Miscellaneous substances - Prescription Only Medicines (POM)

Amitriptyline
A tricyclic anti-depressant with sedative properties used for the treatment of depression with associated anxiety. It is prescribed both as a generic medicine and under the brand names Lentizol., (Park Davies) and Elavil. (DDSA). It is available in tablet and capsule form.

Carbamazepine
This is a dibenzepine derivative with anti-epileptic, neurotropic and psychotropic properties. It is used for the treatment of epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, manic depressive disorders, and the managment of alcohol withdrawal. It is prescribed under the brand names Tegretol. and Tegretol Retard. (Novartis), Teril CR. (Taro.

Chlormethiazole
Used in the treatment of insomnia, psychosis and status epilepticus. It is prescribed under the brand name Heminevrin. (AstraZeneca) as capsules, syrup and intravenous preparation.

Fenfluramine & Dexfenfluramine
Both drugs are used for the treatment of severe obesity, where dietary weight reduction alone has proved to be unsuccessful. Treatment with either product should not be continued beyond a period of three months. They were prescribed under the brand names Ponderax.and Adifax.(Servier). These products have now been withdrawn by the manufacturer due to their association with heart damage.

Fluoxetine
This drug is from a new class of anti-depressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It differs from other anti-depressants in that it can act as a stimulant rather than cause drowsiness. It is prescribed as Prozac. (Dista).

Thioridazine
An antipsychotic which has moderate sedative effects and is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, other psychosis and the management of psychoneurosis. It was prescribed under the brand name Melleril. (Novartis) as a white tablet, syrup or suspension, but has been withdrawn due to cardiotoxic effects.

Sildenafil
Viagra. is used for the treatment of male erectile dysfunction. The drug is often taken with stimulants such as cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamine, which are known to inhibit erection.

There are reports of the use of Viagra. with amyl nitrite, which - like Viagra. - causes a drop in blood pressure. This can result in dizziness, fainting, heart attack or stroke.