Dothip Tablets (Dothiepin)

• Composition :
  Each tablet contains 25 mg/50 mg/75 mg Dothiepin hydrochloride.
• Indications :
  Indicated in the treatment of psychotic depression, neurotic depression, anxiety and depression.
• Pharmacodynamics :
  Dothiepin possesses anticholinergic, antihistamine and central sedative properties. It has been claimed that the cause of depression is associated with a functional abnormality of the biogenic amines, particularly the catecholamines, in the brain. The tricyclics increase the availability of noradrenaline and 5- hydroxytryptamine at central noradrenergic synapses by inhibiting their uptake from nerve endings.
• Dosage and administration :
  Begin with 25 mg three times daily for one to two weeks. The daily dosage should be increased by 25 to 50 mg at intervals of one to two weeks if the response is inadequate. The daily dose should not exceed 200 mg. Up to 150 mg of the daily dose may be given as a single night time dose once an effective dose has been established. The main dose should be taken at night as it may produce drowsiness.
• Contraindications :
  Epilepsy; seizure thresholds may be lowered by the drug. Tricyclic antidepressants should not be used concomitantly or within 14 days of treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors since cerebral excitation followed by coma and dangerous hyperthermia may occur following administration of this combination. Acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction; tricyclic anti-depressants may produce conduction defects and arrhythmias. Hepatic failure. Hypersensitivity to dothiepin.
• Precautions and warnings :
  Patients with depression may experience worsening of their depressive symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior.
• Use in pregnancy, lactation & pediatrics :
  Pregnancy Category C. Withdrawal symptoms in newborn infants have been reported with prolonged maternal use of this class of drugs. Small amounts of dothiepin are excreted in breast milk. The possible effect on the child must be carefully considered if it is necessary to give the drug to breastfeeding mothers. The safety and efficacy of Dothip for the treatment of depression or other psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents aged less than 18 years has not been satisfactorily established.
• Drug interactions :
  Barbiturates, Tranquillisers and CNS depressants potentiates the sedative effect, anticholinergic effects may be potentiated, an increased risk of postural hypotension when tricyclic antidepressants are given with diuretics
• Adverse reactions :
  The most common adverse events are Drowsiness, extrapyramidal symptoms, tremor, confusional states, disorientation, dizziness, paraesthesia
• Therapy Area :
  Anti-Depressants