SSRIs Preferred Over Deanxit Due to Adverse Effects

Deanxit has many side effects. It has been banned in many countries including Denmark (the country where it was manufactured) and the U.S.

This drug is basically a combination of two psychoactive components. They are- flupentixol and melitracen. The second component (melitracen) is still not fully studied, so its use is debatable.

Side Effects of Deanxit (Flupentixol + Melitracen)

    • It may increase the heart rate. If you have a high B.P., or any other heart problem, this can be risky.
    • dizzy feeling may be there. This is because the drug causes some orthostatic hypotension.
    • Indigestion, stomach upset or vomiting sensations.
    • Many have reported sleeping problems with this drug. There may be problems with initiating sleep, having disturbed dreams, restlessness are common.
    • Drug affects the bone marrow and decreases the production of new blood cells.
    • Dryness in mouth
    • Constipation
    • Changes in appetite or weight
    • Dull headache with blurred vision

These side effects can be quite disturbing. For all these reasons, it is not one of the choicest drugs to be given.

When used, the drug is given for 6 weeks for appearance of its effects. It is prescribed in disorders with both anxiety and depressive states.

One should consider some other drug instead of Deanxit. Modern practice recommends using another class of drugs called SSRIs (Paxil, Lexapro, or Prozac) for similar disease conditions. These are safer choices. You may discuss taking them with your doctor.

In case, one is taking Deanxit due to lack of knowledge about its side effects, then at the minimum one should take the following precautions:

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages during the phase of using this drug. Alcohol has effects on our brain, and may interfere adversely with the action of this medicine.
  • Don’t drive a car or use any machinery if there is dizziness while taking Deanxit.
  • Don’t take any other antidepressant along with this drug, without informing the doctor.
  • Go for the regular medical follow-ups.

Medical Advice (Q&As) on “SSRIs Preferred Over Deanxit Due to Side Effects

  1. Sawz

    I need to ask about my patient who take this drug. He had CVD and open heart surgery 8 years ago.

    He also takes warfarin. These days he had warfarin overdose- the INR is 8.
    Any relation to deanxit?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      There is no significant documented evidence that deanxit affects INR, though studies are still going on with this drug. However, the point to remember is that deanxit should be prescribed for short durations only. It is not recommended for long term use anyway.

      Warfarin overdose is potentially a serious situation. Just be watchful if your patient is not having any other blood thinner, like aspirin, Pradaxa etc.

      Keep the INR between targeted range of 2 to 3. The value of INR = 8, that you have mentioned, is quite high. It may lead to a hemorrhagic event, if not adjusted quickly.

      Reply
  2. Manju

    I’ve used Deanxit tab for depression given for two weeks, now I stopped using it. But I’m feeling too weak in legs and arms. Kindly suggest. I’m 24 years old.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It is not proper to stop this drug abruptly. All anti psychotic medicines are tapered off slowly.

      Why did you stop this medicine? If you still have the underlying disease for which you were taking it, it would be better to switch to some other equivalent drug (like SSRIs) than not taking any medicine.

      Your weakness may be a part of your overall illness. Discuss with your doctor about switching to some safer drug.

      Reply
  3. Rakesh

    I am using Deanxit for last 10 years and my doctor has prescribed it for me. 10 years back I was suffering from headache ( back side ). Since then, my doctor has advised to take Deanxit regularly, 0.5 mg tablet per day. And as I mentioned, from last 10 year I am using it but now I am not suffering from any kind of headache. I was NOT aware of side effects of Deanxit. Now, I am suffering from sleeping problems, disturbed dreams, restlessness, Constipation, mood disorder, dizzy feeling which were not there before. I started Deanxit 10 years back. After reading today’s news paper I found that Deanxit has been banned in India as well. You have mentioned above that Deanxit is NOT recommended for long term but now I am shocked how my doctor advised me to take this medicine for the last 10 years. You have also mentioned that it should NOT be stopped abruptly. And now its banned in India as well. Based on my above information can you please guide me the right way to get rid of all my problems? Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Deanxit is not for long term use. Read about side effects of deanxit.

