Ixel

Ixel (Milnacipran) is a new type of antidepressant. These are known as Norepinephrine Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (NSRI`s). These antidepressants are able to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline. This can have an advantage over other similar products which only effects Serotonin or norepinephrine.

Ixel (Milnacipran) is therefore indicated in the treatment of moderate to severe clinical depression (major depression). It is also useful in the treatment of painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. The recommended dosage is usually 50mg two times daily. The dose is typically reduced for patients with renal disease.

After successful treatment of the depression, patients should be maintained for several months in order to prevent a relapse. Moreover, the drug should not be stopped abruptly. Instead, the dosage should be gradually reduced. This is because antidepressants typically give rise to withdrawal symptoms when stopped suddenly.

Compared to other antidepressants, Ixel (Milnacipran) has far less severe adverse effects. Some common ones include:

• Itching
• Nausea
• Vertigo
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Dysuria
• Testicle pain

Ixel does not seem to have any negative impact on sexual capabilities (unlike other antidepressants). Cardiovascular problems that have been known to occur with other antidepressants (e.g. tricyclic antidepressants) do not arise with this medicine.

Ixel (Milnacipran) should not be used with other antidepressants (especially mono amine oxidase inhibitors) as this may give rise to an abnormally high level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin toxicity is a potentially life-threatening condition. For the same reason, an overdose of SNRIs is dangerous.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it may cross the placental barrier and there are no data on the effects it may have on the unborn child.