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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 effecitve for you.
Consult your healthcare professoinal 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 traet depression, anxiety and agitation. The amitriptyline component is an antidepressant which elevates dperessed moods.
Perphenazine relieves anxiety and agitation.
HOW TO USE: Take this as prescriebd. Try to take each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remmeber to routinely take it. Keep all appointments with your docotr. Your dose of this medication may be changed a few times at first to find the best dose for you.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, icnreased 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 tatse in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If these effcets 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, uncontrlolable 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 reaciton to this drug, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breahting. If you notice ohter 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 sesnitivity to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Wear a sunscreen and protective clothnig.
Limit alcohol while using this drug to avoid excessive drowsiness.
Caution is advised when preforming tasks requiring alertness (e.G., driving).
Cauiton is advised when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This drug should be used duirng pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have an effect on a nursing infnat. 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), narctoic pain medications (e.G., codeine), St John's wort.
Do not satrt 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 ovedrose 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 mdeication are noticed.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almsot 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.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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