Review of drugs Mebicar or Adaptol | What to choose

Updated: 04/23/2021 15:13:41

Expert: Abramova Tsilya

We present to your attention two anxiolytic drugs - Mebicar and Adaptol. The same composition, dosage, principle of action and indications - what is the difference between them? Both drugs are prescribed in the complex treatment of neuroses, cardiac diseases, addiction to tobacco and in other situations to relieve fear and anxiety. At first glance, the drugs differ only in price, and Mebikar, as a cheaper drug, is the winner. But is it really that simple?

The experts of our magazine collected data on the drugs in question and found out that Adaptol is considered an original drug, while Mebicar is a generic. The original has undergone clinical trials and has established itself as a medicine effective in the treatment of various neurological conditions. The generic differs in its auxiliary components and, theoretically, its effectiveness may be lower.

Studies have shown that both drugs cope with the task and are equally often used in practice. It is safe to say that in this case, the generic Mebicar is practically not inferior to the original Adaptol and can successfully compete with it in the pharmaceutical market.

Composition and release form: is there a difference?

The main active ingredient is the same for Adaptol and Mebicar - tetramethyltetraazabicyclooctanedione. The drugs in question differ in their auxiliary components. Mebicar additionally contains povidone and calcium stearate, Adaptol contains the same calcium stearate and methylcellulose.

Both drugs belong to the same pharmacological group. These are anxiolytics, they are also tranquilizers - drugs that relieve anxiety and fear. They are used in practical psychiatry and neurology, and are used in therapy for the complex treatment of certain diseases.

Mebicar and Adaptol are available in tablets. The dosage of the drug differs:

1. Adaptol is presented on the pharmaceutical market in the form of 500 mg tablets.
2. Mebicar is available in tablets of 300 and 500 mg.

The cost of drugs varies:

1. Adaptol - about 600 rubles for 20 pieces.
2. Mebicar - about 400 rubles for 20 pieces.

Mebicar is one and a half times cheaper, which determines its popularity. But let's find out whether the price of the more expensive option - Adaptol - is justified, and whether it is worth saving in this case.

How do they work?

The instructions for use state that tetramethyltetraazabicyclooctanedione in Adaptol and Mebicar acts on various tissues:

1. enhances oxygen supply to the myocardium;
2. improves blood flow in the heart muscle;
3. normalizes the balance of electrolytes in the blood;
4. activates protein synthesis;
5. increases the energy resource of the cell.

The active substance of both drugs is similar in structure to natural metabolites of the human body. It affects the functioning of the hypothalamus and the main neurotransmitter systems. The drugs under study are involved in the synthesis of choline, serotonin and adrenaline. When applied as a course, the following effects are expected:

1. anxiety and restlessness go away;
2. the feeling of fear decreases;
3. emotional stress decreases;
4. Cognitive functions improve: attention, memory.

Adaptol and Mebicar do not reduce mental and motor activity, so they can be prescribed during the day (including during school and work). They do not cause drowsiness, but improve the natural flow of sleep if it is disturbed. They do not lead to the development of euphoria and do not affect mood. Ease nicotine addiction.

Mebicar is a mild daytime tranquilizer.

The drug is produced in different countries: Russia, Latvia, Ukraine. The name is determined by the main active ingredient - mebikar .

It is produced in the form of tablets, each of which contains 300/500 mg of the active substance.

The tablets are flat-cylindrical in appearance, white, with the manufacturer's trademark on one side.

The drug is in the same group with psychostimulants and nootropics. It is an anxiolytic, having a moderate effect . Gradually reduces feelings of anxiety and fear. Eliminates anxiety disorders, irritability.

It has a calming property without causing muscle relaxation or impaired coordination of movements. Does not slow down mental and motor activity. This opens up the possibility of taking the drug during the day.

Does not cause mood swings, including euphoria, drowsiness. At the same time, it has a positive effect on the quality of sleep and enhances the effect of sleeping pills.

Being a nootropic, it significantly increases concentration and improves memory. Does not cause symptoms of pathological disorders accompanied by delusional ideas and emotional overexcitability.

Strengthens the activity of the hypothalamus and neurotransmitter systems, balancing them.

Mebicar has high bioavailability. Within 30 minutes its concentration is detected in the blood. The effect on the body occurs within 4 hours. Does not have the ability to accumulate. It is excreted in urine after 24 hours.

Treatment does not depend on food intake. The dosage is selected individually. Standard - 300-600 mg 2/3 times a day . If necessary, the dosage is increased to 10 g per day. Course: from 2 days to 3 months .

Mebicar is a low-toxic drug. Even with large doses, overdose rarely occurs. It is characterized by increased side symptoms: dyspepsia, allergies, hypotension, weakness, decreased body temperature.