      It is suggested that you quit this medicine now. It cannot be abruptly stopped, the dose needs to be tapered over a period of two weeks.

      You may discuss with your doctor about the side effects you are facing and go ahead for leaving the drug.

      Reply
  4. Brijesh

    My father is taking deanxit for last 9 years. He has a high blood pressure problem. So, the doctor suggested him to take a deanxit once per day. Now he is suffering form the side effects of deanxit like headache and sleep disorder. Recently, after ban of deanxit in India now the doctor suggested him to take Etilaam instead of deanxit but he isn’t adjusting with this. Please sir, I request you to suggest me how to withdraw deanxit and about the Etilaam, is it good instead of the deanxit for a long time or not?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Coping with the side effects of deanxit can be difficult. However, it is suggested to wean off from it as early as possible. This drug has turned out to be quite unsafe in a long run.

      If it is just high blood pressure, why is your father taking anti psychotic medications? Deanxit, or even etilaam are anxiolytic drugs.

      Blood pressure medications are altogether different and work differently. Read here about blood pressure medications.

      Deanxit can be replaced by etilaam, if required. However, even etilaam, which is a benzodiazapine, is not advised for a long term use. This drug has a addictive potential too.

      Reply
  5. Brijesh

    Hello sir, Thanks for your reply. We don’t know why the doctor suggested anti psychotic medications. It might be that if the mind is relax than blood pressure can be in control. Sir, can you please suggest me how my father can quit deanxit?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It would be difficult to quit the medicine abruptly. It is suggested that you taper it.

      Since deanxit is no longer there in the market, you may switch to any SSRIs (Paxil, Lexapro, or Prozac) instead. These drugs are safer, especially in older population.

      Then, the medicine can be tapered slowly, that is reduce the dose to half for a week, then one-fourth for the next two weeks.

      You may discuss this with your doctor.

      Also, monitor your father’s blood pressure regularly. If he needs any blood pressure medication, it should be prescribed.

      Reply
  6. Sara Grey

    Hello Dr, I have been taking Zoloft for 2 months. It didn’t help me at all (last week I switched to a dose of 100mg but still no good results). How do you advise me to take it now and slowly later to not suffer from withdrawal? Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Zoloft may take time to show results. It takes 2 to 3 months before patients say they there getting full effect of the drug.

      You may consider trying the medication for some more time.

      Reply
  7. Vineet kumar

    If deanxit/franxit is harmful for human heart, brain and bone marrow, then what is the best optional medicine for a patient who is used to take this medicine regularly.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      This would depend upon why the drug has been prescribed to you. What are your symptoms (problems)?

      For most of the depressive and anxiety states, SSRIs are preferred over deanxit. This class of medicines are much safer.

      Read more on the topic above.

      Reply
  8. Hussein J.

    I am a 23 years old male patient, with a history of asthma on ventoline. From year 2013 on June I started feeling fatigue stress tremors in hands, feeling of imbalance, sleep disturbances, anxiety and I feel dizzy. I seek medical help. I made lab studies including CBC, TSH, Vitamins, Fe and others all results were normal. Dr prescribe magnesium supplement and deanxit for short term. I didn’t feel any change and recently I suffer from the same problem, tachycardia, short of breath. I am quickly stressed from any problem occur with me. I can’t manage it. I need your help. I beg you. I visited many Dr. From different specialties cardiologist, pneumologist, endocrinologist gastroenterologist. But say you are not suffering from any thing.
    May be I am suffering from anxiety and stress.
    Note I am a BS Nursing.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      You are from a medical background and so you can well understand that anxiety can take over your body and cause physical symptoms too.

      You need to see a psychiatrist. There is no harm in taking a mild anti anxiety medication, may be a benzodiazepine, for some time.

      Reply
  9. Nina

    My mom takes deanxit for over twenty YEARS, twice a day sometimes once a day.

    Is it OK to change the med or keep taking it the same for the rest of her life?

