Agomelatine - Oral

Agomelatine is used to treat depression.

Take Agomelatine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Agomelatine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.

Skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have liver disease as Agomelatine may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Agomelatine with fluvoxamine (another medicine used to treat depression) and ciprofloxacin (antibiotic).

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• diabetes
• bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression])
• moderate to severe kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are obese or overweight, ask your doctor for advice before taking Agomelatine.

Notify your doctor if you consume large amounts of alcohol or if you are a heavy smoker.

Medicines for depression such as Agomelatine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition, especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor's advice.

What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.

Agomelatine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, headache, back pain, excessive sweating, weight gain, itchy skin, strange or abnormal dreams, and difficulty sleeping.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• having thoughts of self-harm
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (worsening of depression, being agitated or aggressive)

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Agomelatine with the following medicines:

• fluvoxamine (another medicine to treat depression)
• ciprofloxacin (antibiotic)

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• rifampicin (medicine to treat TB [lung infection known as tuberculosis])
• propranolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
• enoxacin (antibiotic)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Agomelatine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Consuming large amount of alcohol is very damaging to the liver.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.