Fluoxetine-based drugs are prescribed to treat not only depression, but also many other related disorders. However, sometimes the question arises of what can replace Fluoxetine capsules, and it is not possible to quickly consult a doctor. In the article we will talk about modern analogues of Fluoxetine and the features of their use.
What is this?
The development of society is moving to a new stage, and with it, mental pathology – depression – is becoming more and more widespread.
The pharmaceutical industry was looking for a means to combat depression, and in the late 1950s antidepressants appeared: iproniazid and imipramine. Currently, depression is treated at home. Therefore, demands are placed on antidepressants in their ability to positively influence the personal growth and standard of living of patients. All antidepressants have the inherent property of having a beneficial effect on improving the mood and mental state of the patient.
The most popular and frequently used is Fluoxetine; its use requires a prescription from a doctor.
The original drug has more than a dozen analogues of fluoxetine:
- Apo-fluoxetine;
- Bioxetine – tablets;
- Deprex – capsules;
- Deprenon – capsules;
- Prozac - capsules;
- Profluzak;
- Phloxet;
- Fluval;
- Fluxonil;
- Fluoxetine Hexal;
- – “” – Lannacher;
- – “” – Nycomed;
- – “” – Ozone 20 mg and 10 mg;
- Fludak;
- Frames.
All of these drugs contain the active ingredient fluoxetine.
Analogs of fluoxetine as an active substance are:
- paroxetine;
- sertraline;
- escitalopram;
- citalopram;
- fluvoxamine;
- milnacipram.
Without prescriptions
Fluoxetine, having many properties that have a positive effect on the human psyche, has a number of side effects. Many are looking for drugs with a similar effect, less harmful. It's no secret that antidepressants can be purchased without prescriptions and even over the Internet.
Less aggressive substitutes for Fluoxetine are Flunate and Deprex. Identical in composition and practically over-the-counter are Profluzac and Fluval.
Russian
Fluoxetine is produced by many Russian companies.
The commercial name of the drug with the active substance fluoxetine is Profluzac.
Analogs are produced by:
- Escitalopram – Berezovsky Pharmaceutical Plant;
- Paroxetine – Berezovsky Pharmaceutical Plant;
- Citalopram – ALSI Pharma.
According to the RBC website dated May 15, 2021, the sale of antidepressants in Russia has doubled over the past five years, which is explained by the alleged partial abandonment of sleeping pills and, of course, illegal prescriptions from doctors.
How to replace Fluoxetine
Let us consider in more detail the main options for replacing Fluoxetine.
Analogs for the active substance
Direct analogues of Fluoxetine, which have almost identical instructions for use, are Prozac, Apo-Fluoxetine, Fluoxetine-Canon, Fluoxetine Lannacher. Fluoxetine Lannacher, Prozac and Apo-Fluoxetine are European analogues of higher quality. Prozac is the trade name of the original Fluoxetine, which has undergone a full range of clinical trials and is considered the safest. Its significant disadvantage is the high price - about 500 rubles. for 14 capsules.
Analogs by pharmacological group
Antidepressants - serotonin reuptake inhibitors also include Fevarin, Zoloft, Selectra, Serenata, Cipralex, Paxil. All of them are used in the treatment of depression, but they act differently on the body. Fevarin has a predominant calming effect, while Cipralex and Selectra (as well as Fluoxetine) have a stimulating effect. A balanced effect is typical for Paxil, Zoloft, Serenata.
Cheap substitutes
The most affordable analogues of Fluoxetine include:
- Amitriptyline is the cheapest antidepressant, which differs from Fluoxetine in its mechanism of action and predominant sedative and hypnotic properties. The minimum cost of 50 tablets can be 25 rubles.
- Sibazon and Phenazepam are tranquilizers, i.e. drugs that suppress anxiety. Despite the fact that antidepressants and tranquilizers have different purposes, in some cases they help relieve the same conditions. For example, both groups are effective for anxiety-depressive disorders and obsessive fears. The cost of 20 tablets of Sibazon usually does not exceed 30 rubles, 50 tablets of Phenazepam cost about 100 rubles.
- Sedatives (sedatives) - tincture, extract of valerian, motherwort, St. John's wort, Dobrokam, Validol. Medicines relieve nervous tension, calm, and improve sleep. The effect is somewhat weaker than antidepressants, but when used systematically they often help cope with mild forms of depression and anxiety disorders. All of the drugs listed are affordable.
Analogues without prescriptions
All synthetic antidepressants in Russia are sold with a prescription. Therefore, only their herbal analogues (Doppelhertz Nervotonic, Negrustin, Gelarium), freely available in pharmacies, can be classified as over-the-counter substitutes for Fluoxetine. They contain dry extract of St. John's wort, which also affects the exchange of serotonin and melatonin (a substance that normalizes sleep). Drugs in this group are used to treat mild or moderate depression, neuroses (mental instability), and low mood.
Plant-based sedatives (Persen, Dobrocam, Novo-Passit) can replace Fluoxetine in cases of anxious depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, menopause and other changes accompanied by irritability and bad mood.
Conditional analogues of Fluoxetine, which can be bought without prescriptions, also include homeopathic sedatives: Tenoten, Nevrosed, Calm. They contain microdoses of the active substance, therefore they are completely harmless and can be used in children's practice. However, the effectiveness of homeopathic medicines has not been scientifically proven.
For weight loss
Let’s say right away that no self-respecting doctor will prescribe antidepressants for weight loss. Antidepressants by themselves do not burn fat. Weight loss in obese patients occurs against the background of the fact that appetite decreases and the person takes in fewer calories.
But, despite all the warnings from doctors, antidepressants are taken for the purpose of losing weight:
- Fluoxetine and Prozac come out on top. Overdose has consequences, often fatal. When buying medications at a pharmacy, remember Michael Jackson. He had a personal doctor.
