Stimuloton instructions for use reviews price and side effects

Prohibited during pregnancy

Prohibited during breastfeeding

Has restrictions for children

Has restrictions for older people

Has limitations for liver problems

Has limitations for kidney problems

Depressive disorders have become the object of numerous studies, discussions and disputes regarding adequate and complete therapy. In the 80s of the twentieth century, Pfizer actively began developing the drug Tametraline, which could prevent the reuptake of adrenaline and norepinephrine, however, the studies did not give the desired result. Side effects outweighed the therapeutic benefits and the drug was forgotten until the early 2000s.

The development of the chemical and pharmacological industries returned interest in the formula and allowed it to be improved by adding 2 chlorine atoms to the molecule. The action of the new substance is based on inhibition of serotonin reuptake and has high antidepressant activity. The new formula was called sertraline and quickly established itself in the psychotropic drug market. One of the drugs based on sertraline is Stimuloton, which, according to the instructions for use, is effective for severe depressive disorders and panic attacks.

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General information about the drug Stimuloton

Stimuloton is one of the most powerful antidepressants of the new generation. In many countries around the world it is recognized as the “gold standard” in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Drug group, INN, scope of application

Stimuloton belongs to the pharmacological group of antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In the international nomenclature it is known by the name of its active substance sertraline (Sertraline). The drug is used in psychiatry for the treatment of major depressive and anxiety-depressive disorders in adults and children.

Features of antidepressants

Release forms and prices for the drug, average in Russia

On the territory of the Russian Federation, the drug is available in the form of tablets with a dosage of 50 or 100 mg of sertraline. Tablets are white, biconvex, film-coated, oval, with stylized engraving “E 271” or “E 272” on one side and scored on the other side, odorless.

The medicine is dispensed only with a doctor's prescription, as it has a strong psychotropic effect.

Average prices for Stimuloton in Russian pharmacies:

Compound

The basis of Stimuloton is sertraline hydrochloride in a dosage of 50 or 100 mg. The preparation contains as stabilizers and additional components:

• magnesium stearate;
• hydroxypropyl cellulose;
• sodium starch glycolate.

The tablet is coated on top with a film coating, which protects it from premature destruction under the influence of stomach hydrochloric acid.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Sertraline has properties unique in its class. Unlike other antidepressants, it inhibits only the uptake of serotonin, that is, it does not affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, as well as the biochemical metabolism of other catecholamines.

The pharmacological effect of the drug is the selective inhibition of serotonin in neuronal 5-HT receptors. This selectivity made it possible to eliminate toxic and iatrogenic effects on cells of the central nervous system, as well as reduce the risk of cardiotoxic effects. The drug does not show activity on other receptor systems of the central nervous system, such as serotonergic, muscarinic, dopaminergic, GABA and benzodiazepine receptors.

Mechanism of action

Sertraline does not cause increased anxiety and fear in patients, and also does not have a sedative effect, unlike other psychoactive substances. Also, patients taking the drug have the lowest risk of developing dependence on the drug.

The maximum concentration peak of sertraline in plasma occurs 4-8 hours after administration, after which almost 98% of the substance is bound to blood proteins. Then, entering the liver cells, under the influence of the cytochrome system, it undergoes intense first-pass metabolism - the first-pass effect. The half-life averages 24-26 hours, excretion is carried out primarily by the kidneys. Metabolites are excreted in urine and feces, and only 0.2-0.5% unchanged.

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Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The medicinal effect of the Stimuloton product is due to the ability of its active component to selectively block the reuptake of serotonin. The substance has the same effect, but in a weaker form, on other neurotransmitters - dopamine and norepinephrine. In medicinal volumes, the antidepressant inhibits the uptake of serotonin by platelets in the blood plasma. The result of these processes is an increase in the volume of the neurotransmitter in the brain, and its deficiency is considered the main cause of depression.

The result of using the drug is an increase in the volume of the neurotransmitter in the brain, and its deficiency is considered the main cause of depression.

Taking the tablet orally leads to slow but almost complete absorption of the active substance into the blood. The maximum concentration of the composition in plasma is observed after 4.5-8.5 hours. Eating food accelerates the onset of this effect and increases the bioavailability of the composition by a quarter. During the first passage through the liver, the main metabolite of the drug is formed, which is less active than sertraline. The half-life of the drug is within 22-36 hours, and its metabolite is 62-104 hours, regardless of the patient’s age. The components of the drug are released in equal quantities through the intestines and kidneys.

Indications and contraindications for Stimuloton

Stimuloton is indicated for patients for the treatment of the following disorders:

• major depressive episode and prevention of its development;
• panic disorders;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children over 6 years of age;
• social anxiety disorders;

  Social anxiety disorders

• post-traumatic stress syndrome.

