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Lofepramine Antidepressant : Lomont

Brand Name : Lomont

Lofepramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that is structurally similar to imipramine and is extensively metabolised to desipramine. In the absence of other major pharmacological effects it appears that its antidepressant activity stems from the facilitation of noradrenergic neurotransmission by uptake inhibition, and possibly by the additional facilitation of serotoninergic neurotransmission. The overall therapeutic efficacy of lofepramine is comparable to that of imipramine, amitriptyline, clomipramine, maprotiline and mianserin in patients with depression of varying severity, and coexisting anxiety.

Uses of Lofepramine

• Lofepramine is used for treating Depression.
• Lofepramine works by preventing this re-absorption of noradrenaline and serotonin back into the nerve cells.

How to Take Lofepramine

• Keep your regular appointment with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Take lofepramine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• It may take several weeks before you begin to feel the benefits of this treatment.
• Take this medicine as directed. It can be taken with or without food. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

What are the Side Effects of Lofepramine Medication

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Blurred vision.
• Faster than normal heart beat (tachycardia).
• Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention).
• Dry mouth.
• Drowsiness.
• Confusion.
• Blood disorders.

Warnings and precautions before taking Lofepramine Medication

• It should be remembered that severely depressed patients are at risk of suicide. An improvement in depression may not occur immediately upon initiation of treatment, therefore the patient should be closely monitored until symptoms improve.
• Lofepramine may lower the convulsion threshold, therefore it should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of epilepsy or recent convulsions or other predisposing factors, or during withdrawal from alcohol or other drugs with anticonvulsant properties.
• Concurrent electroconvulsive therapy should only be undertaken with careful supervision.
• Caution is needed in patients with hyperthyroidism, or during concomitant treatment with thyroid preparations, since aggravation of unwanted cardiac effects may occur.
• Lofepramine should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, impaired liver function, impaired renal function, blood dyscrasias or porphyria.
• Caution is called for where there is a history of prostatic hypertrophy, narrow angle glaucoma or increased intra-ocular pressure, because of lofepramine's anticholinergic properties.

What drugs may interact with Lofepramine Tablet

The following are some of the potential drug interactions with lofepramine:

• Alcohol
• Antibacterials
• Sibutramine
• Cimetidine
• Warfarin

What to do if you take Overdose of Lofepramine ?

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

How to Store Lofepramine ?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.