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Asendin Uses

Asendin uses are focused on the treatment of depression in adults. By affecting certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine) and blocking dopamine receptors, the medication is effective in treating depression symptoms, especially symptoms of psychotic depression. At this time, Asendin uses in children are not recommended.

 

Asendin Uses: An Overview

Asendin® (amoxapine) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
 
Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Common symptoms of depression include:
 
  • Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
  • Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
  • Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
  • Physical pain
  • Feeling hopeless or worthless
  • Suicidal thoughts.
     
Asendin has been proven in large clinical trials to help adults with depression. However, keep in mind that many antidepressants (including Asendin) may take awhile to begin working, although there is some evidence that Asendin may work more quickly than other similar antidepressants. It is important to give Asendin a chance to work before becoming discouraged.
 
Asendin can also be used for people who experience anxiety and agitation along with depression. Asendin is especially useful for people with "psychotic depression." People with psychotic depression experience hallucinations or delusions (persistent false beliefs) along with their depression symptoms.
 
Counseling and therapy (see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medications to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if counseling or therapy would be good options for you (see Depression Treatment).
 
(Asendin Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;