A contraindication to taking the medicine is primarily allergic hypersensitivity to its components. The simultaneous use of irreversible monoamine oxygenase inhibitors is completely prohibited due to the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

An absolute contraindication is pregnancy and the entire period of lactation. When treating postpartum depression, breastfeeding must be stopped completely.

Also, the drug is contraindicated in children under 6 years of age, since there are no reliable studies confirming safety for young children.

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Indications for use

Most often, the drug "Stimuloton" is used to combat depression. The remedy works well in a variety of forms of pathological conditions. It can be used as a prophylactic agent, the basis for the treatment of recurring attacks.

The medicine relieves not only the main clinical signs of disorders, but also the anxiety, irritability, and aggressiveness that accompany them.

Also, Stimuloton tablets are prescribed for the following diagnoses:

• social phobia, problems with adaptation;
• panic attacks combined with and without phobias;
• anxiety;
• neuroses and obsessive states;
• severe stress after suffering psycho-emotional trauma.

Stimuloton tablets are also prescribed for anxiety conditions.

Any manipulations involving the use of medication must be agreed with a doctor. Self-administration of the composition can lead to negative consequences for the body, even if all instructions are followed.

Instructions for use of the drug Stimuloton

Treatment for MDD should begin with a dose of 50 mg once daily. In cases where there is no adequate response to therapy within a week, it is necessary to begin dosage titration. You can increase the dose by no more than 50 mg per week. The maximum daily dose is 200 mg/day.

For children from 6 to 12 years old, the starting dose is half the adult dose - 25 mg/day. After a week, if there are no side symptoms, you can increase it to 50 mg/day.

Elderly patients should be taken with constant monitoring of electrolyte levels to prevent the development of hyponatremia.

Impaired liver and kidney function is a reason to reduce the initial dosage. In this case, it is necessary to monitor the level of liver parameters and glomerular filtration rate.

It is necessary to avoid abrupt cessation of taking Stimuloton due to the development of withdrawal syndrome. This pathological condition not only returns the symptoms that were present before treatment, but also significantly intensifies them. To avoid this, you need to gradually reduce the dosage over two weeks. If, after cessation of treatment, symptoms of MDD and OCD persist, it is recommended to return the patient to maintenance therapy with condition monitoring once a week.

special instructions

During pregnancy, you should refrain from using Stimuloton, due to the lack of sufficient information about the safety of using the drug by women during pregnancy.

The main active ingredient can enter the child's body from the mother during feeding. If it is impossible to stop using the medication, then the woman must stop further breastfeeding.

People who have diseases related to liver or kidney dysfunction require careful attention and must consult a doctor before using the medicine. For liver diseases, the dosage is usually varied downwards or the time interval between doses is increased.

In the presence of diseases associated with impaired functioning of the body due to renal failure, it is possible to use the drug in general doses.

It is contraindicated to use Stimuloton with MAO inhibitors. This can lead not only to serious changes and disorders in the body, but even to the death of the patient.

Drinking alcohol or low-alcohol drinks during therapy is prohibited. This can cause a number of serious consequences, including death.

Throughout the course of treatment, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of patients suffering from depression due to the risk of suicide attempts.

After stopping the drug Stimuloton, in rare cases, withdrawal symptoms may occur.

While using the product, care should be taken when driving vehicles, complex and dangerous mechanisms, and performing activities involving a high reaction rate and increased attention.

You need to take Stimuloton very carefully if you have certain diseases or their symptoms.

• Liver dysfunction.
• Pathological mood disorders for no apparent reason.
• Epilepsy, even in mild form, without seizures.

Possible side effects of Stimuloton and overdose

Among the side effects of Stimuloton, the most common are dyspeptic disorders - nausea and vomiting. In men, during treatment, sexual dysfunction develops in 15% of cases. Both effects are dose-dependent and can be easily reversed with proper titration.

Clinical studies have found that the risk of side effects increases in elderly patients. Obviously, this is due to neurodegenerative processes in the organs of the central nervous system and metabolic disorders in the liver and kidneys.

The following conditions may develop relatively rarely:

• infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
• lymphadenopathy;

  Lymphadenopathy

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• thrombocytopenia;
• diabetes;
• hypoglycemia;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• myocardial infarction.

Among the side symptoms, it is important to take into account the patient’s mental state, especially in the early stages of therapy. Most often, patients complain of dizziness, headaches, ringing in the ears, drowsiness and fainting. It is also possible to experience subjective discomfort in the heart area in the form of increased heart rate.

