This is how the neuroleptic melperone works
Melperone is a so-called neuroleptic, a drug that affects the central nervous system and can be used in various mental and neurological diseases. It belongs to a group of drugs that share the same mechanism of action, but each has a specific profile of action.
Special active profile
With the neuroleptics there are strong, medium and weakly effective preparations. Melperon belongs to the middle group. Its effect is therefore only moderately pronounced, but the side effects are also moderate. Due to the comparatively few side effects, it is mainly used in geriatrics, i.e. in the treatment of older people.
effect of melperone
Melperone is a drug that works in the brain. It occupies docking points (receptors) for certain messenger substances (hormones) in the body and in the central nervous system. This down-regulates the effect of these messenger substances. Melperone exerts its main effect by occupying serotonin and dopamine receptors, which are located in certain parts of the brain.
Serotonin  works everywhere in the body and fulfills a wide variety of tasks. Among other things, it controls emotions. If there is too much serotonin in the brain, it can lead to an anxiety disorder, which is why blocking the serotonin receptors with melperone has an anxiolytic effect.
Dopamine  also has many different functions. Excessive levels of dopamine in the brain have been linked to psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations. By blocking dopamine receptors, melperone can alleviate the symptoms. In addition, melperone has a sleep-promoting and calming effect (sedation).
Melperon helps with these complaints
Due to its properties, melperone helps with sleep disorders , restlessness and anxiety. Diseases where these symptoms often occur include:
- Depression
- schizophrenia
- certain personality disorders
- dementia
Melperone is also used in so-called alcohol delirium, in which, in addition to the symptoms mentioned, states of confusion also occur.
Melperone is mainly used in geriatrics because, unlike other sedating psychotropic drugs, it does not have a muscle-relaxing effect and therefore does not pose an increased risk of falls for older people.
Dosage of Melperone
The dosage of Melperon must be determined individually by the attending physician. How many tablets the doctor prescribes depends on the severity of the symptoms and what effect the drug is intended to achieve.
The age, secondary diseases and the weight of the person concerned also play a role. It may take a few weeks for the full effect to take effect.
Side Effects of Melperone
In addition to nausea and vomiting and occasionally allergies , low blood pressure (hypotension) and cardiac arrhythmia  can occur. A side effect that is typical for the group of neuroleptics is the extrapyramidal motor syndrome. This leads to muscle twitching, cramps and movement disorders. If these symptoms occur, Melperon must be discontinued immediately because the extrapyramidal motor syndrome can no longer be cured later on.
You may not be able to drive in the first few days after taking Melperon, which is why you should consult your doctor.
Drug interactions
Melperon cannot be combined with any other drug. The package leaflet states which other medicinal substances can lead to dangerous interactions. Under no circumstances should Melperon be taken together with alcohol or other neuroleptics.
Drugs that also have an effect on the brain, such as some sleeping pills, tranquilizers or painkillers, should be used with caution. Otherwise, the effect of melperone can be increased, leading to increased sleepiness, drowsiness and even breathing disorders.
Contraindications to the drug
The contraindications for Melperon are diverse, which is why the drug can only be taken after consultation with the attending physician. Known contraindications are an allergy to the active ingredient butyrophenone, liver dysfunction and a history of what is known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
In principle, Melperon is not suitable for children under the age of 12. Particular caution is required during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there are no studies on the use of the drug in this regard.
Instructions for taking Melperone
Melperone tablets often contain the salty form of the active ingredient, melperone hydrochloride. It belongs to the group of butyrophenones, which are derived from the opioid pethidine, a strong painkiller.
It is important to note that melperone should not be taken with milk , coffee  or tea, as it can otherwise form poorly soluble compounds in the digestive tract.
