Agomelatine
About Agomelatine
Agomelatine is used for the treatment of depression and may also be used to prevent the relapse of depression symptoms. Major depressive disorder is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities.
Agomelatine contains 'Agomelatine', which works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps in regulating the body clock (circadian natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavioural changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle) with positive benefits on mood and sleep in patients suffering from depression.
Take Agomelatine as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Agomelatine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. You may experience headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), back pain, abdominal pain, change in body weight, diarrhoea, constipation, sleepiness, and Increased liver enzymes in some cases. Most of these side effects of Agomelatine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, stop the medicine, and please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Agomelatine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Take the Agomelatine as advised by your doctor. Before taking Agomelatine, tell your doctor about the medicines which you are taking other than Agomelatine. Before taking Agomelatine, consult your doctor if you are pregnant/planning to get pregnant/breast-feeding women. Agomelatine should be used with caution in electroconvulsive therapy patients and kidney and liver patients as there is an increased risk of adverse effects. Agomelatine should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of adverse effects.
Uses of Agomelatine
Medicinal Benefits
Agomelatine contains 'Agomelatine', which belongs to a class of antidepressants that works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This helps regulate the body clock (circadian rhythm—the natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavioural changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle) and has positive effects on mood and sleep in patients suffering from depression.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Agomelatine
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Change in body weight
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Increased liver enzymes
- Hallucinations
- Migraine like headache
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Agomelatine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Take the Agomelatine as advised by your doctor. Before taking Agomelatine, tell your doctor about the medicines which you are taking other than Agomelatine. Before taking Agomelatine, consult your doctor if you are pregnant/planning to get pregnant/breast-feeding women. Agomelatine should be used with caution in electro-convulsive therapy patients and kidney and liver patients as there is an increased risk of adverse effects. Agomelatine should be used with caution in elderly patients as there is an increased risk of adverse effects. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required. Be vigilant about unusual darkening or any changes in the colour of your urine, light-colored stools, yellowing of skin or eyes, pain in the upper right part of your stomach and unusual fatigue, as these could be signs of liver problems. It is important to inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behaviour, new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Agomelatine should be used with caution in patients with a history of bipolar disorder, mania or hypomania and should be discontinued if a patient develops manic symptoms. Caution should be taken in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obese and alcoholic patients and smokers.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Agomelatine may have interaction with high blood pressure-lowering medicines (Propranolol), anti-depressant (fluvoxamine, moclobemide, nialamide, phenelzine), oestrogens, anti-TB (rifampicin), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, linezolid).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol consumption with Agomelatine as it may increase the risk of severe adverse effects, including liver damage.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Agomelatine may interact with liver problems, dementia, and bipolar-disorders.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionConsumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with this Agomelatine due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects including liver damage.
Pregnancy
cautionAgomelatine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment after evaluating the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionAgomelatine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug based on your clinical condition.
Driving
cautionAgomelatine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Liver
cautionAgomelatine should be used with caution in patients who are at risk of liver injuries such as diabetic patients, obese or overweight patients, etc., due to the increased risk of liver damage. Regular assessment of liver function is necessary before initiating the therapy with this medicine and during the therapy. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Kidney
cautionAgomelatine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Agomelatine is recommended. However, talk to your doctor if you have any underlying kidney disease.
Children
cautionAgomelatine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Take fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and dairy products.
- Do meditation, yoga and exercise regularly.
- Take carbohydrates like whole grains and legumes in your diet.
- Spend time with positive, supportive, loving people to help you through rocky times.
- Avoid alcohol
- Quit smoking
Special Advise
You may need regular blood tests to monitor your liver and kidney functions while you are taking this medication.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Major depression disorder, also referred to as clinical depression, is a significant medical condition that can affect many areas of your life. It impacts mood and behaviour as well as various physical functions. Symptoms include fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or guilt almost every day, impaired concentration, indecisiveness, insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), restlessness or feeling slowed down, recurring thoughts of death or suicide, significant weight loss or gain (a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month). The exact cause of major depressive disorder isn’t known. However, there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing the condition, like genes, stress and hormonal imbalance.
FAQs
Agomelatine used for the treatment of symptoms of depression. It may also be used to prevent the relapse of depression symptoms. This medicine helps in regulating the body clock (circadian rhythm) with positive benefits on mood and sleep in patients suffering from depression.
Common side effects of Agomelatine are headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), back pain, abdominal pain, change in body weight, diarrhea, constipation, sleepiness, Increased liver enzymes in some cases. Most of these side effects of Agomelatine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, stop the medicine and please consult your doctor.
No, do not stop Agomelatine suddenly is unlikely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, but you may become unwell again.so please consult your doctor before stopping the Agomelatine.
Yes, Agomelatine may cause drowsiness or affect concentration and co-ordination. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid driving or any other activities that require mental alertness after taking Agomelatine.
Agomelatine should be used with extreme caution due to the increased risk of suicidal tendencies. Patients should be closely monitored for any change in mood or behavior. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Agomelatine works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps in regulating the body clock (circadian natural cycle of physical, mental, and behavioural changes that the body goes through in a 24-hour cycle) with positive benefits on mood and sleep in patients suffering from depression.
Before starting treatment with Agomelatine, inform your doctor if you are allergic to any of ingredients in Agomelatine, if you have a history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania, if your liver does not function properly (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), or if you are taking fluvoxamine (an antidepressant) or ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic).
Yes, Agomelatine can potentially damage your liver, especially if you already have liver problems. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice unusual darkening or any changes in the colour of your urine, light-coloured stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pain in the upper right part of your abdomen, or unusual fatigue, as these could be signs of liver problems.
If your doctor changes your previous antidepressant to Agomelatine, they will guide you on how to safely discontinue the previous medication while starting Agomelatine. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, trouble sleeping, feelings of anxiety or restlessness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or shaking. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and should resolve on their own within a few days. If your symptoms worsen, inform your doctor right away.
Store Agomelatine in its original package to protect it from moisture. This medicine doesn't need special temperature conditions. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
No, Agomelatine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age, as its safety and efficacy have not been established for this age group.
