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Home > Drug Category > Antidepressant Drugs > Stablon and Equivalent

Stablon Information

Stablon (Tianeptine) is an atypical antidepressant used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is typically useful in individuals with depression who also have anxiety, as it also has anxiolytic effects. It may also be used to treat depression and anxiety that often follow alcohol cessation in individuals recovering from chronic alcoholism and undergoing detoxification. Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, and changes in sleep or appetite that can interfere with daily functioning.

Tianeptine is classified as an atypical tricyclic antidepressant; its pharmacology is pretty complex and makes it stand out from typical antidepressants. It basically works by modulating the glutaminergic system, which is essential for brain resilience and adaptability. By stabilizing these pathways, it is believed to help reverse the stress-induced damage and atrophy in areas like the hippocampus, ultimately leading to an improvement of mood and other symptoms of depression.

Asides from its effects on the glutaminergic system in the brain, it also acts as an agonist at the mu-opioid receptors. While this effect is negligible at low doses, at high doses it can induce opioid-like euphoria, leading to significant potential for abuse, dependence, and severe withdrawal symptoms.

Stablon Side Effects

As with any medication, tianeptine can cause a range of side effects, some of which are mild and others that are serious but rare. Some common side effects include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and headache. Getting up slowly from a sitting or lying down position can help prevent dizziness with posture changes. Avoid driving or taking part in activities that require concentration, given the sedative effects of this medication.

While serious side effects are rare, they can occur, especially in the case of an overdose or drug interactions. Therefore, if you experience any of the following, you should stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat, body itching, and rash;
• Blurred vision;
• Difficulty passing urine;
• Liver problems, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, and pale stools;
• Severe muscle ache that is not due to exercise

Some behavioral changes, including suicidal thoughts and ideation, may occur within the first few weeks of commencing an antidepressant. Therefore, individuals taking this medication should be monitored for any behavioral changes that may occur.

Stablon Precautions

Do not use this oral medication if you are allergic to tianeptine, other ingredients in Stablon, or other antidepressants. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Bipolar disorder/mania;
• Gastrointestinal disorders;
• Heart disease;
• Kidney disease

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as it may make you feel very drowsy and worsen your symptoms of depression and anxiety. Inform your doctor that you are taking this medication before going for a medical procedure that may require general anesthesia. Do not stop using this medication abruptly, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, worsening of depression, anxiety, or seizures. Consult your doctor to guide you on how to stop safely.

Tianeptine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is also not suitable for use in children under 15 years of age. Caution is advised when using this medication in the elderly, as they are more prone to its side effects. Taking tianeptine with, or within 14 days of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine) may cause a severe reaction called serotonin toxicity. You may be required to stop the medication. Therefore, inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, including herbal concotions, that you are taking before using Stablon to prevent potential drug interactions. Take Stablon tablets orally as prescribed by your doctor. It is typically taken as one tablet, 3 times daily, before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ensure compliance with your doctor's dosing schedule, as this medication requires regular administration for several weeks before you experience its full benefits. Store the medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Do I need a prescription to order Stablon?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Stablon.