AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE

Drug Name: AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE DESCRIPTION:
AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE - ORAL (am-eh-TRIP-teh-leen WITH per-FEN-uh-zeen)

COMMON AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE BRAND NAME(S):
Etrafon, Triavil

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE 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 include 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 if you develop chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, excessive drowsiness, tremor, involuntary muscle twitching, fainting, uncoordinated movements or ringing in the ears. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE:
AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE: Take this as prescribed. Try to take each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely take it. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your dose of this medication may be changed a few times at first to find the best dose for you.

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE USES:
This combination medication is used to treat depression, anxiety and agitation. The amitriptyline component is an antidepressant which elevates depressed moods. Perphenazine relieves anxiety and agitation.

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE PRECAUTIONS:
Before using AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE 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 and of any drug allergies. AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear a sunscreen and protective clothing. Limit alcohol while using AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE to avoid excessive drowsiness. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE. Use cautiously. AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE is excreted into breast milk and may have an effect on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about the medicines you use, especially if you take medicines to treat an over-active thyroid, other antidepressants or tranquilizers (including SSRI's such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine), clonidine-like drugs, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, drugs to treat Parkinsonism (levodopa), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine) and of all other drugs you may use, both prescription and nonprescription. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness; rapid pulse; dilated pupils; convulsions; lightheadedness; vomiting; muscle rigidity; and uncontrollable movements of the tongue, mouth, or face.

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE NOTES:
It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full effects of this medication are noticed.

MISSED AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE 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 dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

AMITRIPTYLINE W/PERPHENAZINE STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.