Forbidden while breastfeeding

Forbidden to children

Has restrictions for seniors

Has limitations for liver problems

Has limitations for kidney problems

Constant stressful situations, anxiety, chronic neuroses can lead to severe disorders not only of the nervous system, but also to dysfunctions of the whole organism. To combat stress, depression and neurosis, the use of benzodiazepine tranquilizers or antidepressants is justified.

The undoubted advantages of these funds include the speed of action. Although effective, the use of these medications can be addictive. Doctors recommend turning to such therapy only in emergency cases. Afobazol differs from other drugs in this group in that, according to the instructions for use, it is not addictive, and in that it can be used for long-term treatment.

Afobazole is an optimal substitute for antidepressants and tranquilizers. The absence of side effects during use, the addiction effect and the withdrawal syndrome are among the distinguishing features of the drug.

Significant advantages of Afobazol are its low level toxicity to the body and the possibility of using complex therapy.

Also long-term use Afobazole is not accompanied by drowsiness, irritability, lethargy and a deterioration in a person's standard of living. The medicine is widely used by doctors and patients and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Drug group, INN, scope

Afobazole belongs to selective non-benzodiazepine drugs with anxiolytic properties, derivatives of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (does not apply to benzodiazepine receptor agonists). The INN of the drug is Afobazol.

The drug is widely used in psychiatry and neurology, in general somatic practice for manifestations of symptoms of depression, psychopathological disorders and in cases of pathological anxiety, which can proceed in the form of seizures or be present constantly.

In cases of anxiety attacks, the patient complains of panic attacks, autonomic dysfunctions of the body, the development of social phobia. At chronic form most often there are constant depressive and stressful conditions, as well as a violation of adaptation. For the treatment of these cases, if a long-term drug treatment, doctors use Afobazol.

Forms of production and prices for the drug, average in Russia

The medicine can be purchased in the form of beige or white round tablets. flat shape... They are produced in quantities of 10, 20, 25 pieces in plates and 30, 50, 60, 100 pieces in plastic jars. Most often they are sold in quantities of 60 in a can. The country of origin of the drug is Russia. Average prices of Afobazol are presented in the table.

Composition and pharmacological properties

One tablet contains 5 mg or 10 mg of fabomotizole dihydrochloride. Additional substances in the composition include:

• potato starch - 48 mg;
• lactose monohydrate - 48.5 mg;
• medical medium molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone - 7 mg;
• magnesium stearate - 1.5 mg.

Before starting therapy, it is important to understand how Afobazol works. The action of the drug is directed at the sigma-1 receptors of the nerve cells of the brain, due to which the stabilization of the GABA receptors occurs.

The drug restores the structure of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor complex due to sigma-1 receptors, which leads to the normal process of GABA binding to the receptors. It also restores the high sensitivity of these receptors to inhibitory mediators. The medicine has a protective and restorative effect in relation to nerve cells, and also preserves their bioenergetic supply.

The action of Afobazol is represented by a combination of anxiolytic and weak stimulating action. Anxiolytic action is responsible for the elimination of anxiety. Thanks to these effects, the drug can significantly reduce the feeling of anxiety and the preceding feelings of anxiety and fear, irritability, and tension.

Patients feel relief from tearfulness, fright, insomnia, unreasonable fears, depressed mood and constant feelings of stress, dysfunctions of the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, sweating, and malaise.

After taking the drug, people note the restoration of concentration and memory, the complete absence of suspiciousness and the emergence of anxious thoughts, uncertainty and apathy. In patients, the tendency to vivid emotional reactions to minor events disappears.

The medicine is well and quickly absorbed into digestive system... Substances are carried by the blood and quickly spread throughout the body. The drug is metabolized in the liver due to the processes of hydroxylation and oxidative reactions.

It is excreted from the body not only in the form of metabolites, but also in unchanged form with feces and urine. Excretion occurs quickly, which is associated with the breakdown into metabolic products in the liver immediately after I enter the body. With prolonged use, the substances do not accumulate in the body.

When does it take effect?

The effectiveness of the drug can be seen after a week of taking the drug. The maximum effect of the treatment is observed a month after the start of application and remains for several weeks after its termination. Taking Afobazol does not provoke the appearance of muscle weakness, drowsiness, decreased concentration and memory. At the end of treatment, the occurrence of dependence or drug withdrawal syndrome is not recorded.