It is also necessary to constantly monitor the patient’s emotional state, since one of the main disadvantages of SSRIs is the increased risk of suicide in patients with MDD.

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Interaction

The simultaneous use of an antidepressant and MAO inhibitors can lead to dangerous complications. In the most severe cases, the consequences take on the form of serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. To prevent such results, you must wait at least 2 weeks between taking these groups of drugs.

The simultaneous use of an antidepressant and MAO inhibitors can be fatal.

Consequences of combining pharmaceutical products with the drug "Stimuloton":

• the effect of drugs that affect the central nervous system may increase or change;
• in combination with coumarin derivatives, prothrombin time increases;
• combination with lithium can cause tremors of the limbs;
• Cimetidine significantly reduces the clearance of the main antidepressant substance.

Tests carried out on the combination of the drug "Stimuloton" and alcohol showed that taking 200 mg of the drug per day does not enhance the negative effect of ethanol on the central nervous system. Despite this, doctors recommend refraining from drinking alcohol during drug treatment. Especially if the therapy is supported by the use of drugs that affect brain function.

Analogues of the drug Stimuloton

The group of antidepressants includes a large number of drugs. However, when considering analogues of Stimuloton, one should take into account their effectiveness and safety, as well as the price category of the medicines.

Structural substitutes

Sertraline-based drugs are represented by both original Pfizer drugs and generics. Their pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics do not differ from each other. The difference between a generic and the original formula is the number of clinical studies completed, which ultimately affects the price. Thus, the drug Zoloft (Pfizer, USA) costs from 500 rubles per package, and Torin (Veropharm, Russia) – from 250 rubles.

Similar means by mechanism of action

Paroxetine inhibits serotonin reuptake, however, it is inferior in pharmacokinetic properties. The latter is characterized by a lower binding capacity, so a significant part of the drug will be excreted from the body unchanged.

The drug is also more strongly destroyed in the liver, which creates a non-linear proportion between the administered and effective dose, so titration should be carried out with extreme caution. The price of Paroxetine drugs ranges from 900 to 1500 rubles.

Escitalopram, unlike the other two SRIs, is the least studied.

It is also thought to act on 5-HT serotonin receptors, without affecting other neuroreceptor systems.

The drug is actively metabolized in the liver, its metabolites provide a therapeutic effect. However, a high concentration of the active substance significantly increases the half-life (on average up to 30 hours), which must be taken into account when developing the dosage regimen.

Escitalopram is characterized by an effect on the electrical activity of the heart, which should be taken into account when prescribing it to persons after a myocardial infarction and suffering from cardiac arrhythmias. At the same time, Escitalopram is the cheapest representative of the SSRI, its price ranges from 400 to 800 rubles.

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Adverse reactions

Side effects that are most often observed when taking Stimuloton:

• manifestations of allergies (swelling, difficulty breathing, rash);
• drowsiness;
• headache;
• flatulence;
• sleep disturbance;
• anxiety;
• excitement;
• indigestion;
• aggressiveness;
• nosebleeds;
• disruption of the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system;
• weight loss;
• sweating disorder;
• muscle cramps.

If any side effects occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Feedback about the reception

When choosing an effective remedy, patients rely on reviews from other patients, as well as doctors who deal with depressive and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Doctors

Kravtsov G.M., psychiatrist of the highest category: “Patients with depression are a special group of patients. Their treatment should be comprehensive and include psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. For the latter, I recommend a drug based on sertraline - Stimuloton. It is well tolerated by patients and is convenient and safe to titrate. The most common complaint of patients is dizziness with nausea, but they disappear a week after starting treatment.”

Chernyshenko N.M., pediatric neurologist: “Among depressants, I would like to highlight Stimuloton. I prescribe it for depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks. Stimuloton does not cause side effects that are standard for antidepressants, such as weight gain or addiction. A lasting effect is achieved after 2 weeks of use. Among the advantages, I would also like to note the ease of use, since the medicine is taken once a day.”

pharmachologic effect

"Stimuloton" has all the properties necessary for an antidepressant to suppress the symptoms of depression. However, it does not have a pronounced stimulating or sedative effect. The composition does not reduce the ability of cells to transmit nerve impulses between them. After two weeks of systematic use, the medication provokes a pronounced antidepressant effect.

After 6 weeks from the start of the course, the peak result of therapy is formed. Due to the specificity of its effect on the body, the medicine does not provoke weight gain, does not cause physical cravings or mental dependence.

