taking the drug. The maximum effect develops within a month and lasts for another 1-2 weeks after the end of administration. You should not take the medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Afobazole can be taken with alcohol, but before drinking alcohol, you should think twice, as it adversely affects the nervous system and the body as a whole.
Overdose
Excessive use of the drug may cause drowsiness.