    I heard that this med is withdrawn from several countries!

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      How old is she? What were her symptoms for which this medicine was being prescribed?

      This medicine is definitely not safe. If possible, shifting to some other alternative under the supervision of a doctor is desirable.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It has been clinically seen that it lowers sexual drive. May even cause erectile problems if used for long periods.

      Reply
  10. Arvind

    My mother has been taking Deanxit for past several years. As it has been recently banned in India, she has tried to wean herself off the drug but says that she suffers from sleeplessness in the night if she did not take the drug. Any suggestions from your side please?

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Yes, these are withdrawal symptoms of the drug. It may take 2 to 3 months for her to normalize with her sleep.

      If these effects are unmanageable, she may have to start with some other medication, may be SSRIs.

      Reply
  11. Charles

    Hi Dr. i am 36 yrs old. i have burning tonge and metalic taste in my mouth. I also have chest pain (left side of my chest) and recently stomach pain. Inadditional i started having hot flashes on my left leg. My Dr. asked me to do blood tests i.e CK, LDH,CKMB,MYO, HBDH AST etc… when the result came out my Dr. said they all came out normal. Except that only Alph-HBDH was slightly out of the range 206.39 (72-182) but that it is not clinicaly significant. That i should see a neurologist after explain these symptoms to the neurologist. The neurologist said i should do MRI inaddition that i should use Gabapentin once three times a day. So my question is Gabapentin banned in any country and why? Do i have myocardial infraction? that is been overlooked. Do i have anxiety problem because sometimes i feel very scared and i have this cold heat all over my head. What kind of neurologyia disease could i have?

    Thank you.

    Reply
      1. Charles

        Yes i have done ECG, EKG holtter and Thread mill test. They all came out normal (Negative for myocardial infraction).
        Also the MRI report says normal for Brain and Spinal cord.
        But i still have the chest pain.
        Am confused.

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          Difficult to comment without actual examination. This is unlikely to be myocardial infarction. May be something related to your nerves.

          Reply
  12. Sethi thakwan

    Dear Doctor
    For the past 2 weeks . I haven’t been getting good sleep
    My eyes are closed , but my mind is wondering and thinking
    and sometimes I get hot flashes behind my neck and sweat
    I get up not fresh and motivated
    Pls do advise what should I take for this
    Regards

    Reply
  13. Linda

    Hi Dr, I am a 28 years old female. Everything was great in my life until a few months later when I went through a very hard time. Felt unwell so went to dr because of digestion problems and heart palpitation and chest pain. All tests were normal and he said that i have anxiety. Then suddenly i started waking up in the middle of the night feeling my heart beating so hard although my bp is 10/70 and my pulse rate is 60-70 most time. He gave me Deanxit to take when stressed and i did a few times and felt better. Lasy time i did things got worse so he said to take seroxat and that i have panic disorder. I am scared to take seroxat because of its side effects and am not sure what’s happening is panic disorder. What should I do?

    Reply
      1. Linda

        Not really. I am a little stressed in my studies but nothing huge at the moment. Had some fears regarding health but after the tests came back normal the fears are mostly gone. I had one panic attack months ago after the illness of a family member, but never happened again. What I feel nowadays when i get this “attacks” is nothing compared to that. No fears, no rapid pulse or tingling in hands and feet. Just feeling a strong heartbeat. I have difficulty breathing through my nose and most of the time when sleeping I breathe by mouth. Could that somehow cause the “attacks”?

        Reply
        1. Buddy M.D. Post author

          These symptoms may occur in a mild panic attack. There,s no harm in taking pills for treatment. Pills would control symptoms and you’ll feel better.

          As you take better control of yourself, pills may be withdrawn.

          Reply
  14. hiba

    hello

    My mother took a medicine deanxit for three months a day pill a day and then for two weeks a day and a day not taken, but after a total cessation of five days began severe symptoms of chest swelling and numbness in the body and dizziness and sense of general sense. Please Help

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      These may be related to deanxit withdrawal. Medical help is required, before she develops any breathing problem.