Reviews from patients who took Stimuloton on a short-term basis

“I started taking Stimuloton about a month ago to treat depression, unreasonable anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. The doctor recommended taking 75 mg tablets. In the first week I felt a significant decrease in sex drive (I'm only 22 years old, so this side effect really upset me). But after another week, my apathy and lethargy developed so much that I couldn’t even play sports.

And this despite the fact that I used to go to the gym once every 2-3 days. By the end of the second week, the depression returned and I also started getting angry over every little thing. In the end, the doctor increased the dosage to 100 mg, but all of the above negative side effects did not disappear, except that I was able to fall asleep faster and get better sleep. At the moment, I have stopped taking these pills and am undergoing tests (including hormone tests), because even the attending physician admitted that Stimuloton does not help me.”

Kucherenko Igor Denisovich, 22 years old

“I took 50 mg of Stimuloton per day for a month. The pills were prescribed by a psychiatrist after a diagnosis of depression. I read reviews about Stimuloton on the forum, and was already determined to quickly eliminate stress and anxiety.

However, the drug made me so lethargic that I couldn't even do my daily work. I work as a storekeeper and am on my feet all day, so physical endurance is extremely important to me. On the other hand, I forgot about such symptoms as nervousness and anger. However, I still had to say goodbye to Stimuloton.

By the end of the fourth week of regular use, I developed a large rash on the right side of my neck. I also began to suffer from indigestion and constant drowsiness (although I previously suffered from insomnia). In general, the drug left mixed impressions. I won’t say that my review is negative, maybe it’s just individual intolerance.”

Avdeeva Olga Lvovna, 37 years old

“Stimuloton was prescribed to my sister, who for a long time could not recover from the death of her father. She and I had similar symptoms, so I also decided to take 50 mg daily, although without first consulting a doctor. My sister overcame depression in just a few weeks, but I didn’t notice any changes, so I voluntarily increased the dose to 100 mg. During those 5 weeks of taking the drug, I suffered from constant nightmares and excessive sweating.

My family noticed that I became more angry, anxious and upset at the same time. I myself noticed that I had suicidal thoughts.

I don’t know why I didn’t give up the pills immediately after I felt something was wrong, but later, in addition to the above symptoms, numbness in the limbs and a complete lack of interest in sexual activity were added. In fact, the drug greatly worsened my psycho-emotional state. Although doctors' reviews about Stimuloton are mostly positive, the medicine did not help me.

Tsaritsin Gleb Olegovich, 32 years old

Practical application experience

Opinion of practicing doctors and reviews of patients who took Stimuloton as a course.

Recently I experienced an exacerbation of depression. There was complete apathy and no thirst for life. I went to the doctor who prescribed Stimuloton for me. The instructions indicate that the first effect should be expected after two weeks of use.

In my case, mild euphoria and a happy mood came already in the first week. I began to feel calm and balanced. The constant feeling of anxiety has disappeared. The medication almost completely relieved me of these types of problems.

Elena

Stimuloton was recommended to me by a neurologist in order to reduce the symptoms of OCD. I was extremely concerned about my appearance and worried about my less-than-ideal physical shape.

Suicidal thoughts, lack of self-confidence and problems with eating. The effect of using the medicine came after a month. I stopped worrying so fanatically about my physical condition. I started to take things more calmly.

This drug may be suitable for people suffering from various types of disorders or OCD, but before doing this, a necessary measure is to consult a doctor.

Catherine

Experts' opinion

Stimuloton is a worthy antidepressant, the effect of which is noticeable after a couple of weeks. Patients experience an improvement in mood, although at first they may feel worse due to a wide range of adverse reactions.

You need to take the tablet once a day, which is very convenient in the modern rhythm of life. Before using the medication, you should definitely consult a neurologist who can accurately determine the problem and dosage.

It is suitable for use by people with impaired liver or kidney function, as well as elderly people. The drug is well tolerated.

Neuropathologist, 12 years of experience

From the reviews you can highlight the following advantages of the medicine:

• is not addictive;
• efficiency;
• convenient to use.

Minuses:

• wide range of side effects;
• long period of admission;
• dulling of emotions.

Overdose

Stimuloton, even in large doses, does not cause severe overdose symptoms. But when it is prescribed with psychotropic drugs, cases of poisoning are observed. Overdose is manifested by the appearance of serotonin syndrome:

• movement disorders (muscle twitching, tremor, bruxism, ataxia);
• autonomic disorders (chills, profuse sweating, nausea, abdominal pain, stool upset, tachycardia, blood pressure fluctuations);
• mental disorders (disorientation, agitation, hypomania, confusion).

There are no antidotes. Intensive therapy and monitoring of cardiac activity and respiratory function are carried out. Gastric lavage is not very effective; sorbents are used.