Helex
Instructions for use:
- 1. Composition and form of release
- 2. Pharmacological action
- 3. Indications for use
- 4. Contraindications
- 5. Method of administration and dosage regimen
- 6. Side effects
- 7. Overdose
- 8. Application in pediatrics
- 9. Drug interactions
- 10. Storage conditions
Helex is an anxiolytic, tranquilizer.
The composition and form of release of Helex
Helex is available in pill form. One tablet contains the active substance - alprazolam 0.25, 0.5 or 1 mg.
Auxiliary components: dyes, magnesium stearate, lactose, corn starch, polysorbate 80, crospovidone, povidone.
15 tablets per pack.
pharmachologic effect
Helex is a tranquilizer derived from benzodiazepine. It has a sedative, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, hypnotic, central muscle relaxant and mild antidepressant effect on the body.
The anxiolytic (elimination of fear and anxiety) effect of Helex is caused by its binding in the central nervous system to benzodiazepine receptors. The antidepressant effect is due to the effect on the adrenergic structures of the brain.
Indications for the use of Helex
According to the instructions, Helex is prescribed in the following cases:
- anxiety-depressive states;
- anxiety disorders, accompanied by tension, a sense of fear, danger, agitation, insomnia, increased irritability and somatic disorders;
- withdrawal symptoms in chronic alcoholism;
- panic disorder;
- anxiety-depressive states against the background of somatic diseases.
Contraindications
- the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- age is less than 18 years;
- acute form of angle-closure glaucoma;
- severe renal and liver dysfunction;
- epilepsy;
- acute respiratory failure;
- hypersensitivity to alprazolam or other components of the drug.
It is not recommended to prescribe Helex to patients with:
- psychomotor retardation;
- primary signs of depression;
- severe depression with suicidal tendencies;
- bipolar depression with psychotic symptoms.
All patients with depressive disorders should be under strict medical supervision while taking Helex to avoid increased suicidal tendencies.
With extreme caution, Helex should be prescribed for impaired renal and liver function and in patients with respiratory failure.
While taking Helex, it is not recommended to consume alcoholic beverages, as it is possible to increase the depressing effect on the central nervous system.
Dosing and Administration of Helexa
The doctor prescribes the optimal dosage of the drug individually, depending on the effectiveness of the treatment and the clinical situation.
For depressive and anxiety disorders in adults, Helex is usually prescribed at an initial dosage of 0.25-0.5 mg three times a day. Elderly patients are prescribed 0.25 mg twice a day. The maintenance dosage for adults is 0.5-4 mg per day, for elderly patients - 0.5-0.75 mg per day, divided into two or three doses.
In panic disorder, the initial dosage of the drug is 0.5-2 mg three times a day. It is not recommended to increase the dosage by more than 1 mg over three days. The maintenance dosage is 4-10 mg per day, divided into three doses.
If you need to take Helex in higher dosages, then they should be increased gradually, with caution. First, the dosage is increased for the evening reception, after - for the daytime.
If unwanted side effects are observed at the beginning of therapy, it is necessary to reduce the dosage of the drug.
You cannot abruptly stop taking the drug, as this is fraught with withdrawal syndrome. Helex is canceled gradually over a long period of time, reducing the dosage by no more than 0.25 mg every three days.
Side effects of Helexa
The use of Helexa can cause the following undesirable side effects:
- Urinary system: with prolonged use, urinary retention or incontinence, decreased libido and sexual dysfunction are possible.
- Central and peripheral nervous systems: drowsiness, dizziness, decreased concentration, dystonia, anorexia, impaired coordination, memory impairment, fatigue, convulsions, sedation, speech disorders. In exceptional cases, nightmares, increased excitability, nervous irritability and insomnia are possible.
- Other side effects: muscle weakness, jaundice, hyperprolactinemia, pruritus, weight change.
Most often, side effects are temporary.
With prolonged use of Helex, drug dependence may develop.
Overdose with Helex
Symptoms of a Helex overdose are as follows:
- oppression of consciousness of varying severity;
- depression of respiratory function;
- violation of coordination of movements;
- arterial hypotension;
- coma;
- cardiac and respiratory arrest.
In case of an overdose with Helex, it is necessary to induce vomiting or gastric lavage in the patient, take activated charcoal and carry out symptomatic treatment.
In especially severe cases of overdose, in particular with respiratory failure, it is necessary to use a specific antagonist of benzodiazepine receptors - flumazenil.
The use of Helex in pediatrics
The efficacy and safety of the use of Helex in children has not been sufficiently studied, therefore it is not recommended to use the drug for persons under 18 years of age.
Drug interactions
When Helexa is combined with other psychotropic drugs (opioid analgesics, barbiturates, antidepressants, neuroleptics, antihistamines and anticonvulsants, ethanol), it is possible to increase the depressing effect on the central nervous system.
Helex storage conditions
Store the drug in a dry, dark place at room temperature for no longer than five years.
Information about the drug is generalized, provided for informational purposes only and does not replace the official instructions. Self-medication is hazardous to health!