- Sertraline - used for gluttony (bulimia) associated with stress or depression. In Russia it is known as Zoloft.
Here it is appropriate to talk about originals and generics.
The original is the drug Fluoxetine, registered in 1974. Patent protection ended in 2001.
After patent protection expires, analogues - generics - copies that have similar active ingredients enter the market. A patent is not required to register them. Documents are collected to prove the similarity of the chemical formula to the original molecule. The active ingredient should be similar, but the auxiliary ingredients may differ. The generic version of Fluoxetine is Depres.
Analogues of fluoxetine by indication and method of use:
- Sevpram;
- Serenata;
- Adepres;
- Surlift;
- Zalox;
- Misol;
- Sertraloft;
- Actaparoxetine;
- A-depressin;
- Fevarin;
- Zoloft;
- Paxil;
- Cipramil;
- Cipralex;
- Ezopram;
- Stimuloton;
- Retsita;
Fluoxetine analogues according to indications, but have different compositions:
- Amitriptyline;
- Cymbalta;
- Trittico;
- Melitor;
- Coaxil.
Why do people look for fluoxetine analogs?
There are situations when you have to quickly look for an adequate replacement for Fluoxetine: when the medicine is not at hand or its use is impossible for some reason.
Price issue
Fluoxetine cannot be classified as an expensive drug. A Russian-made drug can be found at a price of 30-50 rubles for 20 capsules. However, they are not always available in pharmacies, and imported synonyms of domestic Fluoxetine cost many times more.
Side effects
The main problem when taking Fluoxetine is the risk of developing severe side effects. Among them:
- overexcitement, insomnia;
- hand tremors, convulsions;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- suicidal tendencies;
- headaches, balance problems;
- loss of appetite, weight loss;
- decreased sex drive;
- menstrual irregularities;
- allergic reactions.
There are analogs for the correction of depressive disorders that are less likely to cause side effects, although this primarily depends on the individual sensitivity of the body to the active substance.
Lack of the drug in pharmacies
Fluoxetine is usually available in pharmacies. However, due to the high demand and affordable price, the cheapest antidepressant options are quickly sold out, leaving only the expensive Fluoxetine. In addition, small pharmacies rarely sell prescription drugs, which include Fluoxetine.
No prescription
Lack of a prescription is another major problem for patients requiring Floxetine treatment. Even if a person receives an antidepressant on the recommendation of a doctor, he is not always able to come to the clinic on time to pick up a prescription. Sometimes you have to wait a month for an appointment with a doctor, but you need the drug right now. In such cases, you have to get out of the situation by buying over-the-counter substitutes for Fluoxetine.
Phenibut
Phenibut is a nootropic drug synthesized at Leningrad University. In 1975, the drug was included in the first aid kit of astronauts.
The drug stimulates memory, improves the learning process and performance. It works as a tranquilizer without reducing psychomotor reactions, relieves tension (like fluoxetine), fatigue, and has an antiepileptic effect.
Used as an adjuvant for delirium tremens
Strengthens the effect of sleeping pills. It is registered as a medicinal product only in Russia. In America it is sold as a dietary supplement.
Prozac
Prozac is the most controversial drug of all antidepressants with the active ingredient fluoxetine. It was originally intended as a medicine for high blood pressure, and later became the most famous antidepressant.
Synonym for Prozac - Fluoxetine, Fluval, Fluxen.
Gives energy, encourages action, relieves hunger.
Found illegal use as a means of losing weight. When taken uncontrolled, it leads to anorexia.
The difference between fluoxetine (Prozac) and a traditional antidepressant is that it has an effect closer to a stimulant than to a sedative.
Brief description of the medicine
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that belongs to the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (the main “happy hormone” in our body). This means that it increases the concentration of the hormone in the nervous tissue and improves the psycho-emotional state of the patient. The medicine is prescribed for:
- depression;
- obsessive-compulsive disorders (obsessive states);
- early ejaculation in men;
- bulimia (overeating in stressful situations);
- mood disorders in women during menstruation or menopause.
Zoloft
Zoloft is the trade name of an antidepressant with the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride, an analogue of fluoxetine.
When compared with similar drugs, we can say that the effectiveness is similar to paroxetine and alprazolam; which is 1.4 times better than fluoxetine, and has fewer side effects.
Zoloft is a long-acting drug - the effect occurs after a month.
Reviews
Many patients who have taken various antidepressants and sedatives still prefer Fluoxetine.
“I have chronic depression. I took Fluoxetine for several years with good results. Then the psychotherapist said that this was an old drug that would be better replaced with a more modern analogue, and prescribed Fevarin. I didn’t notice much of a difference, only Fevarin causes drowsiness and is several times more expensive. I took it for 3 months and returned to Fluoxetine.”
“While on Fluoxetine, I was often bothered by decreased appetite, nausea, and headaches. I tried switching to Valdoxan. There were no side effects, but the effect was much weaker. As a result, I take Fluoxetine again, and over time it has become better tolerated.”
“I tried to switch from Fluoxetine to Cipralex because there were adverse reactions. It is well tolerated, helps normally, and the reviews for it are mostly good, but the price is like gold. I took it for 4 months and realized that I couldn’t handle it any longer. Still, Fluoxetine is several times cheaper, even if you take the original Prozac.”
Thus, reviews indicate that modern antidepressants are well tolerated, but fluoxetine is not inferior to them in effectiveness. In addition, it is more affordable.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is the main representative of tricyclic antidepressants, discovered in 1960. It is an analogue of the drug Fluoxetine.
Treatment with amitriptyline is prescribed only in a hospital setting. A minor overdose poses a high risk of death.
Amitriptyline has been proven to be compatible with pain medications, so it is often prescribed as an addition to them.