Indications and contraindications

Afobazole is used as an anxiolytic agent in cases of anxiety. It is important to know exactly what the remedy is helping from. These are, in particular, conditions that manifest themselves:

Also indications for use include:

• attacks of anxiety and neurasthenia;
• bronchial asthma;
• lupus;
• hypertension;
• arrhythmia;
• dermatological diseases;
• oncological diseases;
• acute premenstrual syndrome;
• panic attacks;
• long-term alcohol or smoking withdrawal syndrome;
• insomnia.

It is contraindicated to take the medicine to persons with hypersensitivity to the constituents, people with intolerance to lactase and galactose (since they are present in the composition), for children under 18 years of age and during pregnancy, because it crosses the placenta and can adversely affect the development of the fetus.

With hepatitis B, it is also not recommended to take medication, however, in cases where treatment is necessary, breast-feeding stop before the end of taking Afobazol, (which is associated with the possibility of penetration of substances into breast milk).

It is also forbidden to take the drug for people with:

• diseases of the brain or its injuries;
• diseases and dysfunctions of the peripheral and central nervous system;
• oppression of the functionality of the central nervous system.

The drug does not affect the ability to drive vehicles and perform work that requires increased concentration.

Instructions for use

According to the instructions for use, Afobazol is taken orally after a meal with water. The dosage depends on the nature of the underlying pathology.

Dosage course duration for adults?

For adults, the minimum single dose in tablets is 10 mg, and the daily dose is 30 mg. The dose is recommended to be divided into 3 doses during the day. The effectiveness of taking the drug can be seen after a few weeks, and the maximum effect is manifested in a month. In some cases, the doctor may increase the daily dose to 60 mg and extend the treatment to several months.

In the case of taking Afobazole, it is important when it is taken - before meals or after, since the safety of therapy depends on this. The best option is to take it half an hour after eating.

With VSD and panic attacks

With VSD and panic attacks it is very important to follow the rules for taking the medicine. It must be remembered that the use of Afobazole for a one-time relief of an attack is not effective. In order to see the result and eliminate the appearance of attacks, it is necessary to take the drug regularly. In severe forms of panic, they drink 6 tablets 3 times a day. When light form violations, doctors recommend taking 3 tablets 3 times a day.

Treatment for panic attacks can last from several weeks to several months, which depends entirely on the severity of the attacks. The result from taking Afobazol lasts for several weeks after the pills are canceled. With the return of panic attacks and the manifestation of symptoms of VSD, the doctor may prescribe re-treatment... In some cases, 6 tablets of Afobazole can cause side effects, therefore, the dose is individually adjusted by the doctor for each patient.

Afobazol does not treat the causes of attacks, but only eliminates the manifestation and consequences of attacks.

In order to completely get rid of seizures, it is necessary to undergo a course of treatment with a psychotherapist, since such attacks are the result of mental trauma received in childhood, hidden fears, severe stress and emotional upheavals, depression or manifestations of VSD.

Cases when panic is caused by prolapse are especially dangerous. mitral valve, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or a CNS disorder that only a doctor can diagnose. Therefore, treatment with this medicine is recommended to be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.

With menopause

Afobazole is also popular in gynecology. This medicine is prescribed to patients with vivid symptoms of the onset of menopause, namely:

• sharp fluctuations in body temperature;
• feeling of weakness and malaise, decreased performance;
• increased emotionality;
• sweating;
• sleep problems, insomnia;
• lack of sex drive.

In such cases, the drug is recommended to be taken three times a day, 1 tablet. The duration of treatment is determined by the gynecologist himself. In cases where these symptoms are accompanied by prolonged depression and stressful conditions, doctors recommend Afobazol in combination with sedatives.

Possible side effects and overdose with Afobazole

The drug causes side effects rarely. The most common are itching, rash, redness of the skin, which is provoked by an increased sensitivity to the composition of the drug. Also, sometimes dyspeptic processes can occur, which are manifested by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or diarrhea. These symptoms disappear immediately after you stop taking the pills.

An overdose of the drug is manifested when taking a large number of tablets. This amount is considered a one-time intake of more than 6 tablets.

An overdose of a drug can be detected due to the appearance of the following symptoms:

• the appearance of sharp headaches, reminiscent of migraine;
• drowsiness, weakness, malaise;
• Difficulty, slurred speech
• inhibited reaction;
• weak or heavy breathing;
• a sharp increase in the heartbeat and its sharp weakening;
• the appearance of seizures;
• lethargy.

