Placida Plus Tablet

Placida Plus Tablet

Placida Plus Tablet is a combination medication manufactured by Mankind Pharma Ltd., primarily prescribed for various central nervous system disorders.

• Composition Placida Plus Tablet contains two active ingredients:

  • Escitalopram (10 mg): A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Etizolam (0.5 mg): A thienodiazepine (a benzodiazepine analogue) with anxiolytic and sedative properties. It enhances the action of GABA, a chemical messenger that helps calm nerve cell activity in the brain, leading to muscle relaxation, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep.

• Uses Placida Plus Tablet is prescribed for the management of:

  • Depression, including major depressive episodes.
  • Anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and panic disorder.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • Insomnia (sleeplessness).
  • Some sources also mention premenstrual syndrome and social phobias.

• Dosage and Administration Take Placida Plus Tablet strictly as advised by your physician. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed, broken, or chewed. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at a consistent time each day. The dosage is determined by the doctor based on the patient's age, body weight, and specific medical condition. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms; a gradual tapering off schedule should be followed as advised by a doctor.

• Side Effects Common side effects may include:

  • Confusion, drowsiness, tiredness, fatigue.
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation.
  • Memory impairment, headache.
  • Decreased orgasm (anorgasmia), low sexual desire, delayed ejaculation.
  • Muscle weakness, loss of balance control, uncoordinated body movements.
  • Weight gain or decreased/increased appetite, sweating.
  • Agitation, restlessness, shivering.
  • Serious side effects include an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions, especially during the initial months of treatment.

• Precautions

  • Contraindications: Placida Plus is not recommended for individuals with a known allergy to etizolam or escitalopram, those taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or pimozide, patients with severe respiratory failure, myasthenia gravis, acute angle-closure glaucoma, porphyria, severe liver issues, chronic alcoholism, low sodium levels, or bleeding disorders. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it may harm the fetus or infant. Consult a doctor for safer alternatives or if the benefits outweigh the risks.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine due to increased risk of drowsiness and other serious adverse effects.
  • Driving and Machinery: Patients should exercise caution or avoid driving and operating heavy machinery as the medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment.
  • Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver, kidney, or heart disease, diabetes, a history of drug abuse, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, or certain types of glaucoma. Close monitoring may be required.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, as Placida Plus can interact with MAOIs, lithium, triptans, CNS depressants, warfarin, certain antibiotics, antifungals, and other antidepressants.
  • Food Interactions: Avoid consuming grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they may increase blood levels of the medication.

• Storage Store Placida Plus Tablet in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture, and in its original packaging. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

PLACIDA PLUS TABLET by MANKIND PHARMA LTD: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Placida Plus Tablet used for?

Placida Plus Tablet is an antidepressant primarily used to treat depression and other mental health conditions, including anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and insomnia. It helps manage major depressive episodes, generalized anxiety disorder, and stress-related symptoms.

How does Placida Plus Tablet work?

Placida Plus Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Escitalopram and Etizolam. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain responsible for improving mood and physical symptoms of depression and anxiety. Etizolam is a benzodiazepine analog that increases the activity of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a natural nerve-calming agent in the brain, which helps relax muscles, reduce anxiety, and induce sleep. Together, they help restore the balance of chemical messengers in the brain, improving mood, alleviating nervousness, and promoting better sleep.

What is the usual dosage for Placida Plus Tablet?

The dosage of Placida Plus Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, age, and body weight. It should be taken orally as advised by your physician, swallowed whole with a glass of water, and not crushed, chewed, or broken. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. It's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions on dosage and timing.

What are the possible side effects of Placida Plus Tablet?

Common side effects of Placida Plus Tablet can include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and weight gain. Other possible side effects may include decreased or increased appetite, sweating, muscle weakness, loss of balance control, slurred speech, memory impairment, decreased orgasm, low sexual desire, and delayed ejaculation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and usually resolve over time. However, if they are persistent or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Is Placida Plus Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Placida Plus Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it may pose a risk to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is essential to consult your doctor, as they will weigh the benefits and potential risks. Similarly, it is not recommended during breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk in minimal amounts and could cause side effects in breastfed babies. Your doctor should be consulted for safer alternatives if you are breastfeeding.

Can Placida Plus Tablet be taken with other medications?

Placida Plus Tablet can interact with various medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Significant interactions can occur with:

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Concurrent use is contraindicated.
• Other antidepressants and sedatives: Can increase sedative effects.
• Triptans (for migraine), CNS depressants, phenothiazines, barbiturates: Can interact.
• NSAIDs and aspirin: May increase the risk of bleeding.
• Warfarin (blood thinner): Can interact.
• Cimetidine (for ulcers), Digoxin (for heart problems), Pimozide (for psychotic disorders), Theophylline (for breathing conditions), Carbamazepine (for seizures), Triazolam (for insomnia), Ketoconazole (for fungal infections), Ritonavir (for HIV infection): These medications may interact with Placida Plus Tablet.
• Antihypertensive medications: May reduce their effectiveness.
• Anti-diabetic medications: May further increase blood sugar levels.

What precautions should be taken while taking Placida Plus Tablet?

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Placida Plus Tablet, as it can increase drowsiness and other serious adverse effects.
• Driving and operating machinery: This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Liver and Kidney conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney diseases, as dose adjustments may be needed.
• Diabetes: Use with caution in diabetic patients due to the risk of altered blood glucose levels.
• Bleeding disorders: May increase the risk of abnormal bleeding.
• Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with a history of glaucoma.
• Seizure disorders: Use with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures.
• Sudden discontinuation: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
• Children: Not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
• Elderly patients: Use with caution, as older adults may be more sensitive to side effects.
• Suicidal tendencies: This medicine may increase suicidal thoughts or actions, especially during the initial months of treatment. Report any mood or behavioral changes to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Placida Plus Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.

How should Placida Plus Tablet be stored?

Placida Plus Tablet should be kept in a cool, dry place and in its original pack. Protect it from light and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.