Tolvon

Generic Name: Mianserin hydrochloride
Product Name: Tolvon

Indication

Tolvon is a medication used in the treatment of major depression.

Action

Although far from being completely understood, depression is thought to occur as a result of the depletion of certain naturally produced chemicals in the brain, resulting in symptoms such as depressed mood, loss of interest and pleasure in nearly all activities, weight changes or significant change in appetite, insomnia or oversleeping, fatigue and loss of energy, and impaired concentration.

Tolvon is a medication that works to restore this chemical imbalance in the brain, thereby improving the symptoms of depression. In addition, Tolvon possesses properties ideal for treating patients with anxiety and sleep disturbance (insomnia) associated with depressive illness. Tolvon is generally well tolerated by patients, and produces fewer side effects than certain other medicines commonly prescribed in the treatment of depression.

Dose advice

• Tolvon is available only on prescription through your doctor.
• Always tell your doctors you are being treated with Tolvon before being prescribed other medication or purchasing over the counter medicines.
• Tolvon should not be used in patients with certain medical conditions – be sure to tell your doctor if you suffer from any medical conditions before being prescribed Tolvon.
• Tolvon should be avoided in patients who are pregnant (ADEC category B2) or breastfeeding – always tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using Tolvon.
• Tolvon tablets are best taken between meals.
• Tolvon may cause drowsiness or dizziness and may increase the effects of alcohol; do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
• Do not stop taking Tolvon abruptly unless directed to do so by your doctor.
• Report signs of persistent sore-throat, fever or flu-like symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible.

Schedule

Tolvon is Schedule 4.

Common side effects

All medicines may cause side effects. Your doctor has weighed out the risks against the benefits of you taking Tolvon. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the below side effects or if they concern you.

The following side effects occur in 1% or more of patients taking Tolvon:

• Sedation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Constipation
• Tremor
• Headache

The following side effects occur in 0.1 to 1% of patients taking Tolvon:

• Weight gain

The following side effects occur in less than 0.1% of patients taking Tolvon:

• Swelling
• Joint pain, inflammation or stiffness
• Skin rash
• Agitation or restlessness
• Dizziness or loss of balance on standing quickly
• A mild form of mania, characterized by hyperactivity and elation
• Slow heart beat

Uncommon side effects

The following side effects occur in less than 0.1% of patients taking Tolvon:

• Seizures (fits) – seek emergency medical attention.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, arising from impaired liver function) – report to your doctor as soon as possible.
• Blood disorders, resulting in impaired ability to fight off infection – report persistent sore-throat, fever, flu-like symptoms or general feeling of unwellness to your doctor as soon as possible.

References

1. Australian Medicines Handbook 2007, Adelaide, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, 2007.
2. MIMS Online. [Monograph online] MIMS Australia Pty Ltd 2003. [Cited January 30, 2008]. Available from: [URL Link]
3. Lazo, J, Gilman A, Brunton L et al. Goodman & Gilman’s The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 11^th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2006.
4. Golan DE, Tashjian AH, Armstrong EJ, Galanter JM, Armstrong AW, Arnout RA, Rose HS. Principles of Pharmacology; The Pathophysiologic Basis of Drug Therapy. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005.

For further information talk to your doctor.