Tofisopam
About
Tofisopam contains an 'anti-depression medication' primarily used to treat depression and associated anxiety with depression. Depression is a mood disorder that mainly affects a person's daily life. It leads to feelings of sadness, anger, or loss that affect the quality of life. An anxiety disorder is a mental condition characterized by feelings of excessive fear or worry that affect an individual's daily activities.
Tofisopam contains benzodiazepine named Tofisopam, primarily used to treat depression. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger in the brain known as GABA (gamma-amino-butyric-acid), which suppresses the excessive and abnormal activity of nerve cells in the brain. As a result, this reduces tension, creates a feeling of wellbeing, relieves anxiety, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy levels so that you can perform daily activities. And also, in turn, improves the quality of life.
Take Tofisopam as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Tofisopam for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending upon your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience loss of appetite, dryness in the mouth, nausea, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), headache. Most of these side effects of Tofisopam do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Tofisopam has a very high potential for habit-forming, so take it only in dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not abruptly stop taking Tofisopam as it might lead to nausea, aggressive behavior, anxiety, confusion. Inform your doctor if you feel better, and accordingly, the dose will be adjusted. It is known to cause drowsiness, so do not operate any machinery or drive a car as it requires mental focus. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding as it a pregnancy category D drug. Also, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it might increase the drowsiness effect and cause excessive sleepiness.
Uses of Tofisopam
Medicinal Benefits
Tofisopam contains an 'anti-depression medication', Tofisopam, primarily used to treat depression and associated anxiety with depression. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger known as GABA (gamma-amino-butyric-acid), which suppresses the excessive and abnormal activity of nerve cells in the brain. As a result, this reduces tension, creates a feeling of wellbeing, relieves anxiety, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy levels so that you can perform daily activities. And also, in turn, improves the quality of life.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Tofisopam
- Loss of appetite
- Dryness in mouth
- Nausea
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Headache
- Constipation
- Stomach discomfort
- Drowsiness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Tofisopam if you are allergic to benzodiazepines or any ingredient of Tofisopam. Tofisopam has a very high potential for habit-forming, so take it only in dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not abruptly stop taking Tofisopam as it might lead to nausea, aggressive behavior, anxiety, confusion. Inform your doctor if you feel better, and accordingly, the dose will be adjusted. It is known to cause drowsiness, so do not operate any machinery or drive a car as it requires mental focus. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also, alcohol consumption should be avoided as it might increase the drowsiness effect and cause excessive sleepiness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: This medicine may have interactions with other benzodiazepines (bromazepam, diazepam, lorazepam), antianxiety or antiepileptic medicines (like carbamazepine, fluvoxamine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), antifungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole), acidity medicine (aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, omeprazole, cimetidine), immuno-suppressant (cyclosporine), heart medicines (digoxin, digitoxin, isoniazid).
Drug-Food Interaction: Tofisopam may interact with a multivitamin, multi-mineral, or other herbal supplements. So, if you are using any of the OTC items, please tell your doctor. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol and caffeine contains beverages like tea, coffee.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Tofisopam is known to interact in patients with glaucoma (increased eye pressure), epilepsy, respiratory problems (asthma), liver or kidney problems, social phobia.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Tofisopam to avoid unpleasant side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or sleepiness. It may also lead to a life-threatening condition like coma if taken with excessive alcohol.
Pregnancy
unsafeTofisopam is a Category D risk pregnancy drug that is considered unsafe for pregnant women. Tofisopam can have some harmful effects on the baby (fetus), so your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
unsafeTofisopam passes into the breast milk and may cause some degree of sedation in the baby. So, keep your doctor informed if you're planning to breastfeed while on this medication.
Driving
unsafeTofisopam usually causes dizziness, drowsiness, and visual disturbances, which may affect their ability to drive or operate machinery. So, do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Tofisopam. Tell your doctor if you get these types of side effects.
Liver
cautionTofisopam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionTofisopam to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
unsafeIt is unknown whether Tofisopam is safe or effective in treating conditions like panic disorder in children younger than 18 years old. So, your doctor will decide whether Tofisopam can be given to children less than 18 years of age or not.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise, which can help lower anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your sleep and self-image.
- Find the humor in your daily life. Try to watch light-hearted shows to help relieve stress.
- You can try increasing your mindfulness by including yoga, meditation, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated, and limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine to relieve anxiety.
- Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating a lot of simple carbohydrates found in processed foods.
- Herbs like turmeric, ginger, and chamomile contain anti-inflammatory properties. Including these stuff in meals can reduce inflammation caused due to anxiety disorder.
- Reduce your alcohol, caffeine, added sugar, high salt, and high fat intake. Especially trans-fat may help also help reduce inflammation.
- You can include antioxidants in your daily diet like ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, and lemon balm.
- Try to spend time with your friends and family. Having a strong social network may help you lower your risk of anxiety.
Special Advise
- Tofisopam causes drowsiness. Avoid doing activities that require your complete focus and attention, like driving when on this drug.
- An abrupt stoppage of Tofisopam 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 this medication as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
- Tofisopam is unsafe for usage if you're pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. Discuss with your doctor in such situations about changing/replacing the medicine with safer alternatives.
- To avoid getting addicted to Tofisopam, take it only in prescribed quantities and only as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: Depression is considered a serious mental disorder that can lead to worsening of the condition if not treated. It is a mood disorder that mainly affects a person's daily life. It leads to feelings of sadness, anger, or loss that affects the quality of life. It can lead to low productivity at work.
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 the short term anxiety. Anxiety disorders can affect an individual’s job performance, school work, and personal relationships.
FAQs
Tofisopam contains Tofisopam (benzodiazepine), which is used to treat anxiety. Tofisopam works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger GABA, which suppresses the excessive and abnormal activity of nerve cells in the brain.
Do not abruptly stop taking Tofisopam as it might lead to nausea, aggressive behavior, anxiety, confusion. Inform your doctor if you feel better, and accordingly, the dose will be adjusted.
Tofisopam is generally not recommended for elderly patients as it is known to reduce muscle tone and increase the risk of falls. So, if a doctor prescribes it, only then take it.
Yes, Tofisopam may cause mental or physical dependence if used for a prolonged time. Therefore, take Tofisopam only in dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
If you have taken a double dose or overdose of Tofisopam, you need immediate medical help either by calling a doctor or going to the nearest hospital or clinic.
Caffeine is a stimulant that may reduce the calming effects of tofisopam. So, it is advisable to avoid the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and cola, or chocolate that contain caffeine.
