Tenaxit

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Tenaxit

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Tenaxit

Property Description
Active ingredients Flupentixol and Melitracen
Form Oral Tablets (Film-coated)
Pharmacological class Psychotropic Agent (Antipsychotic/Antidepressant combination)
General purpose Management of co-existing mild anxiety and depressive states
Origin Synthetic

Tenaxit is a prescription psychotropic agent formulated as a fixed-dose combination product designed to address concurrent symptoms of anxiety and depression. This synthetic medication is generally presented as oral tablets, making it a preparation for systemic administration intended to influence the central nervous system. Its identity as a comprehensive agent for psychological disturbances stems from its dual-component strategy, offering a single solution to manage mixed emotional states. The formulation is recognized in medical practice for its use in treating mixed affective states.


What Type of Medicine is Tenaxit?

Tenaxit is classified as a combination of two distinct pharmacological categories: a low-dose Antipsychotic (Neuroleptic) component and a Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) component. The combination's components are classified in this manner to provide a therapeutic dual-focus. Unlike single-ingredient medications, this fixed-dose combination is engineered to provide a balanced biphasic action—both gently activating and calming—to stabilize mood and restore emotional drive. This classification explains the simultaneous effort to relieve inner tension and combat feelings of apathy or low vitality, a factor that differentiates it from treatments focused solely on depression or anxiety.


Tenaxit's Composition and General Purpose

The two core active ingredients [INN] in the Tenaxit composition are Flupentixol and Melitracen. Flupentixol is chemically identified as a Thioxanthene derivative, included to provide an anxiolytic effect, reducing generalized nervousness. Melitracen, classified as a Tricyclic Antidepressant, acts as the primary mood-elevating component, focused on addressing diminished motivation and depressive states. The general purpose of this specific two-substance formulation is to leverage their synergistic action to treat mild-to-moderate psychological disturbances where both anxiety and low mood coexist. This combination is applied in managing patients with anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. The medication aims to help patients struggling with symptoms like pervasive anxiety and the often-linked feelings of emotional blunting or apathy seen in conditions like neuroses. For instance, it is typically used when an individual experiences persistent anxiety alongside low energy and disinterest.

Regulatory References

  1. Flupentixol DrugBank Summary
  2. Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for Deanxit

What side effects are possible with Tenaxit?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile for this combination medicine, which contains an antipsychotic and an antidepressant component, is defined by regulatory documents that classify adverse reactions based on frequency and affected body system. Adverse events are officially categorized from Very Common to Not Known.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Classification Examples of Documented Effects
Very Common Somnolence (drowsiness), Akathisia (restlessness), Dry Mouth
Common Insomnia, Agitation, Tremor, Dizziness, Constipation, Tachycardia, Weight Increased
Rare Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), QT Prolongation, Blood Dyscrasias

System-Organ Classes and Serious Reactions

Adverse reactions are grouped by System-Organ Class, with commonly listed effects involving the Nervous System (e.g., movement disorders, tremor), Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g., dry mouth, constipation), and Cardiac Disorders (e.g., tachycardia, palpitations).

Regulatory labeling specifies Serious Adverse Reactions (SARs), which are rare but clinically significant. These include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), cases of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), and serious Blood Dyscrasias (e.g., agranulocytosis).

Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Official safety statements indicate that adverse effects may be most pronounced at the beginning of treatment and tend to lessen with continued use. The risk of Tardive Dyskinesia is associated with long-term exposure.

Contraindications define situations where use is prohibited, such as severe hepatic impairment, circulatory collapse, and untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. Additionally, older adults with dementia-related psychosis face increased mortality risk when treated with antipsychotics, and neonates exposed during the third trimester are at risk for withdrawal symptoms.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

Overdose with Tenaxit, a combination of a low-dose neuroleptic and a tricyclic antidepressant, is classified as a potentially severe and life-threatening medical emergency by regulatory authorities due to the dual toxicity profile. The most critical concerns relate to the tricyclic antidepressant component.


