Maprotiline: uses and side effects of this psychotropic drug.

A drug belonging to the tetracyclic antidepressants used in mood disorders.

Depression is a severe problem that affects a high percentage of the world's population, causing great pain and disruption in countless lives.

Fortunately, however, throughout history, different types of treatments have been developed that are highly effective in combating its symptoms, one of which is the synthesis and administration of drugs.

In this sense we have a wide variety of drugs of different types, and it is about one of them that we are going to talk in this article: maprotiline.

Maprotiline: what is it?

Maprotiline is one of several antidepressants, which are substances with psychoactive properties that alter brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms of major depression. alter brain chemistry to alleviate the symptoms of major depression and other depressive and other problems with depressive symptomatology.

Among the antidepressants, they are classified or is part of the group of tetracyclicswhich are characterized by a four-ring structure and are derived from the tricyclics (which in turn were one of the first groups of antidepressants to be synthesized, after the MAOIs).

The fact that it is a tetracyclic means that it was developed years after the tricyclics, so that advances in scientific research were able to generate slightly safer products. They could be considered second generation tricyclics.

Tricyclics and tetracyclics, including maprotiline, were for a time the treatment of choice for depressive conditions, although with the passage of time they have been displaced by specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. have been displaced by the specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (which are safer and generate more (which are safer and have fewer side effects).

Maprotiline is marketed in tablet or tablet form and is administered orally.. Its effects, as with most antidepressants, can take about three weeks to a month to appear. It is metabolized in the liver and expelled through urine.

Mechanism of action.

Maprotiline is an Antidepressant whose main mechanism of action, i.e. the way it affects the organism, is based on the inhibition of noradrenaline reuptake..

The inhibition of the reuptake of this neurotransmitter implies that when they are emitted by a neuron, it does not reuptake what would be interpreted as the surplus, so that it remains in the synaptic space and can be used by the following neurons: in other words, it causes higher levels of these hormones in the brain, thus facilitating their effect. This generates an increase in the level of activation and reduces the passivity and discomfort of a depression or disorder. and malaise of a depression or mood disorder.

Unlike other antidepressants of the same group, the action of this drug does not have a marked effect (although it also generates an inhibition of its reuptake) at the serotonin level, its action being mainly focused on noradrenaline.

However, in addition to this it also alter the levels of acetylcholine, acting as an antagonist of this (although in a less potent way than that generated by a tricyclic). In other words, it is a drug with anticholinergic action, and this usually leads to the possibility of the appearance of side effects that can be bothersome.

In addition to this has an antihistamine actionThis allows it to present a sedative action and generate relief of anxiety.

Main indications

Maprotiline, as an antidepressant, has in major depression its main indication. This indication is given both when we are facing a reactive depression or a melancholic or endogenous one. Also It is also effective in other disorders in which there are depressive symptoms, such as dysthymia, or even in the context of a depressive disorder.or even in the context of bipolar disorder.

It is also effective in the treatment of those depressive syndromes that occur with anxiety, whether we are talking about a mixed episode or a mixed anxious-depressive disorder as if we are talking about depressive states arising from the wear generated by the experience of a continuous anxiety. It not only reduces low mood and passivity but also helps to reduce anxiety and agitation. helps to reduce anxiety and agitation.

In addition to depression and anxiety, maprotiline can also be used in the treatment of enuresis in children, although with much more controlled doses and provided that they are over six years of age.

Side effects

The administration of this psychotropic drug can be useful in the treatment of depressive symptoms, but in spite of this, its use can have side effects. its use may entail side effects and risks to take into account.

Among the most common are the appearance of tiredness and fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, anxiety and nervousness (and could even generate hypomania), sleep problems (due to defect or excess), weakness, photosensitivity, constipation or diarrhea and urinary retention. It can also produce tachycardia and/or hypotension. It can also cause dizziness and confusion, as well as headaches and weight gain.

Occasionally, more dangerous but less frequent symptoms may occur: it may cause the onset of seizures, spasms, flu-like symptoms, arrhythmias or jaundice.. Also suicidal thoughts, speech problems, motor incoordination or hallucinations.

There is also a risk of addiction and withdrawal syndromes. Although rather rare and uncommon, there is also a risk of alteration (namely loss) of white blood cell count, as well as the dreaded neuroleptic malignant syndrome which can be life-threatening.

Contraindications

As we have seen, the use of maprotiline can have unpleasant and even dangerous effects. These effects can be much more dangerous and put at risk the safety of some sectors of the population, which have contraindications to maprotiline.

Among these, first of all, the case of those who are allergic to maprotiline or its excipients stands out. Maprotiline should also be avoided by those who suffer from hepatic, renal or pancreatic problems.. It is contraindicated or at least special caution is required for people with glaucoma, hyperprostatism or hyperthyroidism, epilepsy (or a history of seizures), or dementia.

Caution should be exercised and the suitability of treatment with this drug should be assessed with your doctor by those who also use other antidepressants (especially dangerous is the combination with an MAOI), neuroleptics or anticonvulsants, among other drugs, or who are going to undergo surgery.

Nor can it be consumed together with alcoholIt should be avoided in pregnant women and nursing mothers who might use it, and it is not recommended unless there is no other alternative. And given its sedative effects, caution should be maximized and should not drive or use heavy machinery under its effects.