In case of disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, doctors often prescribe anxiolytics: Tenoten or Afobazol. The drugs help get rid of anxiety, irritability, insomnia and other unpleasant symptoms.
In case of disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system, doctors often prescribe anxiolytics: Tenoten or Afobazol.
Characteristics of Tenoten
The medicine has sedative, anti-anxiety, nootropic, anti-asthenic, stress-protective, anti-amnestic, neuroprotective, anti-hypoxic and antidepressant effects. Helps cope with psycho-emotional stress. It has a positive effect in cases of hypoxia, intoxication, and acute cerebrovascular accident: it protects brain cells, limits the area of damage, improves memory and learning ability.
Does not cause muscle relaxation or drowsiness.
Characteristics of Afobazole
The medicine has an anti-anxiety and mild stimulating effect at the same time. It relieves anxiety, tension, irritability, depressive mood, autonomic and cognitive disorders, and somatic manifestations of anxiety. Taking Afobazole is recommended for patients with asthenic personality traits (anxious suspiciousness, vulnerability, self-doubt, emotional lability).
The drug does not cause drowsiness or muscle weakness, and does not have a negative effect on memory and concentration. You can take the drug for a long time without fear of developing addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
The clinical effect appears after 5-7 days. The maximum therapeutic effect is observed after 1 month and persists for 1-2 weeks after the end of therapy.
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.
Comparison of Tenoten and Afobazole
The drugs are similar, but not the same. To choose the right remedy, you need to understand how medications are similar and how they differ from each other.
Similarities
Similar features:
- Therapeutic effect. The medications are anxiolytics and help fight anxiety, restlessness, irritability and other symptoms.
- Release form. Medicines are sold in the form of tablets: flat-cylindrical, white.
- Influence on reaction, concentration. The drugs can be used when driving vehicles and working with dangerous mechanisms.
- Release from pharmacies. Medicines are sold without a prescription.
Tenoten is used for psychosomatic diseases, neurosis-like and neurotic conditions, moderately severe organic lesions of the central nervous system, and stress disorders.
What is the difference?
Differences between drugs:
- Compound. The active component of Tenoten are antibodies to the brain-specific protein S-100, and the auxiliary components are magnesium stearate, lactose and MCC. Afobazole contains fabomotizol and additional substances: potato starch, medium molecular weight povidone, lactose monohydrate, MCC, magnesium stearate.
- Indications. Tenoten is used for psychosomatic diseases, neurosis-like and neurotic conditions, moderately severe organic lesions of the central nervous system, and stress disorders. Afobazole is used for anxiety (adjustment disorders, neurasthenia, generalized anxiety disorders, somatic, oncological, dermatological and other diseases), sleep disorders, PMS, neurocirculatory dystonia and withdrawal syndrome associated with quitting tobacco or alcohol.
- Contraindications. General contraindications are: hypersensitivity, glucose-galactose malabsorption, galactose intolerance or lactase deficiency. Afobazole is not prescribed to patients under 18 years of age, nursing or pregnant women. Tenoten is available in a “children’s” form, which can be used from 3 years of age. It is also prescribed during pregnancy after assessing the risks and expected benefits.
- Mode of application. Afobazol tablets are swallowed and washed down with water, Tenoten is kept in the mouth until completely absorbed.
Which is more effective?
In terms of effectiveness, Afobazol is comparable to benzodiazepene drugs (Diazepam, Phenazepam). However, it has a significant difference - the absence of dependence and addiction.
Tenoten is a homeopathic medicine, so its effectiveness has not been confirmed by clinical studies.
Some doctors argue that the therapeutic effect of the drug is due to the placebo effect.
What's stronger?
Afobazole is a stronger anxiolytic (tranquilizer). Each tablet of the drug contains 5 mg of the active substance - fabomotizole. Tenoten contains minimal concentrations of antibodies.
Which is cheaper?
The cost of a package of Afobazole (60 tablets) is 350 rubles. A pack of Tenoten (40 tablets) costs 250 rubles. It follows that the drugs are included in the same price category.
The cost of a package of Afobazole, which relieves anxiety, tension, and irritability, is 350 rubles.
Description of the pharmacological activity of the group
Anxiolytics are psychotropic drugs that help reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, and unreasonable anxiety. The mechanism of action is based on reducing the excitation of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system, which are responsible for the emotional manifestations of the body's states.
Anxiolytics inhibit the interaction of these sections with the cerebral cortex and inhibit polysynaptic spinal reflexes.
The main effects caused by anxiolytics:
- sedative,
- hypnotic,
- muscle relaxant,
- anticonvulsant,
- amnestic,
- vegetative stabilizing.
The combination of two or more effects depends on the type of anxiolytic, concentration and concomitant medications. Depending on these combinations, there are:
- benzodiazepines with a predominant anxiolytic effect,
- benzodiazepines with a predominant hypnotic effect,
- benzodiazepines with a predominant anticonvulsant effect.
The drugs are not compatible with alcohol, as it enhances the effect of the active substances on the central nervous system. Concomitant use with other drugs that cause CNS depression is contraindicated.
Which is better: Tenoten or Afobazole?
Afobazole has proven clinical effectiveness. It restores the sensitivity of brain cell receptors and improves the functioning of the nervous system. The medicine has a gentle effect on the body without causing drowsiness, addiction, or decreased concentration. The drug has a wide range of indications and can be used for PMS and giving up bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse).
Tenoten is a homeopathic remedy containing a minimal concentration of the active substance. Data from clinical studies and a precise description of the mechanism of action of the drug are not available.
Tenoten is an advertised drug, but doctors recommend choosing Afobazole.
