Szetalo Plus 5

SZETALO PLUS 5

SZETALO PLUS 5 is a prescription medicine manufactured by Abbott India Ltd..

• Composition: SZETALO PLUS 5 contains a combination of two active ingredients: Clonazepam 0.5 mg and Escitalopram Oxalate 5 mg. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that works by increasing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that suppresses abnormal nerve cell activity in the brain, producing a calming effect. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood, behavior, and cognition.

• Uses: SZETALO PLUS 5 is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. Its applications include:

  • Anxiety Management: Helps reduce symptoms like excessive worry, tension, and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
  • Depression Treatment: Due to escitalopram, it is also used to treat depression and helps regulate mood and emotions.
  • Panic Disorder Control: Aids in controlling panic disorders by reducing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
  • Sleep Aid: Can improve sleep quality by alleviating anxiety and depression symptoms that often disrupt sleep patterns.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): May help in alleviating OCD symptoms by reducing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

• Dosage and Administration: SZETALO PLUS 5 should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advised to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness
  • Confusion, memory impairment
  • Fatigue, tiredness
  • Sleeping problems (insomnia)
  • Breathlessness
  • Poor coordination of movements, uncoordinated body movements
  • Stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation
  • Decreased libido (low sexual desire), delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia

  More serious, though less common, side effects and warnings include suicidal thoughts, worsening anxiety or depression, or violent behavior.

• Precautions:

  • Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is unsafe and not recommended, as it can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and drowsiness and may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: SZETALO PLUS 5 is generally unsafe to use during pregnancy due to definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, and it is probably unsafe during breastfeeding. Consult a doctor if pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
  • Driving and Machinery: This medicine can cause dizziness and drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
  • Liver Disease: Use with caution in patients with liver problems; dose adjustments may be required.
  • Kidney Disease: Probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease, but caution is advised in patients with kidney failure.
  • Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have seizures, sleep disorders, lung problems, diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including antidepressants, antipsychotic medication, antihypertensives, or antibiotics. Avoid concomitant use with MAO inhibitors.
  • Dependence: This medicine has a high addiction/habit-forming potential due to Clonazepam. Take only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Do not stop suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  • Pediatric Use: Not recommended for use in patients below 18 years of age.

• Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Store below 30°C or between 10°C to 25°C.

SZETALO PLUS 5 by ABBOTT is a prescription medicine containing Clonazepam (0.5mg) and Escitalopram Oxalate (5mg). It is primarily used to treat various anxiety disorders and also has mood-enhancing effects.

What is SZETALO PLUS 5 used for?

SZETALO PLUS 5 is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is also used in the management of major depressive disorder.

How does SZETALO PLUS 5 work?

This medicine is a combination of two active ingredients: Clonazepam and Escitalopram. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that works by increasing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain that suppresses abnormal and excessive nerve cell activity, leading to a calming effect. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases the levels of serotonin, another chemical messenger in the brain, which helps to improve mood, behavior, and cognition.

What is the usual dosage for SZETALO PLUS 5?

SZETALO PLUS 5 should be taken in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet; swallow it whole.

What are the possible side effects of SZETALO PLUS 5?

Common side effects include delayed ejaculation, low sexual desire, nausea, vomiting, memory impairment, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, sleep problems, restlessness, dry mouth, increased sweating, and changes in weight. More serious but less common side effects can include suicidal thoughts or allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing). Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience unusual mood changes or suicidal thoughts.

Is SZETALO PLUS 5 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

SZETALO PLUS 5 is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. It is also probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding as limited human data suggests the drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby. Always consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can SZETALO PLUS 5 be taken with other medications?

SZETALO PLUS 5 can interact with several other medications. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. Notable interactions can occur with alcohol (unsafe), other antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, antihypertensives, antibiotics, MAO inhibitors, lithium, and triptans.

What precautions should be taken while taking SZETALO PLUS 5?

Avoid consuming alcohol as it can increase side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms; your doctor will advise on gradual discontinuation. Exercise caution if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, respiratory disorders, or a history of seizures. Since it can cause dizziness and sleepiness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Monitor for any unusual changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, and report them to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose of SZETALO PLUS 5 is missed?

If you miss a dose of SZETALO PLUS 5, 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 a missed one.

How should SZETALO PLUS 5 be stored?

Store SZETALO PLUS 5 tablets in a tightly closed container at room temperature (below 30°C or 20-25°C). Keep it away from excess heat, moisture, and direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.