Indications

Reelife is indicated for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe depression that is associated with moderate to severe anxiety. Symptoms that may respond within the first week of treatment include:

• Insomnia
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Agitation
• Psychic and somatic anxiety
• Suicidal ideation
• Anorexia

Pharmacology

Reelife is a combination of two drugs:

• Amitriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing their concentration and activity.
• Chlordiazepoxide: An anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drug that enhances the effect of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This leads to membrane hyperpolarization and a net neuro-inhibitory effect, resulting in sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Dosage & Administration

• The optimal dosage depends on the severity of symptoms and the individual patient's response.
• An initial dosage of 3 or 4 tablets daily, in divided doses, is generally satisfactory.
• Once a satisfactory response is achieved, the dosage should be reduced to the minimum amount required to maintain remission.
• The largest portion of the total daily dose can be taken at bedtime; for some patients, a single dose at bedtime may be sufficient.

Interaction

Because of its Amitriptyline component, Reelife may block the antihypertensive action of guanethidine or similar compounds.

Contraindications

This drug is contraindicated in patients with:

• Hypersensitivity to either benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants.
• Concomitant use with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Side Effects

Many symptoms common to depression, such as fatigue, weakness, and restlessness, have been reported as side effects.

• Most Frequent: Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, and bloating.
• Less Common: Vivid dreams, impotence, tremor, confusion, and nasal congestion.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safe use of this preparation during pregnancy and lactation has not been established.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures.
• Close supervision is required for patients who are hyperthyroid or on thyroid medication.
• Caution is advised for patients with impaired renal or hepatic function.
• All pediatric patients on antidepressants should be closely monitored for worsening symptoms, suicidal ideation, and unusual behavioral changes.

Use in Special Populations

• Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents have not been established. The potential risks should be balanced against the clinical need.
• Geriatric Use: In elderly and debilitated patients, the dosage should be limited to the smallest effective amount to prevent side effects like ataxia, over-sedation, confusion, or anticholinergic effects.

Overdose Effects

Overdosage can be fatal. Manifestations of overdose include cardiac dysrhythmias, severe hypotension, convulsions, and CNS depression leading to coma. Withdrawal symptoms, including convulsions, tremor, and vomiting, may occur upon abrupt discontinuation.

Therapeutic Class

Reelife is a combined anxiolytic and anti-depressant drug.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of the reach of children.