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Lofepramine

  • It can take 2-4 weeks treatment with lofepramine before you get most benefit; although you may feel some improvement before this time. So, don't give up on them too soon.
  • Side effects such as nausea, drowsines, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation are the most common.
  • Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually.

About lofepramine

Type of medicine Tetracyclic antidepressants
Used for Depression
Also called Gamanil; Feprapax; Lomont
Available as Tablet
Oral liquid

Lofepramine works by increasing the level of naturally occuring chemicals (noradrenaline and serotonin) which help with nerve transmission in the brain. Lofepramine cannot alter the circumstances that may have caused your depression but may improve symptoms such as low mood, poor sleep and poor concentration and in turn allow you to function normally and cope better with any difficult circumstances.

Before taking lofepramine

Before taking lofepramine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from heart problems.
  • If you suffer from liver problems.
  • If you suffer from kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from thyroid problems.
  • If you suffer from epilepsy.
  • If you suffer from low blood pressure (hypotension).
  • If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • If you suffer from glaucoma (an eye condition).
  • If you are experiencing or have ever experienced difficulty urinating (passing water).
  • If you suffer from psychosis.
  • If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
  • If you have recently had or are still having electroconvulsive therapy.
  • If you are prone to dizziness or fainting, particularly when getting up from a lying or sitting position.

How to take lofepramine

  • It can take 2 - 4 weeks before you get the full benefit from lofepramine; although you may feel some improvement before this time. So, don't give up on them too soon.
  • Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary. A normal course lasts up to six months or more after symptoms have eased. So, do not stop them when symptoms go, as they may quickly return.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Regular exercise such as a daily brisk walk, jog or swim is thought to ease symptoms of depression. This is because any exercise releases endorphins that occur naturally in the body helping to improve mood.
  • Talking through feelings may help with depression. A friend or relative may help with this, but your GP may suggest a local self-help group, or refer you to a counsellor.
  • Antidepressants are not tranquillisers and are not usually addictive.
  • There are several types of antidepressant. They can differ in their possible side-effects. If the first one does not suit, another can usually be found that will be fine.
  • St John's Wort is a popular herbal medicine that you can buy from pharmacies without a prescription. It sometimes reacts with other medicines, and you should not take it at the same time as antidepressants. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Can lofepramine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness This may continue into the next morning. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Avoid alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness
Blurred vision Make sure your eye sight is normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you can not see properly. This may improve after a few days or weeks of treatment
Dry mouth To relieve this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking ice or sugar-free sweets. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor.
Constipation Eat a balanced diet with plenty of green leafy vegatables and fruit, plus drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Your pharmacist or doctor may be able to prescribe a laxative to help.
Nausea This may improve after a few days of treatment.

How to store lofepramine

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

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • 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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
910
DocRef:
dils2940
Last Updated:
6 Dec 2006
Date of Next Review:
5 Dec 2008
Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.

Find out more about updating.

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