Asendin is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

Asendin affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Asendin is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.

Asendin may also be used for purposes other than those listed

Asendin belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCA).

When depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain. When these chemicals are released from nerve cells they act to lighten mood. When they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood.

Asendin works by preventing this re-absorption of noradrenaline and serotonin back into the nerve cells. Therefore, it helps

Take Asendin tablets by mouth.

Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

Adults
At first, 25 milligrams of Asendin two to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg a day, unless you are in the hospital. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.

Teenagers
At first, 10 mg of Asendin three times a day, and 20 mg at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However,

Asendin can interact with many other medicines. An interaction can be very important or fairly insignificant. Make sure your prescriber or health care professional knows about all other medicines you are taking; the most important are listed below:

• alcohol
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• blood thinners
• cimetidine or ranitidine
• clonidine
• disulfiram
• erythromycin
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
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Most Important Fact about Asendin
Asendin must be taken regularly to be effective and it may be several weeks before you begin to feel better. Do not skip doses, even if they seem to make no difference.

Asendin precautions if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The safety of Asendin during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Asendin passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using Asendin while breastfeeding.

More common side effects of Asendin may include:

• dizziness,
• drowsiness,
• dryness of mouth,
• headache,
• increased appetite,
• nausea,
• tiredness or weakness (mild),
• unpleasant taste,
• weight gain

Less common side effects of Asendin may include:

• blurred vision,
• confusion or delirium,
• constipation,
• decreased sexual ability,
• difficulty in speaking or swallowing,
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