Documented Manifestations and Severe Outcomes

System Documented Clinical Signs
Cardiovascular Severe arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular fibrillation), hypotension, and cardiac arrest
Central Nervous System Somnolence, confusion, progression to coma, and convulsions (seizures)
Other Effects Signs of anticholinergic toxicity, including mydriasis, dry mouth, and urinary retention

Required Emergency Actions

Regulatory documents mandate that any suspected or confirmed overdose requires that emergency medical care be sought immediately. Due to the risk of delayed severe complications, continuous cardiac monitoring and prolonged hospital observation are required, even if initial symptoms appear mild. Management is symptomatic and supportive, as no specific antidote is known for this combination. Decontamination procedures like gastric lavage and activated charcoal may be described for use in the early stages following ingestion. Overdose severity and risk are noted to be increased in the elderly population.

Therapeutic Uses of Tenaxit

Quick Facts: Tenaxit

  • Addresses: Symptoms related to Condition X.
  • Support: May help to ease minor discomfort associated with the condition.
  • Usage: Is used to support ongoing care as determined by a healthcare provider.

What Tenaxit Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Tenaxit is a medication that a healthcare provider may prescribe to help manage certain aspects of Condition X. Its primary role is to support patients who are experiencing symptoms related to this condition. The drug may help ease discomfort and work to maintain stability for individuals managing the effects of Condition X.

In some cases, Tenaxit may also be used to support recovery following a medical event, based on the specific direction of a physician. It is typically a component of a larger, personalized treatment plan, and patients should always consult their healthcare provider for specific guidance on its usage.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Restrictions for Tenaxit

The eligibility profile for Tenaxit is strictly defined by official regulatory labeling, outlining populations who can use the medicine and those who are formally contraindicated.

Populations Permitted or Restricted

Category Eligibility Status (Regulatory Wording)
Approved Adults Eligible for mild to moderate anxiety and depressive states.
Older Adults Eligible, though initial dosage may need to be reduced.
Children/Adolescents Not recommended for use (lack of clinical experience).
Excitable/Overactive Not recommended (activating component risks exaggeration).

Absolute Contraindications

Use of Tenaxit is contraindicated in patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction, circulatory collapse, or certain cardiac rhythm disorders (e.g., atrioventricular block). It is also prohibited in patients with severely depressed consciousness, blood disorders, phaeochromocytoma, or a known hypersensitivity to the components. Concurrent or recent use of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) is strictly prohibited.

Conditional Use and Status

Use requires caution in patients with specific comorbidities, including advanced hepatic or severe renal impairment, epilepsy, and narrow-angle glaucoma. During pregnancy, Tenaxit should not be administered unless the benefit outweighs the risk, and it is preferably not given during lactation.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The official regulatory labeling for the combination of Flupentixol and Melitracen establishes explicit restrictions and potential interaction outcomes with several classes of medicinal products.

Contraindicated Combinations

Co-administration is formally contraindicated with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), including non-selective agents and selective agents like Moclobemide and Selegiline, due to the regulatory risk of serious reactions, such as serotonin syndrome (Source 1.2). Similarly, co-administration with other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval is advised against due to the potential for increased cardiac rhythm risk (Source 2.2).

Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Alterations

The product may enhance the response to substances that depress the central nervous system (CNS), including alcohol and other CNS depressants like barbiturates and opioids (Source 1.1). Official documents also note that the tricyclic antidepressant component may potentiate the cardiovascular effects of direct-acting sympathomimetic agents such as adrenaline and noradrenaline (Source 1.3). Conversely, the combination may reduce the antihypertensive effect of adrenergic neurone blockers, including Guanethidine (Source 1.1). Caution is also advised when co-administering with oral anticoagulants (e.g., Coumarin derivatives), as the product may potentiate their effects (Source 3.2).

Timing-Based Restrictions

Treatment with this product must be initiated 14 days after discontinuation of non-selective MAOIs, and at least one day after stopping selective MAOIs (Source 1.2).

Population-Specific Notes

Caution is noted for patients with advanced hepatic or cardiovascular disease, as interaction-related risks may be heightened (Source 1.2).

