Protriptyline

Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that helps treat symptoms of depression.

Protriptyline may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as prescribed.

Your symptoms may not get better for several weeks.

Let your doctor know if you have surgery planned.

You might experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking protriptyline suddenly. Check with your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when you are not using it.

Some young people may have thoughts about suicide when they start taking an antidepressant. Pay attention to any changes in your mood or symptoms. Tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.

You should not use protriptyline if you are allergic to it, or if:

• you have recently had a heart attack.

Do not use protriptyline if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have taken an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• a heart attack or stroke;
• a seizure;
• bipolar disorder (manic-depression);
• schizophrenia or other mental illness;
• a thyroid disorder;
• narrow-angle glaucoma;
• problems with urination;
• if you are receiving electroshock therapy.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Protriptyline is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, red or purple spots; fever; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: changes in mood or behavior, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Protriptyline may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, feeling light-headed;
• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• seizure (convulsions);
• new or worsening chest pain, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
• sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision, or speech;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• painful or difficult urination; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of protriptyline may include:

• fast heartbeats;
• problems with balance or muscle movement;
• constipation;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• breast swelling (in men or women); or
• decreased sex drive, impotence.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Usual Adult Dose for Depression:

15 to 40 mg orally per day divided into three or four doses-Maximum dose: 60 mg/dayComments:-Dosage increments should be made in the morning dose.-After a satisfactory improvement is reached, the dose should be reduced to the lowest effective amount to relieve symptoms.Use: Treatment of symptoms of mental depression in patients who are under close medical supervision

Usual Geriatric Dose for Depression:

5 mg orally 3 times a day, increasing gradually if necessaryComments:-Cardiovascular status should be monitored closely if daily dosage exceeds 20 mg.-After a satisfactory improvement is reached, the dose should be reduced to the lowest effective amount to relieve symptoms.Use: Treatment of symptoms of mental depression in patients who are under close medical supervision

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of protriptyline can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include irregular heartbeats, feeling faint, seizures, coma.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you know how protriptyline will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Protriptyline could make you more susceptible to sunburn. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Using protriptyline with other medications that make you sleepy can make this effect stronger. Talk to your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many medications can interact with protriptyline. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are included here. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.