Tricyclic antidepressants are a genre of meds used for treating mental conditions such as panic, phobias, depression, etc. In the early 1950s, researchers discovered these meds. These were launched for use in the latter half of the same decade. Since then, use of tricyclic antidepressants increased in an exponential manner. Tianeptine is a medication belonging to this genre of drugs. How long does it take to get addicted to tianeptine? Knowing more on this front can be of use.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are used for treating mental conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), social anxiety disorders– to name a few. In some cases, caregivers have used these meds for cessation of smoking, migraines, nerve pain, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc.
For management of pain, the mode of working of this med is not fully understood. However, it is widely thought to work on your opioid system of your brain. Owing to this property, TCAs are also taken for treating tension-headache and migraine-prophylaxis.
In this milieu, what is tianeptine?
This drug is a popular med belonging to a category called atypical tricyclic antidepressants. Its chemical composition is identical to TCAs but due to some glaring differences, tianeptine is not grouped under TCAs. Intake of larger dosages can lead to potential abuse.
It is chiefly administered for treating spells of depression caused by mental conditions like major depressive disorder (or, MDD). As an added use, caregivers use it to manage irritable bowel syndrome, asthma as well as episodes of anxiety. Its anxiolytic capabilities are largely responsible for effectively controlling spells of panic and nervousness.
Tianeptine
How long does it take to get addicted to tianeptine?
The duration of medication plan by which one gets addicted to tianeptine is not evident. However, based on research done on dosage plans, it is likely to take a few weeks’ time of continued use. As the essential chemicals of this med kick-in a sense of euphoria. Tianeptine is known for its ability to alter the quantum of neuro-transmitting substances like serotonin, and at relatively larger dosages it starts working as an opioid. As a result of these, this drug makes you happy and contented.
Users who take tianeptine regularly may soon find themselves developing tolerance to it. This makes users seek larger dosage forms of this atypical tricyclic antidepressant med. This is the start of dependencies and / or addiction. Before becoming addicted, you are likely to witness some adverse signs viz., sleeplessness, being dizzy, dryness of mouth, difficulties to pass stools, etc.
Upon sensing one or more of these signs, it is a key thing to talk to your mental healthcare provider. People who used larger dosage forms may develop near-fatal or (at times) fatal outcomes. These include high level of blood pressure, incidence of strokes, cardiac failure, renal dysfunction, hepatic disorders like swelling of liver or cirrhosis.
It can be unsafe to stop taking this med suddenly. Instead, doses are to be discontinued under the supervision of a qualified clinical professional. Commonly observed signs are depression, muscular pains, feeling nauseated, onset of fits. Withdrawal symptoms may last for a week’s time. You may need to be cared for in an intensive care unit as these signs are fairly serious. It can consume several weeks to fully come off these withdrawal effects.
Last but not least, a few users who took excessive doses of tianeptine have died owing to such practices. Either when combined with other intoxicants or if consumed in larger dosages this med can turn dangerous. In case of acute levels of dependencies, your treating doctor may administer doses of sedatives like naloxone. In order to know more on how long does it take to get addicted to tianeptine, you are advised to talk to a certified caregiver.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
Exclusive 30% OFF for New Customers!
