1.What is Stresam 50mg?
Stresam belongs to the psychotropic drug group which used to treat depression, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. It comes in the form of hard capsules. The main ingredient is Etifoxine hydrochloride and other Inactive ingredients.
2.What are the effects of Stresam?
2.1. Pharmacodynamics of Stresam Antidepressant
-The main active ingredient of Stresam 50mg is Etifoxine hydrochloride. This is an active substance belonging to the benzoxazine group with a selective effect on Cl- channels of the GABA system, acting on the autonomic nervous system through a dual mechanism. Therefore, the drug does not cause unwanted side effects on essential bodily functions but has a regulatory impact on the autonomic nervous system.
-Etifoxine reduces prolonged physical and mental stress that causes anxiety: in clinical pharmacology, the drug has been proven to reduce various stress reactions (such as mood sensitivity, high blood pressure, increased free fatty acids in plasma, increased cortisol secretion...).
-Etifoxine has the characteristic of maintaining and improving adaptability to circumstances, without affecting alertness, memory, and muscle tone like benzodiazepines.
- Etifoxine does not cause drug dependence. Clinically, Stresam can be used for long-term treatment for 6-12 months without showing withdrawal symptoms after discontinuation.
2.2. Pharmacokinetics of Stresam Antidepressant or how the body processes Stresam
- Etifoxine is primarily absorbed through the digestive tract. The active ingredient reaches maximum blood concentration approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes after administration. The average half-life is about 6 hours. Therefore, Stresam needs to be taken 3 times per day.
- In the liver, etifoxine is partially metabolized. An active metabolite, diethyl-etifoxine, appears quickly and binds to the same receptors as etifoxine.
- The half-life of this metabolite is on average about 24 hours. This explains why the optimal effect of Etifoxine is achieved within a few days.
- Etifoxine is excreted through urine in the form of metabolites.
3.What conditions does Stresam treat?
Stresam is used to treat the following conditions:
- Symptoms of psychosomatic anxiety (anxiety affecting both the mind and body) such as tension, lack of concentration, memory reduction
- Sleep disorders
- Autonomic nervous system disorders, especially cardiovascular manifestations (palpitations, rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure...), digestive issues (irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers...)
4.Unwanted Side Effects of Stresam
During treatment with Stresam, the following unwanted side effects may occur:
- Transient daytime drowsiness
- Very rare cases of red rash on the skin, urticaria, Quincke edema
- Some cases of hepatobiliary side effects, bleeding in women using combined oral contraceptives
- Vasculitis in Stevens-Johnson syndrome
These are not all possible unwanted side effects. Consult a doctor if you experience any unusual health symptoms.
5.Usage and Dosage of Stresam
5.1. How to Use Stresam
Take the hard capsule whole with cooled boiled water. Do not split or open the capsule.
5.2. Dosage
Depending on the medical condition and age, the treating doctor will have specific dosage instructions. Here is a reference dosage:
- For children over 15 and adults: 3 capsules per day divided into 3 doses, or 4 capsules per day divided into 2 doses. Treatment can last from a few days to several weeks depending on individual medical conditions.
- No clinical studies on safety have been conducted for children under 15.
5.3. Overdose/Missed Dose
Stresam has no specific antidote. In case of overdose, you may fall into a deep sleep, so immediately go to the nearest medical facility to receive timely treatment and minimize dangerous complications.
If you miss a dose, take it immediately when remembered. If it's close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose. Do not arbitrarily increase the dose without the treating doctor's instructions.
6. Interactions of Stresam
Medication You should not combine the Stresam antidepressant in the following cases:
- Alcoholic beverages like beer and liquor, as they pose a risk of increasing the sedative effect of the medication. Therefore, avoid consuming beverages and medications containing alcohol during the use of Stresam antidepressant.
- Central nervous system depressants such as morphine derivatives (substances made from morphine), benzodiazepines, H1 antihistamine groups, tricyclic antidepressants - use with caution when combining with Stresam antidepressant. The reason is that they may increase neurological effects when used together.
- Additionally, be cautious when using it with central antihypertensive medications .
7. Important considerations when using Stresam antidepressant
- Discontinue Stresam if skin reactions, allergic conditions, or serious liver disorders appear.
- The medication contains lactose as an excipient (inactive ingredient). Therefore, it is not recommended for people with lactose intolerance.
-Use caution when combined with central nervous system depressants.
-Not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to unclear safety and effectiveness in these groups. - The medication can cause drowsiness as it may impact the central nervous system, so be cautious for groups requiring high concentration levels at work, such as driving or operating machinery. Therefore, consult your treating physician to ensure safety at work and while using the medication.
8. Storing Stresam
Stresam antidepressant should be stored at temperatures below 30°C, avoid direct light exposure, and do not store in the refrigerator's compartment. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Never use the medication after its expiration date printed on the packaging.
Stresam is a medication for treating symptoms of prolonged stress, anxiety, and depression. To ensure effective use and avoid unwanted side effects, carefully read the instructions or strictly follow the guidance of your treating physician.
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