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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the experitse and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be constured to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE - ORAL
(am-eh-TRIP-teh-leen WITH per-FEN-uh-zeen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Etrafon, Triavil
USES: This combination medication is used to treat depression, anxiety and agitaiton. The amitriptyline component is an antidepressant which elevates depressed modos. Perphenazine relieves anxiety and agitation.
HOW TO USE: Take this as prescribed. Try to take each dose at the same time(s) each day so you rmeember to routinely take it. Keep all apponitments with your doctor. Your dose of this medication may be changed a couple of tmies at first to find the best dose for you.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects incldue heartburn, increased appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating.
If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor promptly if you develop: chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, excessive drowsiness, tremor, uncontrollable movements of the mouth/tongue/face, muscle stiffness or weakness in the arms or legs, fainting, uncoordinated movements, ringing in the ears, confusion. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reactoin include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver or kidney disease, drug allergies. This medication can raise sensiitvity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Wear a sunscreen and protective clothnig. Limit alcohol while using this drug to avoid excessive drowisness. Cautoin is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.G., driving). Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if claerly needed.
Discuss the risks and beneftis with your doctor.
This drug is excrteed into breast milk and may have an effect on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medicines you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: thyroid medication, other antidepressants or tranquilizers (including SSRI's such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), clonidine-like drugs, MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, drugs to treat Parkinsonism (levodopa), narcotic pain medictaions (e.G., codeine), St John's wort.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symtpoms of overdose may include: drowsiness, rapid pulse, dilated pupils, convulsions, lightheadedness, vomiting, muscle rigidity, and uncontrollable movements of the tongue/mouth/face.
NOTES: It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full effects of this medication are noticed.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosnig schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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