For hyperhidrosis
Afobazole helps with vegetative disorders, as indicated in the instructions for use. Therefore, it is recommended to take it when sweating.
For panic attacks
The drugs help with mild disorders. In case of panic attacks, insomnia or deep depression, they are ineffective.
With extrasystole
Afobazol is suitable for eliminating somatic manifestations associated with anxiety (extrasystole, surges in blood pressure, palpitations).
For an adult
The drugs can be used by patients over 18 years of age, so adults can choose any drug.
The effect of Afobazole begins to appear 5-7 days after the start of treatment, the effect of Tenoten - after 3-4 weeks.
In order not to make a mistake with your choice, it is better to consult a doctor.
FAQ
Based on patient reviews, we can conclude that Grandaxin is stronger, but this opinion arose due to the fact that the drug is quickly absorbed into the blood and the therapeutic effect is felt already on the first day from the start of therapy. But faster is not always better, and to make your choice, you should read the answers to frequently asked questions :
- Grandaxin should not be taken due to breathing problems, and Afabozol does not help. What else can I take? Afobazole accumulates in the body and acts slowly, but the therapeutic effect lasts longer and the medication is not suitable for relieving acute conditions. If Grandaxin is not possible, then Phenibut, which is allowed to be taken together with Afabozole, will help to quickly remove the feeling of anxiety;
- Is it possible to take Grandaxin after Afobazole to extend the therapeutic course? Grandaxin acts immediately and is quickly eliminated from the body, while Afobazol gradually accumulates in the tissues and “works” for another week after stopping the medication. It is much more effective to first take Grandaxin and Afobazole together, and then switch to treatment with Afobazole only;
- The doctor said that you can take either Grandaxin or Afobazol. Which is better to choose? If there are no contraindications for drug treatment, then it is worth assessing your condition. If you have severe anxiety or a depressed state, you should give preference to Grandaxin, which will quickly help you cope with the symptoms that have arisen;
- Is it possible to replace Grandaxin with Afobazole? It is possible, but you should remember that medications not only have different rates of elimination from the body, but also have various contraindications. To avoid unwanted deterioration in health, you should consult your doctor about changing medications;
- Does the combined use of Afobazole with Grandaxin cause lethargy and drowsiness? The human body is individual and in rare cases this unwanted side effect is possible. But most patients respond well to taking medications together, noting the rapid elimination of nervousness and anxiety.
As can be seen from the description, despite the similarity of indications for use, Grandaxin and Afabazol are different drugs and it is difficult to say which one is better . The doctor selects which medicine will help more effectively individually, taking into account the severity of symptoms and the characteristics of the patient’s body. Often, in case of severe stress or neurosis, it is recommended to first take Afobazol and Grandaxin at the same time, and after the patient’s condition has stabilized, continue therapy with one medication (Grandaxin or Afobazol).
Reviews from doctors about Tenoten and Afobazole
Raisa Georgievna, therapist, Samara: “Friendly neurologists believe that Tenoten is a placebo. There is no official evidence of the effectiveness of the drug, so for anxiety disorders it is better to use Afobazol. Its advantage is that it relieves many autonomic disorders: sweating, dizziness, insomnia.”
Inna Stepanovna, pediatrician, Moscow: “Afobazole cannot be used to treat children, but Tenoten can. The main thing is to choose a dosage form intended for patients under 18 years of age. Tenoten needs to be dissolved, which is convenient (some children are afraid to swallow pills and make their parents hysterical).”
Igor Alekseevich, neurologist, St. Petersburg: “I recommend Afobazol to my patients, because I don’t believe in homeopathy. The drug acts quickly, the clinical effect is observed after 1 week of treatment. If you take the medicine in accordance with the doctor's recommendations, there will be no side effects or complications. If necessary, the drug can be combined with other drugs (including representatives of the same group).”
Production of drugs
Both representatives are produced in Russia. Afobazole is produced by Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, Tenoten is produced by Materia Medica Holding.
Within the classification, drugs belong to the same pharmacological group - anxiolytics, despite the fact that the active ingredients are not the same. The release form is different - Afobazole is released in the form of tablets for swallowing. Tenoten is intended for resorption.
Patients' opinions
Irina, 29 years old, Moscow: “Work involves constant stress, which is very exhausting. When I realized that my strength was running out, I went to the pharmacy and bought Afobazole on the advice of the pharmacist. By the end of 1 week, my health improved: I became calmer and more balanced. I fall asleep quickly, without worries or thoughts about work.”
Elena, 36 years old, Volgograd: “Before the exams, the child became distracted and restless. The pediatrician advised me to buy Tenoten for children. At first there was no change, but after a few weeks the medicine helped. We passed the exams with straight A marks.”
Konstantin, 40 years old, St. Petersburg: “I used both drugs to treat sleep disorders, but did not notice a difference. They cost about the same and have a similar effect. The therapy is well tolerated and no adverse reactions are observed.”
Experts' opinion
Therapists agree that Afobazole is a fairly mild and easily tolerated drug. If it is necessary to prevent diseases of the central nervous system that were previously cured, Afobazol is ideal. In addition, it is chosen by most psychotherapists for the treatment of prolonged depressive conditions.
Tenoten as such does not belong to traditional means of drug treatment. Its attitude towards homeopathic remedies makes most specialists refuse to use Tenoten, however, they do not deny its effectiveness in cases of minor manifestations of psychosomatic disorders. It is noteworthy that Tenoten remains more popular for strokes and organic pathologies.
In some cases, the use of Afobazole is unacceptable due to intolerance to the components of the drug, childhood or personal ineffectiveness. In such cases, Tenoten comes as a replacement, but for no more than two weeks - then a more effective drug in terms of duration is prescribed.
