Opipramol
About
Opipramol contains an 'anti-anxiety medication,' primarily used to treat anxiety disorder. It is also used to treat somatic disturbances. An anxiety disorder is a mental problem characterized by feelings of excessive fear or worry that affects an individual's daily activities. Somatic disturbances is a disorder in which a person puts an extreme focus on physical symptoms like fatigue and pain, which causes major emotional stress and problems in functioning.
Opipramol contains Opipramol (a tricyclic anti-depressant), which is used to treat general anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating mood and behaviour. As a result, a person can perform daily activities with more productivity and also improve quality of life.
Take Opipramol as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Opipramol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nasal congestion (stuffy nose), dryness in the mouth, fatigue, hypotension (decreased blood pressure), orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), drowsiness. Most of these side effects of Opipramol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor Opipramol contains Etizolam, a habit-forming drug, so take it in dose and duration prescribed by a doctor. Do not stop taking Opipramol even if you feel better as it may lead to withdrawal symptoms. Opipramol is known to cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may reduce the effectiveness of Opipramol.
Uses of Opipramol
Medicinal Benefits
Opipramol contains an 'anti-anxiety medication,' Opipramol (a tricyclic anti-depressant), which is used to treat general anxiety. It is also used to treat somatic disturbances. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating mood and behaviour. Opipramol reduces anxiety symptoms like tiredness, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, feeling irritability, and insomnia (sleep problems). Hence, it will improve daily activities and increase productivity.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Opipramol
- Nasal congestion (stuffy nose)
- Dryness in mouth
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Hypotension (decreased blood pressure)
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Opipramol if you are allergic to Opipramol or any of its ingredients. Inform your doctor before taking Opipramol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Opipramol is known to cause drowsiness, so do not drive or operate any machinery that requires mental alertness if you are taking Opipramol. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Opipramol, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. Your doctor may constantly monitor your blood counts and liver functions. If you have a fever, stomach pain, nausea, or observe yellowing of your eyes or skin, please inform your doctor. Also, do not suddenly stop taking Opipramol as it might lead to bradycardia (slow heart rate), cardiac problems. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (anti-depression medication) should not be taken along with Opipramol as they are known to cause serious unpleasant side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Opipramol is known to interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (selegiline, moclobemide), beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol), anti-convulsants (diazepam, clonazepam).
Drug-Food Interaction: Opipramol is known to interact with alcohol as it might increase the drowsiness effect of Opipramol.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Opipramol is known to interact in patients with liver or kidney problems, urinary retention, bladder problems, glaucoma, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), pyloric stenosis (food is unable to reach small intestine), history of seizures.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Opipramol as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other adverse effects.
Pregnancy
cautionOpipramol is a Category C pregnancy drug, and safety is unknown. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Opipramol is excreted in human milk. Please consult a doctor before using Opipramol while breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeOpipramol may cause dizziness, double vision, or drowsiness in some people. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or experience any vision problems after taking Opipramol.
Liver
cautionTake Opipramol with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Opipramol with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionThe safety of Opipramol in children is unknown. Please consult a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise and maintain healthy body weight.
- Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid fried foods, high-fat dairy products, pastries, and processed foods as they may worsen anxiety.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern. Do not take a nap during day time.
- Avoid watching tv, using mobiles or laptops just before bedtime.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.
Special Advise
- Opipramol causes drowsiness. Avoid doing activities that require your complete focus and attention, like driving when taking Opipramol.
- An abrupt stoppage of Opipramol can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor about decreasing the dosage before completely stopping its usage.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while on Opipramol as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
- Constant monitoring of blood pressure and liver function is required when taking Opipramol
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety: High levels of anxiety can cause panic attacks, with intense feelings of nervousness, fear, and sudden onset of sweating, hyperventilation, fast heartbeat, and flushing of the skin. Anxiety disorders are different from feelings of anxiety and feeling nervous that involve excessive anxiety, fear, or worry. Fear can arise due to anxiety and emotional response to an immediate threat related to more staying to fight or leaving to escape danger. Fear before getting ready for the surgery is also a part of short term anxiety. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s job performance, school work, and personal relationships.
Somatic disorder: It is a disorder in which a person puts an extreme focus on physical symptoms like fatigue, pain, which causes major emotional stress and problems in functioning. It is generally lead to often thinking of the worst outcomes. Treatment helps to cope with these symptoms and improve quality of life.
FAQs
Opipramol contains an 'anti-anxiety medication,' Opipramol (a tricyclic anti-depressant), which is used to treat general anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating mood and behaviour.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Opipramol without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) or other cardiac problems. Therefore, take Opipramol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Opipramol, please consult your doctor so that the dose may be gradually reduced.
Yes, you need to monitor your liver functions regularly. And also, as Opipramol is known to cause hypotension (low blood pressure), please monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Elderly patients (aged more than 65 years) are more likely to have confusion and sleepiness, or age-related health issues, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving Opipramol. So, it is better to consult a doctor before taking this medicine.
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or uneasiness. Symptoms include irritability, lack of concentration, fatigue, trembling, and rapid heartbeat. If you experience repeated episodes of anxiety, consult a doctor immediately.
Opipramol may cause drowsiness. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Opipramol. Also, do not consume alcohol as it might increase the sleepiness effect of Opipramol.
