Depricap tablet belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used for the treatment of various mental health conditions like:

  1. Major Depressive Disorder: Depricap is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly known as depression. It helps alleviate symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and feelings of guilt or worthlessness.
  2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Depricap is also used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control. It helps reduce anxiety symptoms, such as restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances.
  3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Depricap is used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is a chronic condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Depricap can help reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
  4. Panic Disorder: Depricap is used to treat panic disorder, which involves recurrent panic attacks and persistent anxiety about having future attacks. It helps reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks and alleviates anxiety symptoms associated with the disorder.
  5. Bulimia Nervosa: Depricap is indicated for the treatment of bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. It helps reduce the frequency of binge eating episodes and promotes healthier eating patterns.
  6. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Depricap is approved for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It helps reduce the emotional and physical symptoms experienced during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

Off-label Uses of Depricap Capsule

  1. Social Anxiety Disorders: While Depricap is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it may also be used off-label for other anxiety disorders, such as social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
  2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Depricap may be used off-label to alleviate symptoms associated with PTSD, such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal. Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are more commonly used as first-line treatments for PTSD.
  3. Eating Disorders: In addition to its approved use for bulimia nervosa, Depricap may be used off-label for other eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder and anorexia nervosa. The evidence for its efficacy in these conditions is limited and varies among individuals.
  4. Premature Ejaculation: Depricap may be prescribed off-label for the treatment of premature ejaculation, a condition characterized by ejaculating before desired during sexual activity. It is thought to work by delaying ejaculation and increasing ejaculatory control. However, other medications specifically approved for premature ejaculation are more commonly used.
  5. Fibromyalgia: Some studies have suggested that Depricap may have benefits in reducing pain and improving symptoms in individuals with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition. However, more research is needed to establish its efficacy in this context.
  6. Chronic Pain: Depricap may be used off-label to help manage certain types of chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain or pain associated with conditions like migraines or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It may have analgesic properties and can help modulate pain perception, but individual responses can vary.
Depricap Uses and Indications

What is Depricap?

Depricap is one of the leading brands of Fluoxetine, manufactured and marketed by Nabiqasim Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Depricap Alternatives : Other Similar Brands

The following are some alternative brands of Depricap and their manufacturers.

  • Prozac : Eli Lilly Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Futine : Wilshire Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Depex : Martin Dow Marker, Pakistan.
  • Flux : Hilton Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Zauxit : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Cyconil : Global Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Floxetin : Wilsons Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Fluxine : Don Valley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Galaxy : Glitz Pharma, Pakistan.
  • Rize : Werrick Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.

Depricap : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Depricap is available in capsule and Oral Solution Forms with the following strengths.

Depricap Capsule : 20mg strength.

Depricap Oral Solution : 20mg/5ml strength.

Who Should Not Use Depricap?

Depricap has several contraindications, and it should not be used in certain situations due to potential risks.

  • Hypersensitivity or allergy: Depricap should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Depricap or any other components of the medication. Allergic reactions can range from mild skin rash to severe anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction.
  • Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Depricap should not be used in combination with or within a minimum of 14 days after discontinuing treatment with MAOIs. The combination can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by high levels of serotonin in the body. MAOIs include medications like phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, and selegiline.
  • Pimozide and thioridazine: Depricap should not be used concomitantly with pimozide or thioridazine due to the risk of QT interval prolongation, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms. Concurrent use of these medications is contraindicated.
  • Use in pediatric patients: The use of Depricap is contraindicated in children and adolescents under the age of 8 years. Depricap has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in this age group.
  • Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: Depricap use during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare professional. While the risks to the fetus or infant are generally considered low, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against potential risks and consider alternative treatment options.
  • Concurrent use of certain medications: Depricap can interact with several medications, including other antidepressants, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess potential drug interactions before starting Depricap.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Depricap?

Depricap Dose for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):

  • 1 to 3 Capsules of 20mg, once daily.
  • However, your healthcare professional may start you at a lower dose and gradually increase it based on your response and tolerance.
  • Higher doses may be required for some individuals.

Depricap Dose for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):

  • ! to 3 Capsules of 20mg, once daily.
  • Similar to MDD, the starting dose may be lower, and adjustments can be made based on individual responses.

Depricap Dose for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

  • Starting dose: One Capsule of 20mg once daily, and it may be increased up to a maximum dose of 80mg per day based on individual response and tolerability.

Depricap Dose for Panic Disorder:

  • 1 to 3 capsules of 20mg, once daily.
  • Your healthcare professional may start at a lower dose and increase it gradually.

Depricap Dose for Bulimia Nervosa:

  • Three Capsules of 20mg, once daily.
  • Higher doses have not been shown to provide additional benefits.

Depricap Dose for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

  • 1 to 3 Capsules of 20mg, once daily.
  • It is usually taken continuously throughout the menstrual cycle or started 14 days before the anticipated onset of symptoms and continued until the onset of menstruation.

How Depsicap Works?

Depricap works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, which is the small gap between nerve cells (neurons). Normally, after serotonin is released by one neuron, it is taken back up into the releasing neuron through a process called reuptake. Depricap inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more serotonin to remain in the synaptic cleft and exert its effects on the neighboring neurons.