Deleta 500mcg+10mg Tablet: A Combination for Depression and Anxiety

Deleta 500mcg+10mg Tablet is a combination medicine used in the treatment of depression and anxiety. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, which leads to a calming effect on the brain and helps to relax the nerves.

How Deleta Works (Mode of Action & Pharmacology)

Deleta is a combination of two active ingredients: Flupenthixol and Melitracen.

• Flupenthixol (a typical antipsychotic): This component primarily works by blocking the action of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating thoughts and mood. In the context of this combination, its lower dose contributes to a calming and activating effect without the prominent antipsychotic effects seen at higher doses.
• Melitracen (a tricyclic antidepressant - TCA): This component works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain that help in regulating mood, thereby treating depression and its associated symptoms.

Together, these two medicines provide a balanced effect, addressing both the depressive symptoms and associated anxiety, apathy, or dysphoria.

Key Indications & Benefits

Deleta is indicated for the treatment of:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Apathy
• Dysphoria (a state of unease or generalized dissatisfaction)

Dosage & Administration

Deleta may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels in the body. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. It's important not to stop this medication suddenly without talking to your doctor, as it may worsen symptoms.

Adults:

• Usually: 2 tablets daily; typically one in the morning and one at noon.
• In severe cases: The morning dose may be increased to 2 tablets.
• Maintenance dose: Usually 1 tablet in the morning.
• For insomnia or severe restlessness in the acute phase, additional sedative treatment may be recommended.

Elderly:

• Usually: 1 tablet in the morning.

Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking Deleta.

Contraindications:

• The immediate recovery phase after a myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Defects in bundle-branch conduction (a type of heart rhythm problem).
• Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Acute alcohol, barbiturate, and opiate intoxications.
• Patients who have received a MAO-inhibitor within two weeks.
• Not recommended for excitable or overactive patients, as its activating effect may worsen these characteristics.

Side Effects:

• In recommended doses, side effects are rare.
• Common: Dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, increased heart rate, muscle rigidity, restlessness, tremor, weight gain, sleepiness, orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions), increased prolactin level in blood.
• Rare: Transient restlessness and insomnia.

Interactions:

• May potentiate the adverse effects of drugs with antimuscarinic effects (e.g., other TCAs).
• Reduced efficacy of levodopa.
• Increases adverse extrapyramidal symptoms with dopamine antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide and prochlorperazine).
• Potentially Fatal Interactions:
  • Potentiates CNS effects of alcohol, general anesthetics, hypnotics, anxiolytics, and opioids (avoid drinking alcohol).
  • Blocks antihypertensive effect of guanethidine.
  • Additive toxicity with antimuscarinics and CNS depressants.
  • Response to TCA may be accelerated with thyroid hormones; pressor effects of sympathomimetics may be enhanced; risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other antidepressants.
  • Antidiabetic dosage may need to be adjusted (can cause changes in blood sugar levels).

Pregnancy & Lactation: The provided text does not specify the pregnancy category or detailed information for pregnant and lactating women. However, due to the nature of the active ingredients (antidepressants and antipsychotics), it is generally advised that:

• Pregnancy: Use should only be considered if clearly needed and the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
• Lactation: It is unknown if the components are excreted in human breast milk. Caution should be exercised, and alternatives might be considered.

Precautions & Warnings:

• If the patient was previously treated with sedating tranquilizers, these should be withdrawn gradually.
• Driving & Mental Focus: May cause dizziness and sleepiness; do not drive or do anything requiring mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Blood Pressure: May cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions; rise slowly.
• Blood Sugar: Can cause changes in blood sugar levels; monitor regularly.
• Organ Health: Inform your doctor if you have liver disease, thyroid disorder, severe heart disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, or a urinary disorder.
• Alcohol/Sedatives: Do not take if under the influence of alcohol or any sleep-inducing, cough, and/or allergy medication.
• Weight Gain: Can lead to weight gain; maintain a healthy diet and exercise.
• Mood Changes/Suicidal Thoughts: Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
• Surgical Procedures: Inform your doctor you are taking Deleta before any surgical procedure.

Storage Conditions

Keep in a cool & dry place (below 30ºC), protected from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.