Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S

ABOUT

Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S belongs to a class of drugs called “antidepressants” used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders such as bulimia, and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women. Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), chemically composed of Fluoxetine.

Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin also known as “Mood elevator/stabilizer”. Low levels of this neurotransmitter can lead to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It is available on prescription, as capsules, to be strictly used under doctor’s supervision. Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S has a slow onset of therapeutic effects which may take up to 4-6 weeks to improve symptoms. 

Dosage of Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S depends on age, the severity of the condition, patients’ response to the medicine, and their comorbidities. Abrupt withdrawal of Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S can cause withdrawal symptoms for which reason it is tapered down gradually before stopping the treatment altogether. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, headache, dryness in the mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness.

Indications

Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is prescribed to adults and children (8 years and above) above and it is used in the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Eating disorders ( such as bulimia nervosa)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic attacks 
• Premenstrual syndrome (characterized by social withdrawal, agitation, depression)

How does Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S work

It is an “antidepressant” selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) that works by increasing the levels of natural substances - neurotransmitters. Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin also known as “Mood elevator/stabilizer. 

How to use Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S

Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is available in the form of capsules. Swallow the capsules with a glass of water without chewing. In general, the treatment with Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is started at the lowest effective dose (20 mg) which is gradually increased over a period of weeks as tolerance develops. Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is usually prescribed to be taken once a day for depression and related conditions. Tolerance is common to develop with such drugs, dosage is titrated accordingly to match the therapeutic dose.

It can be taken with or without food, preferably around the same time each day. Taking higher doses of Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S or more often than prescribed will not make it more effective, and may increase side effects. Moreover, withdrawal symptoms can occur if the drug is stopped abruptly, therefore it must be gradually tapered down over a period of weeks to months before stopping completely. 

Available Potency and forms of Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S 

Capsules - 20 mg 

Capsules - 40 mg 

Liquid - 20 mg / 5 ml

Dosage

Adult dose

Starting dose 20 mg, once a day orally

(Maximum safe dose 60-80 mg/ day)

Pediatric dose 

Child dose depends on weight and physique, commonly starting dose is 10 mg/ day

8 years old: 10-20 mg/ day, once orally

8 years and above: 20 mg/ day, once orally

Adolescents and children with increased weight : 20-60 mg/ day 

Elderly Dose

Starting dose 10 mg/day, once 

IMPORTANT: Initially all the starting doses are kept low which may be increased gradually over a period of weeks as per requirement.

Pregnancy use and lactation

Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is FDA pregnancy risk category C (Harmful to fetus in animal studies ), therefore it should not be taken during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh the risks. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S.

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S:

• Allergic reaction to Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S or other SSRIs - indicated by skin rash, swelling around the face area, wheezing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulty
• Kidney impairment
• Liver impairment
• Have a history of taking MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days
• Glaucoma
• Epilepsy

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S:

• Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S can alter platelet count in the blood which may put you at risk of easy bruising, nosebleeds
• Elderly patients must practice caution due to age related conditions
• High risk of bone fractures, avoid activities can may increase the risk of falling or injury
• Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S may alter heart rhythm(prolonged QT interval), which must be closely monitored especially if you have an existing heart condition. 
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels in blood), especially in elderly and patients on diuretics 
• History of mania or seizures
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Raised intraocular pressure/ glaucoma
• Renal impairment
• Concomitant use with other antidepressants or anxiolytics 

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S, hence, in that case your doctor might alter your dosage. Few of the interacting drugs are given below:

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following before taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S:

• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, etc)
• TCAs (amitryptaline, doxepin, imipramine, etc)
• Other SSRIs like sertaline 
• Artemether/lumefantrine
• Chemotherapeutic drugs like vinblastine
• Antipsychotics like pimozide 
• Cimetadine 
• Anti -clotting like Clopidogrel, warfarin
• CNS active drugs e.g. carbamezapine, diazepam, phenytoin
• Alcohol 

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects:

• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Insomnia or drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Agitation 

Rare Side Effects

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions 
• Hallucinations 
• Loss of appetite 
• Anxiety 
• Dyspepsia/Flatulence
• Sexual dysfunction
• Hot flushes
• Nervousness
• Palpitations
• Paresthesia
• Pruritis
• Sweating
• Tremors
• Visual disturbances
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight changes
• Stomatitis
• Hypertension
• Movement disorders
• Muscle twitching
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Photosensitivity
• Postural hypotension
• Cardiac arrhythmias 
• Taste disturbances
• Mania 

