Levomepromazinum
Levomepromazinum Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Levomepromazinum is a brand name. Its generic name is Methotrimeprazine.
Levomepromazinum Overview
Levomepromazinum is a medication typically used to treat schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and various other mental health conditions. It is an atypical antipsychotic drug that works by modulating certain areas of the brain that are associated with psychosis.
Uses For Levomepromazinum
Levomepromazinum is commonly used for the following medical conditions:
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Insomnia
Mechanism of Action
Levomepromazinum works by modulating certain areas of the brain, including that belonging to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotransmitters like GABA, and other channels that are thought to be responsible for the positive symptoms that are present in schizophrenia - hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Levomepromazinum typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to begin to show its effects. The effects may vary from person to person, however, it should generally take about 4 to 6 weeks for a patient to observe some clinical improvements.
Absorption
Levomepromazinum is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral administration with peak plasma concentrations occurring in about 3 to 8 hours.
Route of Elimination
Levomepromazinum is eliminated from the body primarily via renal excretion and also via hepatic biliary excretion.
Dosage
Levomepromazinum is available in oral tablets. The recommended dose for adults is 25 to 50 mg/day. This dose may be increased by 25 to 50 mg/day at weekly intervals to target symptom relief. The maximum dose should not exceed 150 mg/day.
Administration
Levomepromazinum should be taken orally with or without food, preferably in the morning.
Side Effects
Side effects of methotrimeprazine may include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain, constipation, increased risk of high cholesterol or triglycerides, and increased risk of stroke.
Toxicity
The toxicity of methotrimeprazine varies, but it is considered relatively low in comparison to other antipsychotics. Overdoses of more than 2000 mg have been reported, however, the clinical effects of these overdoses are usually mild.
Precautions
Patients should speak to their doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions as certain medical conditions may put the patient at an increased risk of adverse effects from methotrimeprazine. Some patients may be more sensitive to the effects of methotrimeprazine and should monitor their effects closely.
Interactions
Levomepromazinum may interact with certain medications, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications. It is also important to tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking.
Disease Interaction
Levomepromazinum may have adverse interactions with certain medical conditions, including but not limited to, narrow angle glaucoma, difficulty urinating, prostate enlargement, and breast cancer. It is important to speak to your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have.
Drug Interaction
Levomepromazinum may interact with certain drugs, including but not limited to, cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram, and acetazolamide. Speak to your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking in order to minimize potential drug interactions.
Food Interactions
Levomepromazinum should not be taken with food or certain beverages, such as alcohol. It is important to speak to your doctor about all the food and drinks you are consuming while taking methotrimeprazine.
Pregnancy Use
Levomepromazinum should not be used during pregnancy as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant should speak to their doctor about other medications that are safe to use during pregnancy.
Lactation Use
Levomepromazinum should not be used during lactation as it may be excreted in breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing infant. Women who are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed should speak to their doctor about other medications that are safe to use during breastfeeding.
Acute Overdose
Signs of methotrimeprazine overdose include extreme drowsiness, impaired motor skills, confusion, and coma. If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindication
Levomepromazinum should not be used in patients who have had a reaction to methotrimeprazine or any of the other ingredients in the formulation. It should also not be used in those patients who are pregnant or lactating.
Use Direction
Levomepromazinum should be taken as directed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than what is prescribed. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about how to take methotrimeprazine.
Storage Condition
Levomepromazinum should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets. Do not store the medication in the bathroom or kitchen cabinets.
Volume of Distribution
Levomepromazinum has an apparent volume of distribution of approximately 30 L/kg. This indicates that methotrimeprazine is distributed throughout the body, and is not limited to certain areas.
Half Life
The half-life of methotrimeprazine is about 36 hours. This indicates that the medicine will remain active in the body for about this amount of time.
Clearance
Levomepromazinum is cleared from the body by renal and hepatic pathways. The drug is metabolised in the liver by the CYP2D6 enzyme, with metabolites that are eliminated through the kidneys.
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