Amitone Plus Tablet

AMITONE PLUS TABLET by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

Name: Amitone Plus Tablet

Composition: Amitone Plus Tablet is a combination medication containing two active ingredients:

• Amitriptyline (12.5 mg)
• Chlordiazepoxide (5 mg)

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, while Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic.

Uses: This medication is primarily used to treat moderate to severe depression associated with moderate to severe anxiety. It can help manage anxiety disorders, improve mood and emotional well-being, relieve tension, and may also assist in managing insomnia due to its sedative properties.

Dosage and Administration: Amitone Plus Tablet should be taken orally exactly as advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at a fixed time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the blood. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet. It is crucial not to stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness
• Dry mouth, constipation, bloating
• Blurred vision, difficulty in urination
• Weight gain
• Confusion, uncoordinated body movements
• Increased heart rate, low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Nasal congestion, decreased sexual urge

Serious side effects are rare but can include suicidal thoughts, shallow breathing, stoppage of breathing, severe nerve disturbances, acute glaucoma, or chest pain. Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Precautions:

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Amitone Plus Tablet, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Pregnancy: Amitone Plus Tablet is generally unsafe during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: It is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and affect the infant.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause sleepiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking and motor skills; therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, heart, lung diseases, bipolar disorder, eye problems, urination problems, seizures, thyroid problems, or a history of drug/alcohol abuse.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Pay close attention to mood or behavioral changes, especially during the first few months of treatment, and report any suicidal thoughts to your doctor immediately.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including other antidepressants, blood thinners, anticholinergic drugs, and MAO inhibitors, to prevent potential drug interactions. Avoid grapefruit juice as it may increase medicine levels.
• Children and Elderly: This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to a lack of established safety and effectiveness. Caution is advised in elderly patients due to increased susceptibility to side effects.

Storage: Store Amitone Plus Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom.

Here are frequently asked questions about AMITONE PLUS TABLET:

What is AMITONE PLUS TABLET used for?

AMITONE PLUS TABLET is a combination medicine primarily used to treat moderate to severe depression associated with anxiety. It can also be prescribed to manage anxiety disorders and, in some cases, neuropathic pain.

How does AMITONE PLUS TABLET work?

AMITONE PLUS TABLET contains two active ingredients: Amitriptyline and Chlordiazepoxide. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve mood and regulate feelings of well-being. Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic that increases the action of GABA, a chemical messenger that suppresses excessive and abnormal activity of nerve cells in the brain, providing a calming effect and reducing anxiety.

What is the usual dosage for AMITONE PLUS TABLET?

The dosage of AMITONE PLUS TABLET is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, age, gender, and response to treatment. It is usually taken orally with or without food, preferably at a fixed time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the blood. You should not chew, crush, or break the tablet, but swallow it whole with a glass of water.

What are the possible side effects of AMITONE PLUS TABLET?

Common side effects of AMITONE PLUS TABLET include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty in urination, weight gain, confusion, uncoordinated body movements, and orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing). More serious but rare side effects can include increased heart rate, memory impairment, and suicidal thoughts. If any side effects worsen or persist, or if you experience unusual changes in mood, you should consult your doctor.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AMITONE PLUS TABLET is generally considered unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, and it may cause birth defects. It is also probably unsafe during breastfeeding, as it may pass into breast milk and could harm the nursing infant. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can it be taken with other medications?

AMITONE PLUS TABLET can interact with several other medications. It should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of serious side effects. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements, as many of these may affect the way AMITONE PLUS TABLET works or increase the risk of side effects. Specific interactions can occur with blood thinners, anticholinergic drugs, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, anti-allergics, opioid analgesics, NSAIDs, cimetidine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

What precautions should be taken?

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking AMITONE PLUS TABLET, as it can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Inform your doctor if you have conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, bipolar disorder, seizure disorders, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse, as special caution may be needed. Long-term use may require regular monitoring of blood and liver functions. It is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of AMITONE 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 double the dose to make up for a missed one. It is important to take this medicine regularly and not to stop it suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.

How should it be stored?

AMITONE PLUS TABLET should be stored in its original container at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep it tightly closed and out of sight and reach of children and pets. Do not store the medication in the bathroom. Dispose of any unused medicine safely according to local regulations.