Inadequate sleep, stress at work and constant tension lead to the systematic destruction of the mechanisms of stable functioning of the central nervous system. As a result, sleep is lost, one feels exhausted and tired even after proper rest, irritability, anxiety, and apathy increase, which can ultimately lead to a disease such as vegetative-vascular dystonia.
Finding a similar list of symptoms in patients, neurologists and psychotherapists are in no hurry to prescribe full-scale drug treatment. If the situation is not advanced, it is better to take gentle measures in the form of anxiolytics, of which the first on the list are Tenoten or Afobazol.
Production of drugs
Both representatives are produced in Russia. Afobazole is produced by Pharmstandard-Leksredstva, Tenoten is produced by Materia Medica Holding.
Within the classification, drugs belong to the same pharmacological group - anxiolytics, despite the fact that the active ingredients are not the same. The release form is different - Afobazole is released in the form of tablets for swallowing. Tenoten is intended for resorption.
Description of the pharmacological activity of the group
Anxiolytics are psychotropic drugs that help reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, and unreasonable anxiety. The mechanism of action is based on reducing the excitation of the thalamus, hypothalamus, and limbic system, which are responsible for the emotional manifestations of the body's states.
Anxiolytics inhibit the interaction of these sections with the cerebral cortex and inhibit polysynaptic spinal reflexes.
The main effects caused by anxiolytics:
- sedative,
- hypnotic,
- muscle relaxant,
- anticonvulsant,
- amnestic,
- vegetative stabilizing.
The combination of two or more effects depends on the type of anxiolytic, concentration and concomitant medications. Depending on these combinations, there are:
- benzodiazepines with a predominant anxiolytic effect,
- benzodiazepines with a predominant hypnotic effect,
- benzodiazepines with a predominant anticonvulsant effect.
The drugs are not compatible with alcohol, as it enhances the effect of the active substances on the central nervous system. Concomitant use with other drugs that cause CNS depression is contraindicated.
Comparison of side effects of Afobazole and Tenoten
Side effects or adverse events are any adverse medical event that occurs in a subject after administration of a drug.
Afobazole's side effects are almost the same as Tenoten's. They both have few side effects. This implies that the frequency of their occurrence is low, that is, the indicator of how many cases of an undesirable effect of treatment are possible and registered is low. The undesirable effect on the body, the strength of influence and the toxic effect of Afobazole are similar to Tenoten: how quickly the body recovers after taking it and whether it recovers at all.
Contraindications
The drug is contraindicated:
- lactose deficiency,
- galactosemia,
- lactation period, pregnancy,
- individual intolerance.
The drug has a version for use in pediatrics - Tenoten for children. Its use is prohibited for children under 3 years of age. Tenoten regular should not be taken by children under 18 years of age.
Choice of drugs
When choosing Afobazole or Tenoten, it is impossible to clearly determine which is better, since much depends on the issue of individual susceptibility.
Afobazole is a completely synthetic drug with a psychotropic tranquilizing effect. Medical practice shows that its use is appropriate if Tenoten does not help. The latter is classified as a homeopathic remedy, so its effect is less pronounced.
One of the main advantages of Afobazole is that it does not cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms; the results of treatment are consolidated and last for a long period.
The advantage of Tenoten is its nature - since it is less synthetic, its use is permitted in childhood and has minimal side effects.
Tenoten is best used in specific situations during irritation or stress, as it quickly leads to the desired effect. Afobazole will act only after the first five days, as it is intended for course treatment. The first representative is more expensive and is sold strictly by prescription.
You can compare drugs by age group and severity of the disease. If the form of depression, anxiety or stress is severe, prolonged and advanced, and the patient is over 18 years old, it is advisable to prescribe Afobazol. If in the same age category the problem is unsystematic, it is better to start with Tenoten. It is also more relevant if the problem concerns a pediatric patient.
Tenoten
A homeopathic medicine that contains special antibodies to the S-100 protein. Produced in tablets. The effect of the drug is to normalize the number and ratio of nerve mediators in the brain.
The result of this effect is the restoration of plasticity processes in nerve endings. As a result, calm occurs, mood improves, and feelings of anxiety disappear.
Also, the positive aspects of Tenoten include:
- strengthening the nervous system;
- increased concentration;
- improvement of memory and immune system;
- does not have a sedative or relaxing effect on muscles;
- reduces cravings for drugs and alcohol;
- limits the area of brain damage during a stroke.
When should you take Tenoten?
It is better to dissolve the tablets under the tongue.
The frequency of administration and duration of treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor.
Tenoten is prescribed for the following indications:
- depression;
- neuroses;
- memory loss;
- after a stroke;
- decreased reaction speed;
- vegetative-vascular dystonia;
- asthenia;
- increased tearfulness;
- traumatic brain injury.
Contraindications and side effects
The drug should be stored out of the reach of small children at a temperature of no more than +25 ° C. Provided that it is kept in dark, cool, dry conditions, the shelf life is extended to three years. Use after the expiration date is strictly prohibited.
In addition, the medicine should not be used for:
- congenital galactosemia;
- lactose intolerance;
- allergies to components;
- glucose and galactose malabsorption syndrome.
Children's Tenoten should be used only by adolescents, adults - upon reaching 18 years of age. Although the effect of the components on the formation of the fetus during pregnancy has not been studied, doctors do not recommend using it during this period.
Side effects may include allergies and insomnia. The latter only if the tablet was taken immediately before bedtime.