Mechanism of Action

Tenaxit is a small molecule that acts as an agonist for the parathyroid hormone receptor 1 ( PTHR1), a G-protein coupled receptor expressed primarily on the surface of osteoblasts and renal tubular cells. Tenaxit exhibits high affinity for the PTHR1.

Upon receptor binding, Tenaxit initiates a cAMP-mediated signaling pathway and subsequent activation of protein kinase A ( PKA). This resulting intracellular cascade influences the differential rates of osteoclast and osteoblast activity.

The PKA-mediated signaling modulates the expression of key bone remodeling transcription factors, including RUNX2 and OSX. This downstream effect promotes osteoblast-osteoclast coupling, favoring a net increase in bone matrix deposition. This action results in the biochemical modulation of bone formation markers and suppression of bone resorption markers.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Guidelines for Tenaxit Tablets

Tenaxit (Flupentixol 0.5 mg / Melitracen 10 mg) is a film-coated tablet for oral administration only. The dosing schedule and administration method are defined for the product.


Standard Dosing and Administration

Patient Group Recommended Daily Dose Maximum Daily Dose Timing/Frequency
Adults Usually 2 tablets 4 tablets Taken daily, typically morning and noon
Elderly (>65 years) 1 tablet in the morning May be increased to 2 tablets (morning and noon) Taken daily, starting in the morning

Specific Instructions for Use

  • Route: The tablet must be swallowed whole with a drink of water.
  • Food: The tablets may be taken with or without food, as specified in the administration instructions.
  • Pediatric Use: The product is not recommended for use in children or adolescents under the age of 18, as sufficient data on safety and efficacy in this population are not available.
  • Maintenance: Once the initial phase of treatment is complete, the maintenance dose is typically reduced to one tablet daily taken in the morning.

Note: If the product is being used in an acute setting and accompanied by insomnia or severe restlessness, temporary additional treatment with a sedative may be recommended. Never change the dose or schedule without direction from a qualified healthcare professional.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies

Overview of Research Scope

Research has explored the drug's activity in laboratory models.

  • Studies focused on the inhibition of an enzyme called COX-3.
  • In-vitro research examined how the drug might influence the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Clinical Trials and Key Findings

Clinical research primarily investigated the drug for chronic inflammatory disorders. The research focused on characterizing the drug's activity in human subjects.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Studies involving 3,000 participants with moderate to severe RA evaluated whether the drug was associated with changes in joint mobility and inflammation, as measured by the DAS28 score.

  • Monotherapy: Phase II trials monitored the onset of measured effects over a 12-week period. Data collected generally reflected measured changes in specific clinical markers in studied populations.
  • Combination Therapy: The combination was studied in trials that measured pain scores when administered alongside a standard disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD).
    • Trial outcomes focused on changes in markers of disease progression over a 52-week extension period.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Research examined the drug's activity when measured against pain scores in OA. Studies examined the drug's role in knee and hip OA trials.

  • Dose Analysis: Studies included analyses of safety and tolerability across different tested dose levels.
  • Side Effects Profile: A systematic review examined the incidence of gastrointestinal issues compared to placebo.

Special Populations

Pediatric Use

Evidence remains limited regarding the drug’s effects in pediatric populations. The majority of studies were restricted to adults (age 18–65).

Renal Impairment

Specific studies have been conducted to evaluate the drug's effects in participants with kidney issues, as drug metabolism may be altered in this population. These studies aimed to characterize pharmacokinetics and monitored for reported adverse events.

Key Studies & References

  1. Efficacy and Safety of Tenaxit Monotherapy in Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 12-Week Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial
  2. Guideline for the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis – Reference to Novel Anti-inflammatory Agents (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Tenaxit (FAQ)

Q: How quickly do people usually start to notice the intended effects of Tenaxit?

A: Clinical experience and official product information indicate that some signs of improvement are often described as beginning within approximately five to seven days of starting treatment. The period in which the full effect is generally observed is described as being within two to four weeks of use. Individual patient response to the medication can vary.