These symptoms are triggered by the depression of the central nervous system under the influence of a large amount of the active substance. If at least a few symptoms of an overdose are found, it is necessary to provide the victim with first aid.

First of all, it is necessary to give a person a large amount of water to drink and put pressure on the root of the tongue, causing a gag reflex. This will help remove substances from the body that have not yet been absorbed in the digestive system. After that, the person is given an adsorbent, such as activated carbon, in order to remove all toxins. In cases of overdose, doctors advise to give the victim strong coffee to drink, since caffeine reduces the effect of Afobazol on the nervous system.

In the following hours, it is necessary to solder a person with a large amount of water, which will help to remove the remaining substances in the body. After improving the condition, it is necessary to take the victim to a doctor for examination. In cases of severe intoxication of the body in case of an overdose, the victim is treated in a hospital under the supervision of doctors until the functions of the body are fully restored.

Compatibility of Afobazole with drugs and alcohol

Afobazole enhances the action that relieves cramps, and that helps to cope with frequent anxiety. The action is not affected.

With Glycine

Glycine is food supplement, which is represented by a nonessential amino acid. It has a positive effect on the central nervous system, improves concentration, especially in the educational process, and also improves the cognitive properties of the body. Has no harmful effect on the body. Glycine is used as a nootropic drug that has sedative and sedative properties. It can be used not only for treatment, but also for complex therapy and prevention.

It is recommended to drink not only the sick, but also healthy people for prevention purposes. Glycine is prescribed to improve the quality of sleep and the stability of a person's emotional state. This is achieved due to the effect of Glycine on the launch of GABA, that is, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. The drug is also widely used to treat different forms VSD, as it has antioxidant and alpha-adrenergic blocking properties.

Afobazole, in turn, is used for more serious manifestations of nervous disorders and VSD. These drugs can be used simultaneously, since they do not affect the effectiveness and actions of each other.

With alcoholic beverages

According to the manufacturer, alcohol does not affect the effect of the drug. Despite this, doctors do not recommend taking medicine and alcohol together. With a one-time concurrent intake of medicine and alcohol, significant negative effects will not occur.

In such cases, the drug may simply not show its effect, which is due to the fact that alcohol has a sedative and relaxing effect due to inhibition of the central nervous system. Afobazole gradually stimulates the nervous system, thus helping the patient to cope with stress or anxiety.

With long-term simultaneous use, unwanted and unpredictable side effects may appear. Also, the drug may lose its effectiveness due to the negative effect of alcohol on metabolism. In such cases, a person can start taking pills in large quantities himself, and a large amount of the active substance and alcohol intoxication can cause death.

Doctors categorically prohibit drug treatment in cases of alcohol intoxication. The optimal time that should elapse between drinking alcohol and the start of treatment is several days.

This period is individual for each person and depends on the amount of alcohol consumed. It should be remembered that in the case of the interaction of alcohol and the active substance, the patient's condition may deteriorate significantly, the manifestation of unexpected consequences, primarily associated with an increase in the disease, is possible.

Taking a drug to relieve hangover symptoms is meaningless, since by the time Afobazole begins to act, the body itself will get rid of alcohol intoxication. It has a positive effect only in cases of treatment of the consequences of long-term alcohol intake.

Features of therapy for stress and anxiety disorders

Afobazole helps manage symptoms of stress and anxiety. Despite this, it does not affect the causes of these conditions. When you stop taking the medication, the seizures may recur. To eliminate the causes of stress and anxiety, it is necessary to turn to narrow specialists.

To determine the effectiveness of the drug, studies were carried out on the basis of Moscow and St. Petersburg research psycho-neurological institutes. It has been proven that in its action Afobazole is similar to Diazepam. The drug differs from Diazepam in high tolerance, lack of muscle relaxant action and inhibition of cognitive functions. This was the reason for further research.

Scientists considered the main goal to establish the effectiveness of the drug in cases of anxiety. For this, a naturalistic study was conducted in which people from 18 to 65 years old with nervous disorders, depression and anxiety participated. Exceptions were cases of schizophrenia, epilepsy, frequent panic attacks, and acute somatic diseases.

The subjects took the drug three times a day, 15-20 mg for a month and a half. Different assessment techniques were used to better measure effectiveness. Each patient had their own status card, which was checked every 7 days.