Tenoten | Afobazole | |
Compound | 3 mg antibodies to brain-specific protein S-100 | 5 or 10 mg of active substance Afobazole and auxiliary components:
|
Dose | 1 – 2 tablets 2 – 4 times a day, course 1 – 3 months | single dose - 10 mg, daily dose - 30 mg, duration of use of the drug is 2-4 weeks |
Cost, rub) | 204 | 297 |
Side effects | allergies and insomnia | allergic reactions, increased individual sensitivity |
Concomitant use
Both of these drugs can be used as complex therapy simultaneously. Tenoten has no contraindications for joint use, unlike Afobazole, the use of which is usually not recommended with other drugs from the group of anxiolytics.
But since Tenoten is a homeopathic medicine, it is possible to formulate complex therapy by strictly controlling the dosage of Afobazole and its ratio - this is done only by the attending physician, and the dose should be adjusted monthly depending on changes in the patient’s condition.
Joint use is prescribed for the treatment of prolonged anxiety, restless sleep, a noticeable decrease in concentration and memory quality.
Evaluating effectiveness when choosing a product
When treating diseases with anxiety, it is better for an adult to take Afobazole than Tenoten . The effect and safety of fabomotizole was studied by developers, clinicians and WHO experts. It is compatible with ethanol, increases the anticonvulsant property of anticonvulsants, which allows it to be successfully used for alcohol withdrawal. The active substance Afobazole gently eliminates the manifestations of somatic diseases of the duodenum, gastrointestinal tract, ganglia, and cardiovascular system. Tenoten is a homeopathic remedy with controversial therapeutic efficacy.
It is allowed to supplement the effect of medications with homeopathy in the treatment of anxiety caused by cerebrovascular accidents and to prevent its consequences. With long-term use, Tenoten will be more effective instead of Afobazole. But as a mono-drug it is used after drug therapy.
If we compare the stimulating effect of these anxiolytics, Tenoten will be stronger: its last dose should be no later than 120 minutes before bedtime. Afobazole is allowed to be taken at night, since it has a slight stimulating effect, and it is better to drink it for sleep disorders.
Patients' opinions
Reviews of drugs from different groups of patients differ. The effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the depth of nervous system disorders, concomitant diseases, and the psychological environment during the course of therapy.
Most patients with chronic vegetative-vascular dystonia and neurosis noted an improvement in their condition after a course of treatment with Afobazole. Psycho-emotional stabilization, a more indifferent attitude towards everyday sources of irritation, and an improvement in the quality and depth of sleep were noted. Negative reviews were associated with side effects: 19% of patients noticed red rashes on the skin of the hands and face, accompanied by itching, as well as fatigue and drowsiness throughout the day. Therefore, despite the instructions, the use of Afobazole is not recommended if it is necessary to drive a vehicle or other mechanism that is dangerous to life.
Maximum pharmacological activity was observed during treatment with a course according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A repeated course has less effect, a third course has practically no desired effect. Among other side effects, patients noted weight gain, since Afobazole has the property of slowing metabolism and increasing appetite. In the case of a balanced diet, this side effect is not observed.
Reviews about Tenoten were positive only when the diseases were not chronic and proceeded mainly without complications. Outbursts of anger and a rolling feeling of anxiety were successfully overcome by Tenoten within 15 minutes after taking the drug. However, Tenoten turned out to be less effective in the treatment of depression, apathy, insomnia and neuroses.
Reviews
What do patients say about the drugs?
"Afobazol"
“A minor effect appeared only after 2 weeks of use.”
“The drug is very good. It copes well with irritability, normalizes nighttime sleep and does not cause daytime sleepiness.”
“Only after taking it for two weeks did a weak effect begin to appear. The medicine is well tolerated. You will have to wait a very long time for calm, so I do not recommend the drug. There are much better means."
"Tenoten"
“I think that all homeopathy is a dummy. I tried a lot of these remedies, but I didn’t notice any results.”
“I gave Tenoten to a child. The son disobeyed at school and argued with classmates and teachers. After treatment with this remedy, I became much calmer and my academic performance improved.”
Reviews from neurologists
"Afobazol"
“There is no point in taking Afobazol as a separate remedy. The effect can only occur in combination with other sedatives.”
“In combination with anticonvulsants, their dosage is reduced.”
“The main drawback is that it takes too long to get any effect.”
Experts' opinion
Therapists agree that Afobazole is a fairly mild and easily tolerated drug. If it is necessary to prevent diseases of the central nervous system that were previously cured, Afobazol is ideal. In addition, it is chosen by most psychotherapists for the treatment of prolonged depressive conditions.
Tenoten as such does not belong to traditional means of drug treatment. Its attitude towards homeopathic remedies makes most specialists refuse to use Tenoten, however, they do not deny its effectiveness in cases of minor manifestations of psychosomatic disorders. It is noteworthy that Tenoten remains more popular for strokes and organic pathologies.
In some cases, the use of Afobazole is unacceptable due to intolerance to the components of the drug, childhood or personal ineffectiveness. In such cases, Tenoten comes as a replacement, but for no more than two weeks - then a more effective drug in terms of duration is prescribed.
Which remedy is better?
Which is better, Tenoten or Afobazole? When comparing Afobazole and Tenoten, the main difference becomes obvious. “Afobazol” is a common medicine, and “Tenoten” belongs to the group of homeopathic remedies. To date, the effectiveness of homeopathy has not been clinically proven.
At the same time, studies of the drug “Afobazol” were successfully carried out. Their results confirm the effectiveness of the drug, which is similar to the well-known tranquilizing drug Diazepam. It follows from this that Afobazol is much more powerful and effective in dealing with anxiety than Tenoten .
- Adult patients can use any of these remedies.
- For children, it is recommended to use Tenoten exclusively.
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