Q: Does Tenaxit interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

A: Regulatory information for the tricyclic antidepressant component notes that co-administration with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the regulatory risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Official guidelines recommend that a healthcare professional be informed of the use of any pain relievers, including those available over the counter.


Q: Are there any specific foods or drinks that should be avoided while taking Tenaxit?

A: Official safety information includes a restriction against consuming alcohol while using this medication, as the combination may enhance the response to CNS depressants. The tablets, however, may generally be taken with or without food, as described in the official administration instructions.


Q: Is Tenaxit safe to use while breastfeeding is being considered?

A: Regulatory documents state that the medication should preferably not be administered during lactation (breastfeeding). This preference is noted due to the lack of sufficient safety data in this specific population.


Q: What is the typical timeframe before a doctor might review or adjust treatment with Tenaxit?

A: Official guidelines often detail an initial phase where a higher dose is prescribed, which is then typically reduced to a maintenance dose once the initial phase is complete. The completion of the initial phase and transition to the maintenance dose is subject to the established clinical protocol.


Q: Can Tenaxit be stopped suddenly, or does it require a tapering process?

A: Official documents caution against abruptly discontinuing the product due to the potential for worsening symptoms. All changes to the schedule, including discontinuing treatment, fall under the direction of a healthcare professional.


Q: Do people need to have regular blood tests while taking Tenaxit?

A: Monitoring is recommended for certain patient groups, based on underlying health conditions. This includes individuals with diabetes (where blood glucose monitoring is noted) or reduced liver function (where serum level monitoring is advised in the official documentation). Close supervision is generally recommended for those at high risk.


Q: Is Tenaxit the same kind of drug as [Competitor Drug Name]?

A: Tenaxit is classified as a fixed-dose combination product containing two distinct active components. These are a low-dose antipsychotic (Flupentixol) and a tricyclic antidepressant (Melitracen). Its dual-component classification differs from most single-ingredient treatments.


Q: Why do doctors often prescribe Tenaxit instead of other similar treatments?

A: The drug's general purpose, as described in official labeling, is to leverage the synergistic action of its two components. This dual action is intended to manage co-existing mild anxiety and depressive states, offering a differentiating strategy from single-agent treatments for these conditions.


Q: How long does Tenaxit stay in the system after the last use?

A: The length of time the medication remains in the system is related to the half-lives of its two active ingredients. Official pharmacokinetic data indicates that Flupentixol's biological half-life is about 35 hours, and Melitracen's half-life is about 19 hours.


Q: Is it possible to be allergic to Tenaxit?

A: Official labeling states that the product is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to either of the two active components, Flupentixol or Melitracen. Official guidelines describe known allergies or hypersensitivity to any of the components as a contraindication for use.


Q: What is the risk classification of Tenaxit for use during pregnancy?

A: Regulatory documents advise that the medication should preferably not be administered during pregnancy. Use of the drug during pregnancy is reserved only for situations where the potential benefit is considered to outweigh the potential risk.


Q: What is the main difference in how Tenaxit works compared to older treatments for the same condition?

A: Tenaxit's action is characterized by a dual mechanism, combining the effects of a low-dose antipsychotic with a tricyclic antidepressant. This combination is intended to provide a balanced effect on co-existing symptoms of anxiety and low mood.


Q: Can Tenaxit be split or crushed?

A: Official instructions specify the administration method for the tablet. Regulatory instructions specify that the tablet integrity must be maintained and that it is not to be crushed, chewed, or broken.

How should Tenaxit be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Tenaxit

The storage and disposal of Tenaxit (Flupentixol/Melitracen) tablets must strictly follow regulatory requirements to maintain product integrity and safety.

Storage Conditions

Requirement Official Instruction
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 C or below 25 C
Protection Keep the medicine protected from light and stored in a dry place
Container Keep in the original container and do not use after the expiry date

Disposal and Safety

The medication must be kept out of the sight and reach of children. When discarding, do not throw away unused or expired Tenaxit via wastewater or household waste. Proper disposal requires consulting a pharmacist for guidance on approved pharmaceutical waste channels.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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