Stresam

Stresam 50mg tablets contain Etifoxine, a nonbenzodiazepine anxiolytic from the benzoxazine class that modulates GABAergic neurotransmission and stimulates neurosteroid synthesis via interaction with the 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO). This dual action provides rapid anxiolytic effects without sedation, dependence, or cognitive impairment typical of benzodiazepines, while promoting autonomic nervous system regulation. It is particularly suited for short-term management of adjustment disorders with anxiety, offering a favorable safety profile in regions where approved, though EMA restrictions apply due to rare severe toxicities.

Key Benefits:

• Rapid anxiety relief without sedation or memory impairment
• Low risk of dependence or withdrawal symptoms
• Supports emotional and somatic anxiety manifestations
• Potential neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects
• Suitable for short-term use up to 12 weeks

How to Use

• Administration: Take orally; swallow tablet whole with a full glass of water.
• Timing: 50mg two to three times daily, with or without food.
• Dosage: Total daily 100-150mg; do not exceed 200mg/day or 12 weeks without reassessment.
• Consistency: Take at regular intervals for steady effects; taper if discontinuing.
• Duration: Short-term for anxiety; monitor response weekly initially.

Expert Tips from CureCart Direct:

• Start with lowest effective dose; titrate based on response.
• Avoid alcohol; potentiates CNS effects.
• Monitor for skin/liver symptoms; discontinue if rash or jaundice appears.
• Combine with therapy for adjustment disorders.
• Store in original packaging; check expiry before use.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless near next dose—skip and resume. Do not double.

Overdose: Symptoms include drowsiness, lethargy—seek immediate care; symptomatic support, no specific antidote.

Primary Uses

• Short-term treatment of anxiety disorders, including adjustment reactions with anxiety.
• Relief of emotional (fear, agitation) and somatic (tension) anxiety symptoms.
• Management of stress-induced situational depression.

Indications

Indicated for adults in the symptomatic treatment of adjustment disorders with anxiety, particularly those with difficulty coping with stressful events. Used for up to 12 weeks; not for long-term use or as monotherapy in severe depression. Approved in select countries for GAD and related conditions; EMA restricts to non-severe cases without prior severe reactions.

Side Effects

Common:

• Drowsiness (early treatment)
• Nausea, headache

Less Common:

• Fatigue, orthostatic hypotension
• Benign skin rash

Serious/Rare:

• Severe dermatological reactions (DRESS, SJS/TEN)
• Acute liver injury or cytolytic hepatitis
• Galactorrhea (rare endocrine effect)

Most resolve on discontinuation; monitor liver/skin closely.

Warnings and Precautions

• Pregnancy: Use cautiously; limited data—consult physician for risk-benefit.
• Lactation: Avoid; may pass into milk—discuss alternatives.
• Driving: May cause drowsiness—avoid until effects known.
• Alcohol: Avoid; amplifies sedation and effects.
• Liver/Kidney Impairment: Contraindicated in severe cases; monitor function.
• Other: Risk of severe skin/liver reactions—discontinue at first sign. Not for <18 years. Screen for myasthenia gravis or galactosemia.

Contraindications

Do not use in:

• Known hypersensitivity to Etifoxine or excipients.
• Severe liver impairment or previous Etifoxine-induced hepatitis.
• Severe kidney impairment.
• Circulatory shock, severe respiratory failure, or myasthenia gravis.
• Galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or galactosemia.
• History of severe dermatological reactions to Etifoxine.

Drug Interactions

• CNS Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids): Enhanced sedation.
• Alcohol: Increased CNS depression.
• Other Antiepileptics/Anxiolytics: Potential additive effects; monitor.
• Hepatotoxic Drugs: Heightened liver risk.

Minimal interactions overall; inform doctor of all medications.

Storage/Disposal

Store at room temperature (15-25°C), protected from light and moisture. Keep in original container, tightly sealed. Avoid bathroom storage. Do not flush; use pharmacist take-back programs for unused/expired. Childproof away from pets/children.

Doctor Review

Dr. Zainab Raza, MBBS, FCPS – Consultant Psychiatrist “Etifoxine 50mg in Stresam tablets exerts anxiolysis through TSPO-mediated neurosteroid upregulation and direct GABA-A chloride channel modulation, achieving rapid onset (Tmax 2-3 hours) without benzodiazepine-like tolerance or dependence, as evidenced by 12-week trials showing equivalence to lorazepam in adjustment disorder with superior cognitive preservation. Half-life ~6 hours supports TID dosing (150mg/day max), with biliary/urinary elimination necessitating caution in hepatorenal compromise. EMA 2022 review confirmed benefits outweigh risks in non-severe anxiety but mandated contraindications for DRESS/hepatitis history, with incidence <1/10,000. Unlike SSRIs, lacks sexual dysfunction but requires vigilance for rare idiopathic skin/liver events, positioning it as a short-term bridge in psychosomatic anxiety.”

FAQs

What is Stresam used for? Short-term relief of anxiety in adjustment disorders, without sedation.

Dosage frequency? 2-3 times daily; total 100-150mg/day for up to 12 weeks.

Sedation risk? Minimal compared to benzodiazepines; transient drowsiness possible.

Liver safety? Rare injury risk; contraindicated in severe impairment—monitor symptoms.

Dependency? Low; no rebound on discontinuation.

Related Tests: Liver function (ALT/AST), renal panel, psychiatric assessment.

Quick Tips:

• TID consistent timing.
• Taper for discontinuation.
• Report rash/jaundice immediately.
• No alcohol.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before use. CureCart Direct ensures accurate details but cannot cover all interactions or precautions. Prices and availability subject to change.