      You need to inform your doctor at the earliest.

      Reply
  15. Sami

    Dear Dr,

    My father has been taking Dianxit for 26 years, he is 61 years old now.

    The reason it was prescribed to him is that he had tachycardia and some anxiety, he says that his tachycardia totally went away after he started taking this drug.

    He had sleeping problems for a very long time now, for which he takes Stilnox (Zolpidem) for the past 20 years during which he had to increase the dose or else he wouldn’t sleep.

    He was recently earned about Dianxit side effects, and I am helping him taking a decision. What I’m thinking is that if he took it for 26 years and his body didn’t seem to have any side effects yet (he has constant constipation, but that’s also related to the diet he follows, he’s also been having some minor memory problems recently), is it advisable that he switches to something else now and suffer from the side effects of another drug ? He wants something to take for life, he is past the point at which he would seek any therapy for his anxiety. He doesn’t have any health problems except for some disks in his back and neck.

    What would you advise us to do ? Moreover what do you think about Stilnox ?

    Thank you for your help

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Stilnox may be taken safely.

      Withdrawing from Deanxit would not be easy after such a long duration of use. However, better and safer drugs area available and its worth shifting him to a safer pill. However, this needs to be done under the supervision of a doctor.

      Reply
  16. Grace

    Hello,
    I diagnosed with fibromyalgia 7months ago. My doctors described for me deanxit 2 times per day + lyrica 1 time at night. After that I gradually began to dilute the medicine and in the present time I take one pill deanxit in the mornings.

    I would like to know if is it safe the medicine for a long period and if I have any other solution to fight the arthritis pain.

    Thanks

    Reply
  17. Maya

    Hello!

    I have been diagnosed with dysautonomia and POTS recently. As it is very hard for me not to have anxiety when symptoms get worse ( tachychardia, skipping beats, weakness, vertigo, breath shortness, hypoglicemic drops recently, intolerance to any small physical effort, intolerance to heat etc.) and have to prepare for MR (and it is hard for me lying flat), I was prescribed Deanxit. Is it safe to take it only for a short period of time and can it show some side effects short term?

    Reply
  18. Sherry Yu

    Hi Dr,

    I am Sherry, 23 years old, living in China. I have been suffering from anxiety since 2016 and just diagnosed with Mid-depression couple months ago as the panic attack happened frequently starting from this year. Symptoms are short of breath, strong panic feelings which cause strong heartbeat, body sweating, dizziness, upset stomach, brain numbness, also the thought of dying. Usually these feelings can get better once the emotions let out, through crying. In addition, my mind is always unclear during the day which has seriously affected my work ability. Feels as if it was very hard to comprehend what others say. I am not sure if this is from the anxiety/depression or just I don’t rest well. Speaking of rest, I always feel tired so easily, and I dream every night, mostly of bad things.

    I took Deanix for the past year and I stopped abruptly afterwards. At the moment all of these affects / symptoms are coming back at me I started taking it again. But not regularly like twice a day but only when the attacks kick in. I tried Zoloft for 2 days but the side effects were too strong – swallow difficulty, mild headache..

    Is there any better alternatives that you may suggest me switching over to? I am having an overseas business trip soon and I m hoping to have a backup meds just in case if it happens while I’m on the plane.

    Thank you.
    Sherry

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      Medicines cannot be prescribed here. However, do seek medical help. It’s essential. You need an expert opinion with a Psychiatrist.

      Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      It may lower libido and over all sexual performance. Specific details an semen quantity are not available.

      Reply
  19. Yashpal

    I am taking deanxit for 2 yrs now one tab a day. Results are good. The mild anxiety is gone. No side effects.
    I notice here from the posts that many people have taken it for 20 yrs or more. I am 76 years old. I want to continue deanxit for the future years. Is that ok. Or I must taper off and switch to ssri.

    Reply
    1. Buddy M.D. Post author

      In general, you may continue if you’re not having any side effects.

      However, for a precise advice, you’ll need to speak to your neurologist.

      Reply

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