Tynept (tianeptine) is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, and a range of other disorders. It should not be used in patients under age 15.

Though technically a tricyclic antidepressant, Tynept deviates from other tricyclics to such an extent that it's usually not grouped with them. There are a number of factors that set Tynept apart:

• Most antidepressants focus on increasing serotonin levels. Tynept actually decreases serotonin---it is a selective serotonin reuptake enhancer, or SSRE.
• Tynept promotes the growth and branching of dendritic extensions of nerve cells.
• Tynept increases the volume of the hippocampus.
• Tynept influences various chemicals other than serotonin in the brain.
• Tynept is less likely than other antidepressants to cause cardiovascular problems.
• Tynept has a minimal sedative effect.

The medication does have the usual mood elevating and stabilizing effects of other antidepressants; how it produces these effects is simply different from standard antidepressants.

Though generally only approved to treat depression and anxiety, off-label use has expanded considerably to include other conditions, many of which also see off-label use of standard antidepressants. The medication has proven beneficial in treating:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Attention deficit disorder
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Erectile dysfunction
• Panic disorder
• Parkinson's disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Irritable bowel syndrome

Other medications may or may not be used along with Tynept, depending on the condition being treated and, to a lesser extent, its severity.

Patients may want to note that there is some evidence that Tynept increases risk of liver damage compared to other antidepressants. Studies indicating such are somewhat controversial, however; research is ongoing. Patients with preexisting liver problems may want to avoid this medication, or at least discuss potential risks with a doctor before use.

Dosage & Administration

Tynept comes in tablets of 12.5 mg strength. Tablets are best taken right before or during a meal. Treatment typically consists of two or three tablets per day, taken at evenly-spaced intervals throughout the day. This is true for the majority of conditions Tynept treats.

In other words, patients age 15 and up should:

• Take 12.5 mg two or three times per day.
• Treatment should continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Treatment typically continues for 3 to 9 months in depression or anxiety, though this can deviate to some extent depending on the patient. Duration of treatment can be considerably more vaired for other conditions; doctor instructions should always be followed.

It usually takes a week or two for most patients to notice significant improvements. Provided no adverse effects develop, give the medication at least a couple of weeks before deciding it doesn't work.

Taken as directed---12.5 mg up to three times per day---there are no concerns about patients building up tolerance to the drug or withdrawal symptoms if treatment ends. It is also not considered addictive at these lower doses, though it can be at higher doses.

Abuses

Tynept has seen increasing abuse around the world since 2010, though at this point in time abuse is very minimal compared to opioids, amphetamines, and so forth. Abuse is typically in two forms:

• Taking high doses to produce euphoria.
• Taking smaller doses not to treat a condition but to enhance cognitive function.

Using Tynept in doses large enough to produce euphoria is dangerous, and if used regularly tolerance is likely to develop, in which an individual needs larger and larger quantities of the drug to produce the same effects. Withdrawal effects are also a concern with long-term use of high doses.

As a cognitive enhancer---also known as a nootropic or smart drug---Tynept is typically taken at much lower doses, one or two 12.5 mg tablets at a time, and use typically does not span the long-term, at least not consecutively. It is believed that Tynept improves clarity of thought, promotes complex thought, improves memory, and so forth. Unlike many nootropics it does not promote wakefulness.

Legal Issues

As mentioned above, this medication has seen an increase of abuse in recent years, including a few cases in which suspected overdose on Tynept has resulted in death.

Tynept is approved for use in treating depression and anxiety in about 60 countries, mostly in Europe. The medication has no approved uses in the USA, Canada, Australia, and some other major countries. In these locations legality varies from "unapproved" to illegal. Unapproved substances are typically legal to buy or sell, but not to consume. Note that the medication's legal status often varies within countries, as state or city laws may apply even if federal laws are indifferent.

In countries in which Tynept has no approved uses it will likely become increasingly illegal in the near future, as authorities become alarmed by its abuse potential. Patients who buy Tynept from Kiwi Drug are solely responsible for understanding and complying with local laws and regulations.

If the product does becomes increasingly illegal it may start being tested for on some drug tests as well. A valid prescription will resolve this issue, if it occurs. Those who don't have a prescription will likely face consequences.

Adverse Effects

Taken as directed, side effects from Tynept are rare and usually transient, meaning they stop occurring as the body adapts to the medication. Commonly reported are:

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Vivid dreams
• Dizziness

The above are not cause for concern unless persistant enough to be disruptive.

More severe side effects are rare but do happen, and are more likely when Tynept is abused by taking very high doses regularly:

• Liver damage
• Severe fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Hard, rapid, or irregular heartbeats
• Blurred vision
• Tremor
• Euphoria

Tynept can interact with numerous other medications, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should particularly be avoided for 14 days before or following treatment with Coaxil; mixing these medications can prove fatal. Always double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication with Tynept.

Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not take Tynept. Effects on breastfeeding babies are unclear.