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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS
- ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin,
Asendin, Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor,
Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Vivactil
USES: This medication
is used to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive
disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years
of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES: This
medication may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping
problems (insomnia), and has other uses as determined
by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Use this
as prescribed. Try to use each dose at the same time(s)
each day so you remember to routinely use it. It may
take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of this
medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using this
medication without your doctor's approval. Nausea,
headache or fatigue can occur if the drug is suddenly
stopped.
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,
loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth,
anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any side effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly:
chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty
urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive
drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking
this medication at bedtime may help minimize side
effects. Talk to your doctor about this. 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, 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, any drug allergies.
Use caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness
such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol
consumption as it may increase the drowsiness and
dizziness effects of this drug. Limit exposure to
hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Caution
is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because
they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug
(e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). This drug should
be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug
may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the
infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform
your doctor about the medicines you take, especially
if you take: clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO
inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g.,
fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine,
certain diet pills (e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine),
adrenaline-type drugs (e.g., dopamine, ephedrine,
epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, isoproterenol-
some of which may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma
products), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine),
cisapride, St John's wort, any other prescription
or nonprescription drugs you take. 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. Symptoms of overdose
may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations,
fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change
in amount of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation,
large pupils, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing,
dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow
heartbeat, or flushing.
NOTES: Do not allow
anyone else to use this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you
miss a dose and are taking more than 1 daily: do not
take it if it is almost time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime, do
not take it the following morning. Call your doctor.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at
room temperature away from moisture and sunlight.
Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid
forms of this medication.
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