HOW TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS

• Fatigue - Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths,intake tea or coffee,get a good night’s rest and not to overburden themselves for a few days.
• Feeling drowsy - If the medication makes you feel drowsy or sleepy,stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Headaches - In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea -Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you're sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.. 
• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak - If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from a sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Muscular Aches And Pains - A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief;an over the counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Constipation - Can be combated by adding more fibers to the patient’s diet,asking the patient to drink plenty of fluids and to increase their physical activity to trigger contractions in the intestines.
• Flatulence - Can be eased by consuming smaller,more frequent meals that don't trigger your flatulence.Getting a minimum of 30 minutes of daily exercise has shown great results in combating flatulence. 
• Heartburn - can be dealt with by chewing on mint flavored gum that’ll help neutralize the acid in the body.Standing up straighter,adding ginger to the daily diet,elevating the patient’s upper body and having licorice supplements has shown to provide relief.
• Skin Rash - can be eased by applying soothing and healing lotions or creams such as calamine lotion/cream.Apply a cold compress to the rash helps reduce itchiness and redness caused by rash.An antihistamine (prescribed by a doctor) is also recommended as an effective way to combat any skin rash.
• Change in taste - this tends to go away as soon as the patient stops taking the medicine but while treatment; saltwater with baking soda (half a teaspoon of salt and baking soda in water) rinses and chewing on sugar-free gum can help dissipate the change in taste.
• Blurred vision - This side effect tends to go away on its own in a few days;patients are advised to not operate heavy machinery or drive any motorized vehicles in the meantime.If blurred vision persists, please contact your doctor.
• Dehydration - Patients are recommended to always care around a water bottle with them wherever they go and periodically keep sipping to prevent thirst and extremely dry mouth. Ice pops in hot weather and energy drinks (verified by the doctor) are helpful in combating dehydration.
• Dryness- apply a moisturizer to the skin and wait for 10-15 minutes after which apply Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S onto the skin. This will prevent skin from getting dry and flaky.
• Redness Of The Skin - This can be combated by applying a cold pack to the affected area.
• Photosensitivity - Patients are asked to wear sun-protective clothing when going outside including gloves and hats, to apply generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunblock along with wearing sunglasses. Patients are advised to do all necessary work after sunset so as to reduce or eliminate sun exposure while undergoing treatment with Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S.

Key facts

• Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is an antidepressant drug used to treat conditions including moderate to severe depression, eating disorders like bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
• Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is chemically composed of Fluoxetine belonging to drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
• The drug can be prescribed to adults and children (8 years and above)
• Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S is to be taken orally in doses as prescribed by the doctor and must not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Extreme precaution is advised while taking this drug.
• Normally takes 2-4 weeks for Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S to show its effect
• Consuming alcohol when taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 
• Monitor your blood pressure regularly as it may cause an increase in blood pressure and blood sugar levels

# 1. WHAT EXACTLY DOES Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S DO?

It is an “antidepressant” (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that works by increasing the levels of natural substances - chemical messengers (serotonin and noradrenaline), required to stop the movement of pain signals in the brain and to maintain mental balance.

#2. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S TO START WORKING?

Normally it takes 4-6 weeks for Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S to show its clinical effects.

# 3. HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO TAKE Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S FOR?

Time duration depends on why you’re taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S. For depression or anxiety, you will probably be asked to take it for a further 6 months or more after you start feeling better. Stopping it too soon might bring back your depression or anxiety. 

# 4. CAN I STOP TAKING Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete your treatment course even if you feel better. Stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal problems like difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and uncontrollable muscle movements. 

#5. IS Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S HIGHLY ADDICTIVE?

No, as such it is not considered to be addictive; but drug dependency can develop. Also stopping the medicine abruptly can cause undesirable withdrawal symptoms.

#6. DOES Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S INTERFERE WITH WARFARIN? IS IT SAFE TO TAKE BOTH TOGETHER?

Taking both together could increase the risk of bleeding or you may experience petechiae or purpura.

#7. CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL WITH Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S may cause excessive drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 

#8. WHAT IF I TAKE TOO MUCH OF Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S you may experience symptoms of overdose for example, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, and seizures. Contact your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#9. WHAT IF I FORGET TO TAKE Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S?

If you're taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S once a day then take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it's less than 12 hours until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#10. CAN I TAKE Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S DURING PREGNANCY OR BREASTFEEDING?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, please consult your doctor before using Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S. If you are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before taking Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S. 

#11. CAN THE USE OF Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S CAUSE DROWSINESS?

It may cause drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue (tiredness), and visual disturbances. However, it is uncommon and is not reported by many people. If you experience any of these symptoms avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.

#12. WILL Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S AFFECT MY BLOOD PRESSURE?

Monitor your blood pressure regularly as it may cause an increase in blood pressure, especially during the first month of treatment. It can cause changes in heart rhythms depicted in ECG readings (prolonged QT interval).

#13. CAN I DRIVE OR RIDE A BIKE AFTER TAKING Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S?

Make sure you know how your body reacts while using ‘product’ as it is known to make you feel dizzy. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

#14. HOW SHOULD Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S BE STORED?

Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine. 

#15. CAN Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S AFFECT MY SEXUAL ACTIVITY?

Sexual dysfunction has been reported with Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S. It may cause a decrease in libido. You must discuss this with your consultant. 

#16. WHAT FOODS SHOULD I AVOID DURING TREATMENT WITH Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S?

Certain foods may interact with Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S affecting its efficacy. Food products with tyramine in it should be avoided, these may include, cheese, milk, chicken liver, beef, soya beans, etc., interaction with Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S can lead to dangerously high blood pressure. Herbs like cannabis Sativa (from which many hallucinogenic medicines are prepared) should be avoided. Alcohol may increase sedation, while drinks containing caffeine may cause serotonin syndrome should also be avoided. 

#17. HOW CAN I MAKE Depex 20mg Capsule 10 'S TASTE BETTER?

You can take the medicine with a flavored drink or juice to make it taste better if you are finding it difficult to ingest with water, this is particularly helpful in children.