Gamanil

What is it?

A TCAD preparation available as scored, maroon-coloured, film- coated tablets containing 70mg lofepramine (as hydrochloride).

Medical Uses

Depression.

Dosage

Adults, 1 tablet 2 or 3 times each day.

Special Care

Elderly (reduce dose), psychoses or suicidal tendencies. Persons with heart and circulatory disease, liver disorders, overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), epilepsy, diabetes, constipation, urine retention, glaucoma, tumour of the adrenal glands. Blood tests and monitoring of liver and heart function are advisable during therapy.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, patients with heart block, heart rhythm disorders, weak heart, mania, serious liver disease.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Maqis or within 14 days of their use, other antidepressant drugs, neuroleptics, anticholinergic drugs, alcohol, adrenaline, noradrenaline (or anaesthetics containing these), quinidine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, antihypertensive drugs, thyroid drugs, barbiturates, cimetidine, sympathomimetics, oestrogens.

Known Side Effects

Gastro-intestinal disturbances such as constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, anxiety, ringing in ears (tinnitus), drowsiness, insomnia, urine retention, sweating, tremor, raised heartbeat rate, arrhythmitis, conduction defects, palpitations, weight gain or loss. Also, low blood pressure on rising upright, blood changes, allergic skin reactions, abnormal breast enlargement and milk production (gynaecomastia and galactorrhoea), alterations in blood sugar, jaundice, loss of libido and impotence may occur. Occasionally, symptoms of schizophrenia and mania may be activated, particularly in elderly persons.