Frenxit

Indications

Flupentixol and Melitracen tablets are used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Apathy
• Psychogenic and depressive neuroses
• Masked depression
• Psychosomatic disorders with anxiety and apathy
• Menopausal depression
• Dysphoria and depression in individuals with alcohol or drug dependency

Pharmacology

This formulation combines two established compounds: flupentixol, a neuroleptic with anxiolytic and antidepressant effects at low doses, and melitracen, a bipolar thymoleptic with activating properties in low doses. Together, they provide a comprehensive treatment with antidepressant, anxiolytic, and activating benefits. Peak serum levels for both flupentixol and melitracen occur approximately 4 hours after oral administration. Flupentixol has a biological half-life of about 35 hours, while melitracen’s half-life is around 19 hours. The combined use of these compounds does not significantly alter their pharmacokinetic properties.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults: Typically, 2 tablets daily, taken in the morning and at noon. In severe cases, the morning dose may be increased to 2 tablets.
• Elderly Patients: 1 tablet in the morning.
• Maintenance Dose: Usually, 1 tablet in the morning. For insomnia or severe restlessness, consider additional sedative treatment during the acute phase.

Interactions

• May enhance effects of alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.
• Co-administration with MAO-inhibitors may lead to hypertensive crises.
• Neuroleptics and thymoleptics can reduce the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine and similar drugs and may enhance the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline.

Contraindications

• Recovery phase following myocardial infarction
• Bundle-branch conduction defects
• Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma
• Acute intoxication with alcohol, barbiturates, or opiates
• Recent MAO-inhibitor use (within 2 weeks)
• Not suitable for excitable or overly active patients due to potential exacerbation of symptoms

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but may include transient restlessness and insomnia.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Not recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

Precautions & Warnings

Discontinue any previous sedative tranquillizers gradually before starting treatment.

Overdose Effects

Overdose symptoms primarily reflect melitracen toxicity, with possible anticholinergic effects and, less commonly, extrapyramidal symptoms from flupentixol. Treatment involves symptomatic and supportive care, including gastric lavage and activated charcoal. Avoid using epinephrine; manage convulsions with diazepam and extrapyramidal symptoms with biperiden.

Therapeutic Class

Combined anxiolytics and antidepressants.

Storage Conditions

Store in a dry place at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Protect from light and keep out of reach of children.