Optimax (tryptophan)

How does it work?

Optimax tablets contain the active ingredient tryptophan, which is a type of medicine called an antidepressant.

It is thought that depression may be linked to an imbalance of chemicals within the brain. Within the brain there are chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. An example of these is serotonin. Neurotransmitters are involved in controlling or regulating bodily functions, and serotonin is involved in the control and regulation of mood.

When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the brain it acts to lighten mood. When it is reabsorbed into the nerve cells, it no longer has an effect on mood. When depression occurs, there may be a decrease in the amount of serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain.

Tryptophan works by increasing serotonin in the brain. Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body needs to make serotonin. Taking tryptophan therefore helps increase the production of serotonin in the brain. This alters the imbalance of chemicals that is thought to be important in causing depression and helps relieve the depression.

Tryptophan is only used in combination with other antidepressant medicines. It is used to treat depression that has not got better despite treatment with various other antidepressants.

Treatment with this medicine should only be started by hospital specialists. However, your GP can then continue to prescribe it for you.

What is it used for?

Severe depression that has not responded to treatment with other antidepressant medicines. (Tryptophan is used in combination with other antidepressants).

Warning!

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Antidepressants may cause the amount of sodium in the blood to drop - a condition called hyponatraemia. This can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, muscle twitching or convulsions. Elderly people may be particularly susceptible to this effect. You should consult your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms while taking this medicine, so that your blood sodium level can be checked if necessary.

This medicine has been associated with a disorder called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS). This syndrome can affect various parts of the body and is usually reversible when the medicine is stopped, but on rare occasions can be life-threatening. For this reason, you should consult your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine, as they may be signs of EMS: joint or muscle pain; high temperature (fever); breathlessness; swelling of the feet, ankles or hands; pins and needles or numb sensations; or skin sores. Your doctor may want you to stop taking this medicine while checks are carried out to determine if you have EMS, usually by taking a blood sample to test for raised levels of white blood cells called eosinophils in your blood. If affected by this syndrome you should not be prescribed this medicine again.

Use with caution in

Elderly people.

Not to be used in

Children

People who have experienced a disorder called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS - see warnings above for details) during previous treatment with tryptophan.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved