Melaxen. Instructions for use, price, reviews of patients who took the drug, analogues

Melaxen is a drug that belongs to categories of sleeping pills and broad-spectrum sedatives. According to the positive reviews of patients taking the drug, the medication allows you to cope with the manifestations of insomnia and disturbances in the process of falling asleep.

Indications for use

Melaxen is a medicinal product that has psycholeptic properties and also acts as an agonist for melatonin receptors. The positive therapeutic properties of the drug are achieved due to the direct effect of its active components on the central nervous system.

Melaxen is indicated for use in patients with the following health problems:

Type of disease	Characteristics of the pathological state of the body and the manifestation of the therapeutic properties of the drug
Primary insomnia	In the presence of this disease, a person cannot sleep even after a hard day's work. In most cases, the cause of the onset of primary insomnia remains unknown, or appears after the stress suffered. Taking Melaxen provides fast falling asleep, which occurs within 10-15 minutes. Treatment of secondary insomnia is possible only after eliminating the causes that provoked the sleep disorder.
Sleep impairment	Full rest of the body is possible only with deep and sound sleep, the duration of which is at least 7-8 hours. Superficial sleep does not allow internal organs and systems to recover. Patients who suffer from disturbed sleep quality, often wake up at night, and then cannot fall asleep, Melaxen is indicated.
Feeling anxious while falling asleep	Violation of the process of falling asleep may be accompanied by anxiety, restlessness, obsessive thoughts, cramps of the lower extremities. To get rid of such reactions of the central nervous system, a regular or symptomatic reception of Melaxen is prescribed.

The indications for the use of this drug are determined by the attending physician after a preliminary examination of the patient with the determination of the reasons that caused the signs of the disorder. The drug has a number of medical contraindications for use.

Unauthorized use of Melaxen is prohibited and can be hazardous to health.

Compound

Reviews of patients who took the drug Melaxen indicate the high effectiveness of the medication.

The positive properties of the drug are explained by the pharmacological effects of its main and auxiliary components:

• melatonin Is an active substance of a drug with a concentration of 3 mg in each tablet, which is a synthetic analogue of the pineal gland hormone, which takes part in regulation of circadian rhythms (characterized by a sedative effect on the centers of the brain, which are involved in the process of falling asleep, as well as ensuring healthy and deep sleep);
• calcium hydrogen phosphate and magnesium stearate - auxiliary components, the presence of which makes it possible to neutralize the aggressive effect of the acidic environment of gastric juice after the tablet enters the gastrointestinal tract;
• isopropanol, talc - excipients that form the protective shell of the drug.

According to the pharmacological formula of the drug, Melaxen is a chemical analogue of biogenic melatonin. In the body of a healthy person, this hormone is produced by the pineal gland (pineal gland in the brain), which is a gland of the endocrine system, but belongs to the neurogenic group.

In what form is it produced

Melaxen (reviews of patients who took the drug indicate its high therapeutic efficacy) is a drug in a tablet form of release. The tablets are round, biconvex. The top of the medication is covered with a protective sheath.

The color shade of the preparation varies from white to light yellow. In the center of each tablet is a dividing line. The medication is packed in a box made of thick cardboard. Each package contains 1 blister, which contains 12 tablets. The average cost of 1 box of the drug is 535 rubles.

Pharmodynamics

Melaxen is intended to normalize circadian rhythms. The active component of the drug regulates the process of sleep and wakefulness, takes part in changing locomotor activity, affects the increase and decrease in body temperature.

Melaxen accelerates the process of falling asleep, normalizes night sleep, improves overall well-being after waking up. The person taking the drug does not feel the feeling of morning lethargy, weakness and fatigue. According to patient reviews, dreams become emotionally rich and more vivid.

The pharmacodynamic properties of Melaxen are to improve the adaptation process of the body in a stressful situation, as well as after changing time zones. The drug exhibits a pronounced immunostimulating and antioxidant effect.

The active substance of the medication slows down the secretion of the following hormones:

• somatotropin;
• gonadotropin;
• thyrotropin;
• corticotropin.

