Neocalm Plus

NEOCALM PLUS is a combination medication manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd..

Composition

NEOCALM PLUS contains two active ingredients:

• Trifluoperazine: Typically 5 mg. It is a phenothiazine antipsychotic that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood, behavior, and emotions. This action helps control psychotic illness, relieve depression, and reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Trihexyphenidyl: Typically 2 mg. This is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) agent added to treat and prevent side effects such as involuntary movements, shaking of hands, and muscle spasms, which can be caused by Trifluoperazine. Trihexyphenidyl improves muscle control and reduces stiffness by acting on the parasympathetic nervous system.

Uses

NEOCALM PLUS is primarily used for:

• Treating and preventing relapse in schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by unreal thoughts and behavior.
• Managing other psychoses, particularly of the paranoid type.
• As an adjunct in the short-term management of severe psychomotor agitation and dangerously impulsive behavior.
• Symptomatic control of all forms of Parkinsonism, including post-encephalitic, arteriosclerotic, and idiopathic types, influencing rigidity and akinesia and reducing salivation.
• May also be used for anxiety and depression over a short period.

Dosage and Administration

Take NEOCALM PLUS as advised by your physician. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day, to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. The correct dose and duration will be determined by your doctor based on your age, body weight, and disease condition. For schizophrenia, a usual adult dose might be 2-5 mg orally twice a day, and for anxiety, 1-2 mg orally twice a day. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, and headache.
• Blurred vision and dry mouth.
• Nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
• Tremor, restlessness, confusion, nervousness, and muscle spasm.
• Weight gain, increased heart rate, and urinary retention.
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing).

Serious but less common side effects can include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary neurological movement disorder). Consult your doctor if any side effects worsen or persist.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, due to potential adverse effects on the baby. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding as it may suppress lactation and cause side effects in the infant. Consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or confusion, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, blood vessel disease (e.g., varicose veins), fits/epilepsy, abnormal muscle weakness, stomach ulcer, severe heartburn, glaucoma (especially narrow-angle), prostate enlargement, or blood disorders.
• Elderly Patients: Use with extreme caution in elderly patients (above 65 years) due to an increased risk of adverse reactions.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking NEOCALM PLUS suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen symptoms or lead to withdrawal problems. Your doctor will likely decrease the dose gradually.
• Temperature Sensitivity: This medicine may make you sweat less, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly in hot weather.

Storage

Keep NEOCALM PLUS out of the sight and reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture, in its original packaging. Dispose of any unused medicine safely.

What is NEOCALM PLUS used for?

NEOCALM PLUS is a combination medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by unreal thoughts and behavior. It can also be used for short periods to address anxiety and depression. Additionally, it may be prescribed for the symptomatic control of Parkinson's disease and to manage extrapyramidal symptoms that can be caused by other medications.

How does NEOCALM PLUS work?

NEOCALM PLUS contains two active ingredients: Trifluoperazine and Trihexyphenidyl. Trifluoperazine is an antipsychotic that works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood, behavior, and emotions. This action helps to control psychotic symptoms, relieve depression, and reduce anxiety. Trihexyphenidyl is an anticholinergic agent included to counteract potential side effects of Trifluoperazine, such as involuntary movements, shaking, and muscle spasms, by correcting chemical imbalances that affect muscle control.

What is the usual dosage of NEOCALM PLUS?

The dosage of NEOCALM PLUS should always be as prescribed by your doctor, as it varies based on your medical condition and individual factors. For schizophrenia, a typical adult dose is about 2-5 mg orally twice a day, while for anxiety, it might be 1-2 mg orally twice a day. It is recommended to take the tablet at a fixed time each day, with or without food, and swallow it whole without crushing or chewing.

What are the possible side effects of NEOCALM PLUS?

Common side effects of NEOCALM PLUS can include nausea, constipation, dry mouth, sedation or drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, blurred vision, nervousness, headache, tremor, restlessness, and muscle spasms. More serious, though less common, side effects can include orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing), urinary retention, increased prolactin levels, and potentially severe conditions like Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome or tardive dyskinesia. If any side effects persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Is NEOCALM PLUS safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

NEOCALM PLUS is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause adverse effects in the baby, such as breathing problems or muscle issues. It is also not recommended during breastfeeding, as it may suppress lactation and potentially cause side effects in the infant like difficulty feeding, sleeping, poor weight gain, and lethargy. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can NEOCALM PLUS be taken with other medications?

NEOCALM PLUS can interact with several other medications. It may lower blood pressure when taken with antihypertensives. Concurrent use with other anti-anxiety medicines (like alprazolam and etizolam) or other CNS depressants, strong painkillers, and alcohol can increase drowsiness and sedation. It may also interact with anticholinergics, certain antidepressants, sleeping tablets, anesthetics, and medications like guanethidine, potassium citrate, and potassium chloride. Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while using NEOCALM PLUS?

Before taking NEOCALM PLUS, inform your doctor about any existing health conditions such as allergies, thyroid or kidney problems, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, heart issues, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ulcers, prostate enlargement, or blood clot disorders. Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication, as it can significantly increase drowsiness and dizziness. Due to its potential to cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Elderly patients (above 65 years) should use this medication with caution due to an increased risk of adverse reactions. Do not stop taking the tablet abruptly without consulting your doctor.

What happens if a dose of NEOCALM PLUS is missed?

If you miss a dose of NEOCALM PLUS, 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 NEOCALM PLUS be stored?

NEOCALM PLUS should be stored at room temperature, typically between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Ensure it is stored out of the sight and reach of children and pets.