Placida Tablet is a combination of two medicines used in the treatment of depression. This medicine helps by increasing the level of chemical messengers in the brain that have a calming effect on the brain and relax the nerves, thus treating your depression.
Placida Tablet may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, increased heart rate, muscle rigidity, restlessness, and tremor. Initially, this medicine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you change positions, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Before taking it, inform your doctor if you are suffering from thyroid or kidney disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, or any heart disease. You should not take this medicine if you are under the influence of alcohol or any sleep-inducing, cough, and/ or allergy medication. This medicine can also lead to weight gain, eat a healthy balanced diet, avoid snacking with high-calorie food, and exercise regularly.
USES OF PLACIDA TABLET
Depression
SIDE EFFECTS OF PLACIDA TABLET
Common
Constipation
Urinary retention
Weight gain
Sleepiness
Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
Increased heart rate
Increased prolactin level in blood
Blurred vision
Dryness in mouth
Muscle stiffness
Tremor
Restlessness
HOW TO COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS?
The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist.
Coping with Constipation
Try to eat foods which are high in fiber such as fresh fruits, vegetables and cereals to increase the bulk and consistency of bowel movements. Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic drinks and stay hydrated to promote healthy digestion. Increasing physical activities such as walking, yoga and regular exercise can also be helpful. If your condition does not improve, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you laxative medicine.
Coping with Weight gain
Try to eat a healthy balanced diet without increasing your portion sizes. Avoid processed meat or poultry and seafood. Eat small, frequent meals and eat slowly. Do not snack on foods that contain a lot of calories such as crisps, cakes, biscuits and sweets. If you feel hungry between meals, eat fruits and vegetables which have low calories. Avoid reaching for a sugary drink if you feel stressed. Fasting once a week can be an effective way to lose weight. Make sure you get enough sleep. With proper diet and lifestyle changes, you might not gain any weight or may gain only a small amount. Even then if it bothers you, ask your doctor if there are any alternative medicines that do not have this side effect.
Coping with Sleepiness
If the medicine is making you drowsy during the day, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. You can also consider taking a nap. Physical exercises such as walking may be helpful. Do not drink alcohol, as it will make you feel more tired. Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment when you are feeling drowsy. This problem usually goes away as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if it does not, ask your doctor if you can take your medicine at bedtime or whether the dose can be reduced.
Coping with Increased heart rate
Breathe in slowly through your nostrils and then breathe out through your mouth. Repeat this until you feel calm. Try sitting cross-legged and drink plenty of water. Splash cold water or apply a cold towel or ice pack on your face for 20-30 seconds. It is important to make sure that you are not taking more than the prescribed dose. As a preventive measure, you should limit the amount of alcohol you drink and give up smoking. Also, cut down the amount of coffee, tea or cola you drink. In general, being physically active and eating a healthy well-balanced diet is good advice for any heart condition. If the condition does not improve, consult your doctor as they may need to change you to a different type of medicine.
Coping with Blurred vision
You can consider washing your eyes with water. Avoid driving or using tools or machines if your vision is impaired. Do not take your next dose if your vision is still blurry. If it gets worse or does not improve, ask your doctor to recommend eye drops or talk about changing your medications.
Coping with Dryness in mouth
Keep a drink available that you can sip through the day. Rinse your mouth with warm salted water and chew sugarless gum or hard candy. Try breathing through your nose more often than your mouth. Avoid caffeinated beverages, smoking and alcohol because they can make your condition worse. Use lip balm if your lips are also dry. Try to avoid foods that are acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary. If this side effect bothers you or does not go away, talk to your doctor about artificial saliva products or other suitable treatments.
Coping with Tremor
These symptoms can be a sign that the dose is too high for you. It may help to change your dose or take your medicine at a different time of the day. There are also exercises that can improve muscle strength, control and coordination. In terms of lifestyle, avoid caffeine (in coffee, tea and chocolate), alcohol, and ask your doctor about other techniques to help you relax and manage stress. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you medicines that can help.
Coping with Restlessness
This often disappears when the condition you are being treated for is managed. You could ask your doctor about changing the dose of your medicine or alternatives if it is affecting your daily life or causing you distress. Psychological treatments may be available. Some things you can do to help yourself include stopping smoking, cutting down the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink, and doing regular exercise. You should also eat a healthy diet and find out how to get sleep if you are having trouble. Try talking to a friend or family member. Calming breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques may also help.
HOW TO USE PLACIDA TABLET
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Placida Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW PLACIDA TABLET WORKS
Placida Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Flupenthixol and Melitracen. Flupenthixol is a typical antipsychotic. It works by blocking the action of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects thoughts and mood. Melitracen is a tricyclic antidepressant which increases the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating the mood and treat depression.
SAFETY ADVICE
warnings
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Placida Tablet.
warnings
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Placida Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Information regarding the use of Placida Tablet during breastfeeding is unavailable. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Driving
UNSAFE
Placida Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
warnings
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Placida Tablet in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
warnings
Liver
CAUTION
Placida Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Placida Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
