Fenaglicodol is an anxiolytic, hypnotic and sedative drug, very similar to meprobamate. Meprobamate forms, along with benzodiazepines and barbiturates, the only group of anxiolytics that also have hypnotic and sedative effects.
In this article we will learn about some of the characteristics and properties of fenaglycodol, what other substance it is derived from and what its effects are. Finally, we will talk about other anxiolytics, and the similarities and differences of feanglicodol with meprobamate.
Fenaglicodol is a little-known tranquilizer and sedative drug that has anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) and anticonvulsant (prevents epilepsy seizures) properties.
Anticonvulsant properties are also found in other types of anxiolytics; benzodiazepines; specifically. These act as antiepileptics and are used for the acute treatment of states of illness and to prevent epilepsies (prophylactic treatment).
Specifically, fenaglycodol is a minor tranquilizer; a minor tranquilizer is an anxiolytic, which has a CNS depressant action (Central Nervous System). The so-called major tranquilizers are neuroleptics or antipsychotics.
On the other hand, and as a curious fact, fenaflicodol It is on the list of prohibited substances for the composition of cosmetic products
Effects
Phenaglycodol produces depression of the central nervous system (CNS), but also has other effects on the body: digestive intolerance, cholangiolitis and rashes.
The usual dose of fenaglycodol is between 450 and 1,200 mg, which are divided into three doses every 8 hours.
Pharmacology: relationship with meprobamate
At a chemical and structural level, fenaglycodol is related to meprobamate, another anxiolytic drug derived from carbamate. Additionally, fenaglycodol is a propanediol derivative, as is meprobamate.
More specifically, fenaglycodol belongs to the group of drugs called ectylurea (anxiolytic). On the other hand, it has more hypnotic action than meprobamate.
Both substances (fenaglycodol and meprobamate) have practically the same actions (at an experimental and clinical level); Furthermore, its clinical indications are also almost the same.
The anxiolytics
As we have seen, fenaglycodol is an anxiolytic drug. Anxiolytics are mainly used to treat anxiety either as a symptom of other existing conditions (for example depression), or as an anxiety disorder itself (generalized anxiety disorder, for example).
But what exactly are anxiolytics? These are various groups of medications; Two of the most important are benzodiazepines and meprobamate (similar to phenaglycodol):
1. Benzodiazepines
The best known are benzodiazepines. The most used are those of high potency (for example Diazepam, Cloracepam or Loracepam). In addition, they produce a calming and sedative effect. They can reduce anxiety symptoms in minutes or hours depending on the type of medication.
Benzodiazepines, however, have the disadvantage of generating significant tolerance (as well as dependence), a fact that limits their therapeutic effectiveness significantly.
2. Meprobamate
Another group of anxiolytics are those containing meprobamate, indicated to treat insomnia and anxiety, like benzodiazepines. These two groups (meprobamate and benzodiazepines), They are also hypnotic-sedatives, along with barbiturates (only these three groups of drugs are).
Furthermore, meprobamate, as we have already said, is structurally and chemically related to fenaglycodol (they are very similar). However, it should be noted that meprobamate is currently used less and less due to its low effectiveness.
Side effects
Fenaglycodol, as an anxiolytic, can have certain adverse effects. The main adverse effects of anxiolytics are disturbances in memory, attention and concentration, as well as excessive sleepiness
However, cognitive impairments are experienced during treatment (and with high doses), but once this is interrupted or ended, they disappear; that is, they are reversible
In addition, they can also generate tolerance and dependence. The first involves needing more doses of the drug to produce the same effect, and the second involves developing an addiction to the substance, that is, “needing” it to live.
Use or abuse of anxiolytics?
Anxiolytics are prescribed more and more frequently, and currently a large part of the population has consumed or consumes this type of drugs. Faced with psychological suffering, many people end up agreeing to take psychotropic drugs because, in reality, for practical purposes it is easier to take a pill than to reflect on what is happening inside us.
But, To what extent is it “healthy” to take anxiolytics? From a psychological point of view, these medications should be considered as a therapeutic option to help or support psychological therapy; Perhaps it could be considered as a prior step to therapy when the anxiety is so high that it cannot be controlled and therefore, it is very difficult to work.
Once the anxiety decreases, it is possible to start working with the patient through a psychological intervention appropriate to their needs and concerns.
The use of anxiolytics should never be understood as the only tool to manage anxiety and other psychophysiological states of the body (as well as emotional), but rather as a tool that complements psychological intervention Anxiolytics can help many people at specific moments or periods, but their exclusive use (without another type of approach) and in the long term will only generate dependence and possible over-abuse of this type of substance.