  

A distinctive feature of Melaxen as a sleeping pill is that it does not cause addiction and drug dependence. A person who has temporary sleep disturbances takes this drug until the physiological functions of the body are restored.

Pharmacokinetics

Melaxen (reviews of patients who took the drug indicate its positive properties) is a psycholeptic agent that, after oral use, is completely absorbed under conditions organs of the digestive tract. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood serum is reached 3 hours after administration.

The rate of absorption of the active component into the intestinal wall with its further spread throughout the body depends on the filling of the gastrointestinal tract with food. The presence of food slows down the absorption of melatonin.

The breakdown of the chemical components of the drug occurs in the liver tissues. The complete biotransformation of Melaxen is completed after 12 hours from the moment of taking the tablets. Upon completion of metabolism, the chemical substances formed after the disintegration of the drug are rapidly excreted (from 3 to 4 hours).

Most of the metabolites are excreted in the urine (at least 89%). These are sulfate and glucuronide conjugates of 6-hydroxymelatonin. The rest of the components of the drug are excreted in the feces.

Application

Melaxen affects the functioning of the central nervous system and is a potent sedative. In this regard, the drug is not prescribed to patients of certain age groups and categories.

For children under 18

Melaxen is contraindicated for use in children of the younger age group and adolescents.

Restrictions in the use of the drug are due to the fact that the manufacturers of the drug do not have clinical data on how Melaxen acts on the state of the child's body.

For adults

For patients of the adult age group, the standard dosage of the drug is used. Melaxen is prescribed 1 tablet per day. The medication must be taken 1-2 hours before bedtime.

Before using the medicine, you need to eat so that the stomach is not empty. The average duration of a therapeutic course is 21 days. At the discretion of the attending physician, the duration of treatment can be reduced or increased.

For pregnant

The psycholeptic and hypnotic Melaxen is not used for women who are in a state of pregnancy, or who are lactating a baby with breast milk. This is due to the fact that the active component of the drug can negatively affect the development of the child. There are no clinical studies on the effect of Melaxen on fetal tissue.

For the elderly

For elderly patients who suffer from sleep disorders, a standard dosage is prescribed in the form of 1 tablet per day, 1-2 hours before bedtime. The drug is prescribed with extreme caution to people over the age of 55, and also have severe liver and kidney disease.

A decrease in the functional activity of these organs leads to a slower disintegration and withdrawal of the active component of Melaxen. In this case, taking the drug can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the digestive and excretory systems.

Contraindications

Melaxen (reviews of patients taking the drug are mostly positive) is contraindicated in patients who have the following diseases and pathological conditions of the body:

• chronic renal failure, accompanied by severe impaired renal function (concurrent administration of the drug will only aggravate the painful symptoms, or will cause an exacerbation ailment);
• individual intolerance to melatonin or auxiliary components of the drug, which is expressed in allergic reactions of the body (the appearance of a rash, urticaria, edema of epithelial tissues and mucous membranes, bronchial spasm, an attack suffocation);
• type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus;
• severe disturbances in the work of the central nervous system;
• epilepsy (it doesn't matter how often seizures occur);
• all types of autoimmune diseases;
• intolerance to the body of galactose;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• therapy with drugs, the active or auxiliary components of which are synthetic hormones;
• leukemia or lymphoma;
• liver diseases, which are associated with the gradual destruction of its tissues and a decrease in functional activity (viral or intoxicated hepatitis, cirrhosis, cancer).

Melaxen is categorically contraindicated in patients who, due to the presence of concomitant diseases of the body, are forced to regularly take drugs of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, cyclosporin series, and corticosteroids.

The medication is not recommended for people who drive vehicles, machinery or equipment that require special attention. This limitation is due to the fact that Melaxen causes drowsiness. In some cases, a drowsy state can persist during the daytime.

