Opipramol is an anti-anxiety and sedative medication with a low dependence potential that is often prescribed to treat anxiety. However, side effects can still occur when taking opipramol, and they are not insignificant. The chemical structure of the active ingredient opipramol is similar to the group of tricyclic antidepressants. However, it primarily has an antianxiety and sedative effect. Therefore, opipramol is usually prescribed as an antianxiety drug (anxiolytic) and is rarely used for depression. The drug is commonly known as Insidon. There are numerous generics available from various manufacturers. These are then mostly simply called Opipramol, followed by the manufacturer’s name.
Effect of opipramol
Opipramol has an anxiety-relieving, calming and slightly mood-lifting effect. It is therefore well suited for the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by free-floating, undirected fears, anxieties, and worries.
Opipramol is also approved for the treatment of somatoform disorders. Patients with somatoform disorder suffer from physical complaints for which no physical cause can be found, even after thorough medical examination. These complaints often have a psychological cause.
Opipramol: close to antidepressants.
Although opipramol is chemically close to antidepressants, other substances are preferred for treating depression. Drugs with good antidepressant effects and high tolerability include citalopram, escitalopram, mirtazapine, sertraline, and several others. These antidepressants are also frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In addition, bezodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam, are prescribed for short-term treatment of anxiety.
The advantage of opipramol over benzodiazepines is that there is no risk of dependence with opipramol. The disadvantage of opipramol, however, is its longer onset of action: while the calming and anxiety-relieving effect of benzodiazepines is usually immediate, this effect is delayed with opipramol. In addition, side effects occur more frequently with opipramol.
Side effects of opipramol
The side effects that occur may differ from person to person. While some people do not notice any unpleasant side effects, others suffer more from side effects. Typical side effects of opipramol may include the following symptoms.
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Allergic skin reactions
- States of confusion in elderly patients
- Weight gain
- Blood count changes (rare)
Overall, the side effects of opipramol are more diverse than other anxiety-relieving substances, such as benzodiazepines. An advantage, however, is the lower risk of dependence. Discontinuation of opipramol is also generally not very problematic. Nevertheless, it should be phased out in a controlled manner. Occasionally, the original symptoms may recur after discontinuation of opipramol. Despite the undesirable side effects, opipramol is a valuable agent for many patients and is frequently prescribed.
Dosage and directions for use
The dosage of opipramol is discussed individually with the treating physician. Depending on the severity of the condition, the dose may vary from 50 to 300 mg per day, divided into one to three intakes. Like most psychotropic drugs, opipramol does not mix well with alcohol. It intensifies its effect. Therefore, alcohol should be avoided after taking opipramol. Adverse interactions may also occur if other sleeping pills and sedatives are taken at the same time.
As with all medications, it is important to study the package insert thoroughly before taking opipramol and to contact a doctor or pharmacist if in doubt. When treating anxiety disorders, concomitant psychotherapy should also always be considered to achieve long-term improvement in anxiety symptoms.