Were studied 194 patients, men - 45, women - 149. Since disorders of the nervous system are more common in women, there were most of them. The experiment involved people with disorders lasting from several months to several years. For treatment, patients have previously used antidepressants or tranquilizers.

In the first week of the study, the level of anxiety of patients decreased by 22%. In the 3rd week, the rates climbed to 50%. By the 6th week, the indicator reached 73%. Analysis of the results showed the presence of a constant and harmonious decrease in the severity of anxiety. Starting from the first week, patients complained less about their well-being.

Earlier studies have shown that side effects are more pronounced in the first week.

These effects were represented by increased anxiety, drowsiness and sleep disturbance. The most acute manifestation was the exacerbation of somatic disease... In general, side effects were very rare. The results showed that the effect of Afobazole is independent of age or gender. It has also been shown that the drug reaches its maximum effect in the 3rd week after the start of treatment. At the end, it was found that the stimulating effect prevailed over the sedative.

The main disadvantage of this study is its lack of objectivity. This is due to the fact that not all patients could soberly assess the results of the drug's action. And the positive effect could arise exclusively due to self-hypnosis of people.

To avoid such situations, the double placebo method is used, when half of the patients are given a placebo pill, and the other half are given a real drug. Patients do not know which pills are being treated and do not know about the important details of the study. It is this method that helps to determine that the action of the drug is based on its properties, and not on the self-hypnosis of patients. Data on conducting such research methods for Afobazol were not found.

The studies carried out have confirmed high efficiency drug in the treatment of neurotic disorders. Also, the drug is well tolerated and easy to use.

Afobazole is a drug from the group of anxiolytics (tranquilizers) of non-bezodiazepine structure, which has a moderate activating effect in combination with relief of anxiety.

It has a very mild, in comparison with benzodiazepines, action, does not cause the development of drug dependence and does not provoke a withdrawal syndrome after discontinuation of therapy.

Shown the use of Afobazol for persons with asthenic personality traits in the form of anxious suspiciousness, uncertainty, increased vulnerability and emotional lability, a tendency to emotional stress reactions.

The result of therapy is noticeable already on the 5-7th day of treatment. The maximum effect is achieved by the end of the 4th week and remains after the end of treatment for up to 2 weeks.

Afobazole is a 2-mercaptobenzimidazole derivative, a selective anxiolytic that does not belong to the class of benzodiazepine receptor agonists. Prevents the development of membrane-dependent changes in the GABA receptor.

After oral administration, Afobazole is well and quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Cmax in plasma - (0.13 ± 0.073) μg / ml; Tmax - (0.85 ± 0.13) h.

Afobazol is available in tablet form. Tablets are flat, cylindrical, chamfered, packed in 10 or 25 pieces in blister strip packaging. Their color can vary from white to white with a creamy shade.

Indications for use

What does Afobazol help from? The drug is prescribed in the following cases:

• anxiety in adults:
• generalized anxiety disorders;
• neurasthenia;
• in patients with various somatic (bronchial asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, SLE, ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias), dermatological, oncological and other diseases;
• sleep disorders associated with anxiety;
• cardiopsychoneurosis;
• premenstrual tension syndrome;
• alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
• relief from smoking cessation withdrawal symptoms.

The action of the drug is realized mainly in the form of a combination of anxiolytic (eliminates anxiety) and stimulating (activating) effects.

Instructions for the use of Afobazol and dosages

It is taken orally, after meals.

Single dose is 10 mg; daily dose- 30 mg, divided into 3 doses throughout the day.

The duration of the course of therapy is 2-4 weeks. If necessary, the daily dose of Afobazol can be increased to 60 mg, and the duration of treatment up to 3 months.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to the components of Afobazol.

The drug contains lactose, therefore, patients with rare hereditary forms of galactose intolerance, lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome should not be prescribed the drug.

special instructions

There are several special instructions, which are important to consider when you start taking Afobazol tablets, these include:

• Strengthening the anxiolytic effect of diazepam and the anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepim.
• The drug does not affect a person's ability to perform work, coupled with increased attention and the need for a sufficient speed of psychomotor reactions.

Overdose

With a significant overdose and intoxication, the development of a sedative effect is possible and increased sleepiness without manifestations of muscle relaxation.

As emergency care applied caffeine sodium benzoate 20% solution in ampoules of 1.0 ml 2-3 times a day subcutaneously.

