Agomelatine

Agomelatine is an atypical antidepressant used to treat depression. Agomelatine is the first antidepressant to increase melatonin activity directly. It does this by acting like melatonin at the target sites where melatonin works - melatonin receptors. By increasing melatonin activity, agomelatine also directly increases activity of noradrealine and dopamine. 

Some of the side effects you may get when you start taking agomelatine should get better or disappear after a few days. If they do not, or they get worse, you should go back your doctor. If you get any side effects not listed here, please look at the patient leaflet in the medicine pack, or speak to your pharmacist or doctor. 

Common or very common side effects include:

• Abdominal Pain

• Anxiety

• Back Pain

• Constipation 

• Diarrhoea

• Dizziness

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Sleep Disorders

• Vomiting

• Weight Changes

Uncommon Side effects include:

• Aggression

• Confusion

• Skin Reactions

• Suicidal Behavious

• Tinnitus - ringing in the ears

• Vision Blurred

The use of antidepressants has been linked with suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children, young adults and people with a history of suicidal behaviours. 

These are only some of the most common side effects of agomelatine, please speak to your doctor if you want more information.

Please do not worry about these side effects. Some people will not get any side effects at all. If you think you are getting side effects from taking agomelatine, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the 'Yellow Card' system.

If you have taken more agomelatine than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medial help immediately - even if you do not feel any different.