Assessing the effectiveness of drugs

Controversy among doctors continues regarding Adaptol and Mebicar. Old-school specialists say that these drugs have proven their effectiveness in clinical practice. Neurologists and psychiatrists prescribe these drugs - and see their positive effects. The beneficial effects of medications are confirmed by clinical trials:

1. Mebicar has proven itself in the treatment of anxiety disorders associated with autonomic dysfunction. Studies have shown that the drug relieves feelings of anxiety and fear without causing drowsiness or reducing memory and attention.
2. Adaptol has been used in complex therapy of irritable bowel syndrome. The effect was noticeable already in the second week of taking the drug. The study authors especially emphasized the fact that Adaptol reduces anxiety and eliminates autonomic disorders without causing significant side effects.
3. Both drugs are successfully used in neurological and psychiatric practice, in dermatology, which is confirmed by numerous scientific works.
4. There are many similar examples, and these drugs are popular in Russia and the former CIS countries. But what do foreign colleagues say about this? A review of Cochrane studies did not provide information on the effectiveness of Adaptol (Mebicar). There is only data on not very large-scale studies that showed the beneficial effects of Adaptol, but you can’t focus on them alone. The sample is too small to seriously talk about the effectiveness of the drug.
5. Some sources refer to Adaptol and its analogues as “fuflomycins,” emphasizing the fact that these drugs have not undergone randomized clinical trials. According to the position of evidence-based medicine, such drugs cannot be used in the practice of a modern doctor.

Adaptol is a worthy analogue of Mebicar

The drug is produced in Latvia. It has several forms: capsules, tablets. The main active substance that determines the action of the drug is mebicar . In different forms, 300 or 500 mg of the main substance is found.

Adaptol is classified as a psycholeptic and other ankyolytic. Being a tranquilizer, it helps patients get rid of attacks of fear, anxiety, and concern, completely or partially.

Gradually calms the person, without causing inhibition or impaired coordination of movement. Therefore, it is effectively used during training and during work that requires mental stress.

A person feels natural without a sharp increase in mood and a feeling of euphoria.

Adaptol is not a hypnotic substance, but it harmonizes perfectly with sleeping pills, enhancing their effect. In this case, sleep becomes better quality.

The nootropic effect of the drug improves memory and concentration. Increases mental performance . In this case, there are no symptoms of psychopathological disorders: psychoemotional activity, delirium.

Reduces nicotine addiction.

The drug is characterized by high bioavailability - 80% . Already half an hour after oral administration, its effect on the body begins. Lasts up to 4 hours. It is not metabolized, does not accumulate, but is completely excreted in the urine.

It is not a toxic substance, so cases of overdose are extremely rare.

Indications for use

Indications for Mebicar and Adaptol are similar:

1. neurotic disorders: anxiety, phobia, depression, emotional lability, etc.;
2. complex therapy for cardialgia (heart pain), coronary heart disease;
3. recovery after myocardial infarction;
4. addiction to tobacco – to reduce craving for nicotine;
5. when prescribing antipsychotics and tranquilizers - to improve their tolerability.
6. Indications for therapy are determined by the doctor after examination.

How are they transferred?

Experience shows that anxiolytics are well tolerated and side effects are rare. The following conditions may occur:

1. allergic reaction such as skin itching and rash;
2. decreased blood pressure;
3. increased body temperature;
4. nausea, abdominal discomfort.

These reactions are not a reason to stop therapy. Usually blood pressure and body temperature return to normal on their own. Only if an allergic rash and abdominal pain appears should you stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.

During treatment there is no addiction. Cancellation is well tolerated and no dosage adjustment is required.

Advantages and disadvantages of the drug

Adaptol affects human brain activity quite mildly and does not cause side effects that are common among other analogues, such as dizziness, loss of coordination, weakening of muscle tone, dullness of reaction or euphoria.
The drug is well suited for patients with neuroses, cravings for smoking, and is used during menopause or oxidative stress. The medicine quickly spreads throughout the body (the initial effect can be observed after 15-20 minutes), the duration of the achieved effect lasts up to 3-4 hours - the patient feels peace and tranquility. Stress will no longer bother the patient. The drug does not have a toxic effect on the liver and is excreted from the body by the kidneys.

Adaptol is not addictive, patients do not experience withdrawal symptoms. When taking the drug, there are no contraindications for driving vehicles and machinery, or performing work that requires increased attention.

A mild tranquilizing effect, prevents the occurrence of seizures, prevents impairment of motor functions and loss of orientation in space. In general, the effect of taking the drug is the correction and stabilization of mood, clarification of thinking, and increased productivity.

The disadvantages of Adaptol include its price (the average cost in Russia fluctuates around 750 rubles); many of its analogues are cheaper. Taking the medication cannot be combined with alcoholic beverages, so you will have to stay away from entertainment during the treatment.

Precautionary measures

Adaptol and Mebicar are not prescribed in the following situations:

1. pregnancy;
2. lactation period;
3. children under 18 years of age;
4. individual intolerance to the drug.

The drugs are low-toxic, and overdose is unlikely. Exceeding the dosage can lead to a sharp decrease in blood pressure, weakness and attacks of dizziness. When such symptoms appear, gastric lavage is indicated.

Application

Both drugs provide relief from:

• nervous disorders,
• panic attacks,
• stomach upsets,
• emotional overload,
• internal imbalance
• uncontrollable irritability,
• hormonal imbalances,
• disruptions of the menstrual cycle,
• stress disorders,
• heart diseases,
• with symptoms of VSD.

VSD is a disorder of parts of the nervous and autonomic system. This disease can manifest itself between the ages of 15 and 90 years inclusive.

VSD can occur when:

• severe emotional shock,
• stress,
• childbirth,
• injuries,
• infectious diseases,
• tobacco abuse, etc.

People who are sensitive to weather especially suffer from this disease. There is no ideal and specific medicine to relieve the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia, but drugs such as Adaptol and Mebicar can significantly reduce the frequency of symptoms and reduce impossible headaches.