Pregnancy use

It is prohibited to use Afobazol during pregnancy. If it is necessary to prescribe during lactation, breastfeeding should be discontinued for the entire period of drug therapy, since it penetrates into breast milk.

Side effects

When prescribing Afobazol, side effects may develop:

• Allergic reactions.
• Rarely - headache, which usually goes away on its own and does not require discontinuation of the drug.

According to doctors, therapy with Afobazole is well tolerated in the vast majority of cases.

Afobazol, unlike other tranquilizers, is not able to enhance the narcotic effect of alcohol, therefore, taking alcohol during drug treatment will not cause negative consequences. However, the use alcoholic beverages can significantly reduce the therapeutic effect of the drug or reduce the effect of its use to zero, since they have the opposite effect on the nervous system.

In this article, you can read the instructions for using the medicinal product. Afobazol... The reviews of website visitors - consumers of this medication, as well as opinions of doctors of specialists on the use of Afobazol in their practice are presented. A big request is to actively add your reviews about the drug: whether the medicine helped or did not help get rid of the disease, what complications and side effects were observed, which may not have been declared by the manufacturer in the annotation. Analogs of Afobazol in the presence of available structural analogs. Use for the treatment of neurasthenia, anxiety disorders, withdrawal symptoms in adults, children, as well as during pregnancy and lactation. Indications, contraindications and side effects of taking the drug.

Afobazol- a derivative of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, a selective anxiolytic that does not belong to the class of benzodiazepine receptor agonists. Prevents the development of membrane-dependent changes in the GABA receptor.

The drug has an anxiolytic effect with an activating component that is not accompanied by hypno-sedative effects (sedation is detected in doses 40-50 times higher than the ED50 for anxiolytic action). The drug has no muscle relaxant properties, a negative effect on memory and attention. When using the drug, it is not formed drug addiction and withdrawal syndrome does not develop.

The effect of the drug is realized mainly in the form of a combination of anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and easily stimulating (activating) effects. Reduction or elimination of anxiety (concern, bad feelings, apprehension, irritability), tension (fearfulness, tearfulness, anxiety, inability to relax, insomnia, fear), and, consequently, somatic (muscle, sensory, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal) intestinal symptoms), vegetative (dry mouth, sweating, dizziness), cognitive (difficulty concentrating, weakened memory) disorders are observed on days 5-7 of treatment with Afobazole. The maximum effect is achieved by the end of 4 weeks of treatment and remains in the post-treatment period for an average of 1-2 weeks.

The use of the drug is especially shown in persons with predominantly asthenic personality traits in the form of anxious suspiciousness, uncertainty, increased vulnerability and emotional lability, a tendency to emotional stress reactions. Afobazole is non-toxic.

Indications

Anxiety in adults:

• generalized anxiety disorders, neurasthenia, adjustment disorders;
• in patients with various somatic (bronchial asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, SLE, ischemic heart disease, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias), dermatological, oncological and other diseases;
• sleep disorders associated with anxiety;
• cardiopsychoneurosis;
• premenstrual tension syndrome;
• alcohol withdrawal syndrome;
• to alleviate smoking cessation symptoms.

Forms of issue

Tablets 5 mg and 10 mg.

Instructions for use and dosage regimen

The drug is administered orally, after a meal. A single dose is 10 mg; the daily dose is 30 mg, divided into 3 doses during the day.

The duration of the course of the drug is 2-4 weeks.

If necessary, the daily dose of the drug can be increased to 60 mg, and the duration of treatment up to 3 months.

Side effect

• allergic reactions
• increased individual sensitivity.

Contraindications

• pregnancy;
• lactation period (breastfeeding);
• age up to 18 years (the drug is contraindicated in children);
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

Application during pregnancy and lactation

The drug is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).

Drug interactions

With the simultaneous use of Afobazol does not affect the narcotic effect of ethanol (alcohol) and the hypnotic effect of thiopental.

With simultaneous use, Afobazol potentiates the anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepine.

With the simultaneous use of Afobazol causes an increase in the anxiolytic effect of diazepam.

Analogues of the drug Afobazol

Structural analogs for active substance:

• Afobazol GR;
• Neurofazole.

In the absence of analogues of the drug for the active substance, you can follow the links below to the diseases for which the corresponding drug helps, and see the available analogues for the therapeutic effect.