Overdose

In the event of an overdose with Melaxen, the following reactions of the body occur:

• violation of the rhythmic activity of the heart, which most often manifests itself in the form of tachycardia;
• changes in the biochemical composition of the blood;
• increased irritability and sudden mood swings;
• an unreasonable feeling of anxiety, which may be accompanied by obsessive-compulsive disorder;
• depression, tearfulness and signs of depression;
• tearing;
• nausea and vomiting;
• severe headache, which indicates a general intoxication of the body (occurs after taking large doses of the medication);
• increased sex drive, or its complete absence;
• unstable blood pressure and blood vessel spasm;
• spasmodic pains in the central or upper abdomen, which indicate irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa (most often this symptom is accompanied by bouts of vomiting and diarrhea);
• darkening in the eyes and dizziness that occurs after a sharp change in body position;
• decreased visual acuity;
• complete or partial loss of appetite;
• drowsiness and slowing down of psychoemotional reactions.

If signs of an overdose appear, it is necessary to take measures to cleanse the body of excessive concentrations of melatonin. As the first emergency medical aid, the patient is given to drink Activated charcoal (at least 8-10 tablets), Enterosgel (1 tbsp. l.), Atoxil suspension (1 sachet of the medication is dissolved in 200 ml of warm water, and then drunk in one gulp).

These are sorbent preparations that bind the active substance, and also contribute to the elimination of signs of intoxication of the body. A person needs to be given as much water as possible to drink, and then call an ambulance.

Side effects

Melaxen is a drug that can provoke a large number of side effects.

Most of them are manifested by the following symptoms:

• angina pectoris;
• increased excitability;
• cramps of the lower extremities;
• short-term memory impairment;
• fainting;
• arterial hypertension;
• inability to focus on the same thought or object;
• early morning awakening, which is accompanied by hyperactivity;
• hot flashes;
• increased gas production and intestinal noises;
• aggressiveness and irascibility;
• bad breath from the mouth;
• a decrease in the protective functions of the immune system, which are most often manifested by infectious invasions;
• allergic reactions;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
• increased sweating;
• the appearance of signs of psoriasis, which are part of a negative autoimmune reaction of the body;
• angioedema with an increase in the mucous membrane, tissues of the tongue and larynx;
• dry skin;
• ulcerative formations on the surface of the tongue;
• thrombocytopenia;
• intense thirst;
• increased fatigue;
• aching pain in muscles and joints, which intensifies during movement;
• swelling of tissues and an increase in body weight.

The occurrence of side effects requires the immediate cessation of therapy with Melaxen, as well as consultation with the attending physician. Patients with the manifestation of an acute allergic reaction, arterial hypertension, intoxication of the body, require immediate hospitalization in a hospital.

Drug interactions

Melaxen drug enters into biochemical reactions with the following types of drugs:

• enhances the sedative effect of benzodiazepines;
• in combination with thioridazine and imipramine causes inhibition of psychoemotional reactions;
• incompatible with glucocorticosteroids and cyclosporin drugs;
• not recommended for simultaneous use with anti-inflammatory drugs.

During therapy with Melaxen, it is necessary to refrain from taking medicinal syrups containing ethyl alcohol, since the latter substance reduces the hypnotic effect of the medication.

Storage conditions and periods

The drug Melaxen should be stored out of the reach of children at an air temperature not higher than +30 degrees Celsius. Subject to these conditions, the drug does not lose its pharmacological properties within 4 years.

Conditions of dispensing from pharmacies

Melaxen is sold in retail pharmacy chains. No special prescription is required.

Analogs

Analogues of Melaxen are drugs: Vita-melatonin with a concentration of 3 mg of active substance, as well as Circadin with a content of synthetic melatonin - 2 mg. These medicines are taken 1 tablet a day. The use of the medication is carried out 1-2 hours before bedtime on a full stomach. The average duration of treatment is 2 to 3 weeks.

Reviews of patients who took the drug Melaxen are positive, and also indicate the high effectiveness of the drug. The medication allows you to get rid of sleep disorders and the process of falling asleep.

The drug is safe for the human body, does not cause addiction and drug dependence. The appointment of the drug should be carried out only by the attending physician after a preliminary examination of the body.

Article design: Vladimir the Great

Video about the drug Melaxen

When and to whom is Melaxen prescribed: