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Agomelatine

  • Take agomelatine once a day at bedtime.
  • It can take a week or two after starting these tablets before the effect builds up and you start to feel the benefit.
  • The most common side-effects are feeling dizzy or sick. These effects are usually mild and soon pass as your body adjusts.
  • Tell your doctor if you feel that you are getting worse or if you experience any worrying thoughts about harming yourself.

About agomelatine

Type of medicineAntidepressant
Used forDepression
Also calledValdoxan®
Available asTablets

Our bodies have a number of important physical and behavioural processes which are controlled by the cycling of day and night. These are called circadian rhythms and, if disrupted, may result in depression. Agomelatine works by helping to restore the balance of these biological rhythms.

Before taking agomelatine

Before taking agomelatine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have ever had abnormally 'high' moods or dementia.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take agomelatine

  • Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
  • Take agomelatine exactly as your doctor has told you. You should take it once a day at bedtime, but it is not important whether you take it before or after food.
  • If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • It can take a week or two after starting these tablets before the effect begins to build up, and maybe even longer before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking agomelatine after a few days, thinking it is not helping.
  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is because your doctor will want you to have blood tests to check on your progress.
  • Taking agomelatine and alcohol is not recommended, so do not drink alcohol during your treatment with this medicine.
  • There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side-effects. If you find that agomelatine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.
  • While you feel depressed or are taking agomelatine, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Your doctor will ask you to carry on taking agomelatine for a while after you feel better. This is to stop your symptoms from returning.

Can agomelatine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common agomelatine side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sick, diarrhoeaStick to simple foods and drink plenty of water
Feeling dizzy, tired or sleepyIf this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. Do not drink alcohol
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Constipation, abdominal painTry to eat a well-balanced diet containing fresh fruit and vegetables. Drink plenty of water
Difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, increased sweating, back painThese effects are usually mild and soon pass but if any become troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store agomelatine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Valdoxan®, Servier Laboratories Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2011.
  • British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)
The pharmacists and clinicians responsible for the production of this document are:
Original Author: Helen Allen
Last Checked: 21 Dec 2011		Current Version: Helen Allen
Document ID: 13802  Version: 1		Peer Reviewer: Dr Adrian Bonsall
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