Aesopram

The antidepressant drug Ezopram belongs to the class of drugs - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The main ingredient of the drug is escitalopram, which is present in the form of escitalopram oxalate

Indications Aesopram

The psychoanaleptic drug Ezopram is prescribed for the treatment and elimination of the following painful conditions:

• significant episodes of depression;
• panic attacks, accompanied (or not accompanied) by agoraphobia;
• social fears and anxiety disorders;
• general anxiety disorders;
• obsessive-compulsive disorders.

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Release form

Ezopram is produced as a film-coated tablet. The tablet is white, oval-shaped, with the inscription "E" on one side and a dosing notch.

The tablets are available in dosages of 10 or 20 mg.

The cardboard packaging contains three blister packs, 10 tablets each.

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Pharmacodynamics

The active ingredient of the drug Ezopram belongs to a series of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - s-isomers of racemic citalopram. The substance escitalopram is almost a hundred times more effective than the r-enantiomer in inhibiting serotonin uptake. The drug significantly affects depressive and phobic states, while not affecting the reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine and γ-aminobutyric acid.

The end products of metabolism of the drug Ezopram do not have antidopamine, antiadrenergic, antiserotonin, antiallergic and anticholinergic effects.

Long-term use of Ezopram does not affect a large number of receptors for chemical mediators of the central nervous system.

Ezopram does not have any effect on cardiac conduction or blood pressure, and does not increase alcohol intoxication.

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Pharmacokinetics

Ezopram is well absorbed in the digestive system, regardless of the presence of food masses in the stomach. The bioavailability of the drug can reach about 80%. The maximum content of the active ingredient in the bloodstream is observed for 1-6 hours, with stabilization of the therapeutic concentration after 7-14 days from the start of treatment.

About 80% of Ezopram is bound to plasma proteins, with a mean volume of distribution of 12 to 26 L/kg.

The drug is excreted 30% by the kidneys, while biological transformation occurs mostly in the liver. The main end products of metabolism are s-dimethylcitalopram and s-didimethylcitalopram, which have little pharmacological significance.

The half-life is usually less than half an hour and may be longer in elderly patients.

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Dosing and administration

Ezopram is prescribed for internal use to adult patients, once a day, regardless of food intake.

• In case of significant episodes of depression, 10 mg of the drug is taken daily. In rare cases, the maximum permissible dosage of 20 mg can be taken. The effectiveness becomes noticeable within 14-28 days from the start of therapy. After the main signs of depression have been relieved, the drug is continued for another six months.
• For panic attacks, take 5 mg of the drug daily for the first 7 days, then increase the dosage to 10 mg per day. At the discretion of the doctor, the amount of the drug can be increased to 20 mg daily. Treatment should be continued for at least 3 months.
• For social disorders, 10-20 mg Ezopram per day may be prescribed. Improvement is observed within 14-28 days from the start of therapy, but the drug is continued for at least 3 months.
• For general anxiety disorders, take 10 mg of the drug daily for 3 months. In some cases, the dosage may be increased to 20 mg.
• For obsessive-compulsive disorders, it is customary to prescribe 10 mg of the drug per day (sometimes up to 20 mg). Treatment is usually long-term.

For elderly patients, it is recommended to reduce the basic dosage to 5 mg daily. In extreme cases, it is allowed to increase it to 10 mg per day.

You cannot abruptly stop treatment with Ezopram. The dosage is reduced over 7-14 days, under constant medical supervision.

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Use Aesopram during pregnancy

There is very little reliable information about the use of Ezopram in therapeutic regimens during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is generally accepted that Ezopram is contraindicated in such cases unless taking the drug is vital.

Ezopram, which was used in the late stages, can provoke the appearance of cyanosis, convulsions, thermoregulation and blood pressure disorders, and other disorders in the newborn. In addition, there is a possibility of developing persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn child.

Breastfeeding is discontinued during the period of taking Ezopram.

Contraindications

Ezopram is not prescribed in the following situations:

• in case of hypersensitivity reactions to this drug;
• with the simultaneous use of MAO inhibitor drugs (there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome);
• if a prolonged QT interval is diagnosed;
• in combination with Pimozide;
• during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in childhood.

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Side effects Aesopram

Side effects may appear 1-2 weeks after the start of therapy and often disappear on their own with continued use of Ezopram:

• decrease in the number of platelets in the blood;
• allergy;
• disruption of antidiuretic hormone production;
• changes in appetite, changes in body weight, anorexia;
• anxiety, increased worry;
• decreased libido, lack of orgasm;
• overexcitement, neuroses, aggressive states, suicide attempts, mania;
• headaches, sleep disturbances, numbness in the limbs, trembling in the fingers, changes in taste;
• serotonin syndrome;
• deterioration of vision, dilation of pupils;
• sensation of ringing in the ears;
• cardiac arrhythmia, prolongation of the QT interval;
• a sharp drop in blood pressure;
• nosebleeds, frequent yawning;
• dyspepsia, thirst, internal bleeding;
• hepatitis;
• hyperhidrosis, skin rash, hemorrhage, peripheral edema;
• pain in joints and muscles;
• difficulty urinating;
• menstrual irregularities;
• feeling of fatigue.

An increased risk of fractures has also been recorded, although the exact reasons for this phenomenon have not yet been established.

Abrupt discontinuation of Ezopram may result in withdrawal syndrome, which is characterized by dizziness, sensory disturbances, dyspeptic symptoms, and emotional instability.

Interactions with other drugs

• Do not prescribe Ezopram and drugs related to MAO inhibitors at the same time. In extreme cases, the time interval between taking the listed medications should be at least 2 weeks.
• The combination of Ezopram and lithium preparations is not desirable.
• Individuals undergoing insulin or glucose therapy should monitor their insulin response with possible adjustment of the insulin amount.
• The combination of Ezopram and such drugs as Omez, Esomeprazole, Cimetidine requires caution: side effects may occur, requiring adjustment of the amount of Ezopram taken.
• The combination of Ezopram with St. John's wort-based medications usually results in increased undesirable side effects.

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Storage conditions

Ezopram is stored in rooms with an air temperature of up to +25°C, out of the reach of children.

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Shelf life

Ezopram is stored for up to 3 years in sealed original packaging.

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