Asendin: Advanced Relief for Major Depressive Disorder
Asendin
| Product dosage: 50mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 30 | $1.37 | $41.00 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.20 | $82.00 $72.00 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.13 | $123.00 $102.00 (17%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.10 | $164.00 $132.00 (20%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.07 | $246.00 $192.00 (22%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.04 | $369.00 $282.00 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.02
Best per pill | $492.00 $369.00 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Asendin (amoxapine) is a tetracyclic antidepressant indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It functions primarily as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, enhancing the availability of this key neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft to help restore mood balance. Clinical use is supported by evidence of efficacy in improving core symptoms of depression, including low mood, anhedonia, and psychomotor disturbances. Proper patient selection and adherence to prescribing guidelines are essential for optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing risks.
Features
- Active ingredient: Amoxapine
- Pharmacologic class: Tetracyclic antidepressant
- Primary mechanism: Potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibition; moderate dopamine blockade
- Secondary pharmacological activity: Weak serotonin reuptake inhibition
- Available formulations: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg oral tablets
- Bioavailability: High oral absorption with extensive hepatic metabolism
- Half-life: Approximately 8 hours for amoxapine; active metabolites may persist longer
- Protein binding: High (>90%)
Benefits
- Effective alleviation of core depressive symptoms including persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest
- Rapid onset of action compared to some SSRIs, with some patients experiencing improvement within one week
- May be particularly useful in patients with depression characterized by psychomotor retardation
- Lower incidence of anticholinergic side effects compared to older tricyclic antidepressants
- Useful in treatment-resistant cases when first-line therapies have proven inadequate
- May improve sleep architecture and reduce anxiety associated with depressive episodes
Common use
Asendin is primarily prescribed for the management of major depressive disorder in adult patients. It may be considered as a first-line option in certain clinical presentations or as an alternative when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) have provided insufficient therapeutic response or caused intolerable side effects. Some clinicians may utilize Asendin off-label for anxiety disorders or neuropathic pain, though robust evidence supporting these uses is limited. Treatment typically begins after thorough assessment including medical history, contraindication screening, and evaluation of potential drug interactions.
Dosage and direction
Initial dosage for most adults is 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg once daily at bedtime. Depending on tolerance and therapeutic response, dosage may be gradually increased to 300 mg daily, with some patients requiring up to 400 mg daily in divided doses. Elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment should begin with lower doses (25-50 mg daily) with careful titration. Maximum antidepressant effects may not be apparent for 2-4 weeks despite earlier improvement in some symptoms. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and may be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided; taper gradually over several weeks under medical supervision.
Precautions
Patients should be monitored closely for worsening depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, particularly during initial treatment and dosage adjustments. Regular assessment of hepatic and renal function is recommended during prolonged therapy. Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, urinary retention, or seizure disorders. May impair mental or physical abilities required for hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided due to potentiated CNS depression. Periodic eye examinations are advised during long-term treatment.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to amoxapine or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI therapy. During the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction. Patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma or severe urinary retention. History of seizure disorder unless adequately controlled with anticonvulsant therapy. Severe hepatic impairment.
Possible side effects
Common (≥1%): Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain. Less common: Orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, urinary retention, increased sweating, nausea. Rare but serious: Seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, agranulocytosis, hepatitis, cardiac arrhythmias. Any emergence of extrapyramidal symptoms should be promptly evaluated. Patients should report fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, or other signs of infection immediately.
Drug interaction
MAOIs: Risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis. CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids): Additive sedation and respiratory depression. Anticholinergic agents: Enhanced anticholinergic effects. Antihypertensives: Potential attenuation of blood pressure control. Sympathomimetics: Increased cardiovascular effects. CYP2D6 inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine): May increase amoxapine levels. Warfarin: Possible enhanced anticoagulant effect requiring INR monitoring.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped and the regular dosing schedule resumed. Doubling doses to make up for a missed dose is not recommended. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if multiple doses are missed to discuss appropriate resumption of therapy.
Overdose
Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, agitation, confusion, seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, coma, and respiratory depression. Medical attention should be sought immediately for suspected overdose. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, including gastric lavage if presented early, activated charcoal, and continuous cardiac monitoring. There is no specific antidote; management of seizures with benzodiazepines and arrhythmias with appropriate antiarrhythmics may be necessary.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C or 68-77°F) in the original container with the lid tightly closed. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging. Properly dispose of unused medication through drug take-back programs or according to FDA-recommended disposal methods.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Asendin is a prescription medication that should be used only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Individual response to therapy may vary, and only a healthcare provider can determine the appropriate treatment based on a patient’s specific medical condition, history, and current medications. Patients should not alter their dosage or discontinue treatment without consulting their prescriber.
Reviews
Clinical studies demonstrate Asendin’s efficacy in major depressive disorder, with response rates comparable to other antidepressants in its class. Many clinicians report particular success in patients who have not responded adequately to first-line SSRI therapy. Some studies note faster onset of action compared to some newer antidepressants, though with a different side effect profile. Long-term experience supports its position as a valuable option in the antidepressant arsenal, particularly for appropriate patients under careful monitoring. Real-world evidence continues to inform optimal use patterns and patient selection criteria.