Milnacipran
Milnacipran Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Milnacipran is a brand name. Its generic name is Milnacipran.
Milnacipran
Milnacipran is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the family of medications known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder.
Uses for
Milnacipran is used to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder. It may improve how you feel, your energy level, and your ability to function day-to-day. This medication should not be used to treat anxiety, and it is not for use in children and adolescents.
Mechanism of Action
Milnacipran acts by raising the levels of three different neurotransmitters: serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Specifically, it blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, preventing them from being recycled back into the brain's nerve cells, thus increasing their availability for neurotransmission. Milnacipran also stimulates post-synaptic α2-adrenoceptor responses.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Milnacipran typically starts to work within 1-2 weeks, but it can take up to 6 weeks for the full benefits of the medication to be realized. It is important to stay patient and follow your doctor’s instructions when taking Milnacipran so that you can maximize its effectiveness.
Absorption
Milnacipran is absorbed quickly and completely after oral administration. The maximum concentration of Milnacipran is reached in about 2 hours.
Route of Elimination
Milnacipran is rapidly eliminated with most of the drug being metabolized and eliminated in the urine and a small amount being eliminated in the feces. The elimination half-life of the drug is about 5 hours.
Dosage
The dose for Milnacipran depends on the individual patient's clinical status and the severity of symptoms while taking it. The recommended starting dose is 12.5 mg twice a day. The dose may be gradually increased up to 100 mg twice a day as tolerated. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Milnacipran and to continue to take the same dose for at least 4 weeks before increasing it.
Administration
Milnacipran is taken orally, usually twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to take the medication consistently in order to get the most benefit from it.
Side Effects
Common side effects include headache, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and sweating. Less common side effects can include tingling or numbness in the extremities, blurred vision, and difficulty sleeping.
Toxicity
Milnacipran overdose can lead to high blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature as well as an increased risk of seizures. If any of these side effects occur, seek medical help immediately.
Precaution
Before taking Milnacipran, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following: liver or kidney disease, bleeding disorder, heart disease, a history of seizures, a history of drug abuse, or an allergy to this or any other medications.
Interaction
Milnacipran may interact with other medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins. Before taking Milnacipran, tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some of them may interact.
Disease Interaction
Patients with certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, kidney disease, or glaucoma should use Milnacipran with caution as it can worsen the effects of the disease.
Drug Interaction
Milnacipran may interact with certain drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and other SSRIs. Always speak with a healthcare professional before taking any medications together.
Food Interactions
Milnacipran does not need to be taken with food because it is absorbed quickly and completely after oral administration. However, drinking alcohol is not recommended while taking Milnacipran as it can increase the severity of side effects.
Pregnancy Use
The use of Milnacipran during pregnancy is not recommended. This is because there is limited data available on the safety of the drug for use in pregnant women.
Lactation Use
It is not known if Milnacipran is safe for use in women who are breastfeeding. It is recommended that women who are breastfeeding do not take Milnacipran.
Acute Overdose
An overdose of Milnacipran can lead to severe and life-threatening symptoms and should always be treated as a medical emergency. Symptoms of an overdose can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, changes in heart rate, seizures, coma, and death.
Contraindication
Milnacipran should not be taken by patients with an allergy to it or to any of its components. It should also not be taken by patients with a history of mania or severe depression. Patients with a history of seizures should also not take Milnacipran.
Use Direction
Milnacipran should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to take the medication with or without food at the same time every day, in order to get the most benefit from it. It is also important to not skip doses or to stop taking the medication abruptly as this can make the symptoms of depression worse.
Storage Condition
Milnacipran should be stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. Keep the medication away from children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution for Milnacipran is approximately 152 L after a single dose and 109 L after multiple doses.
Half Life
The elimination half-life of Milnacipran is approximately 5 hours.
Clearance
The renal clearance of Milnacipran is estimated to be 17 L/h with a mean elimination half-life of about 5 hours.
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