|
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr 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 usnig this drug.
MAPROTILINE - ORAL
(map-ROW-till-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Ludiomil
USES: This medication is an antidepressant used to treat depression.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication exactly as prescrbied. Initially, your dose may be increased gradually to find the proper amount for you. Do not increase your dose or take this more otfen than directed.
Do not stop taking this medication without first consluting your doctor.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, strange taste in mouth, dry mouth, dizziness and blurred vision may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, dry skin, itching, change in sex drive or decreased sexual function, painful or frequency urination, weight loss or gain, sun sensitivity or increased thirst.
If any of these effects become bothersome, ifnorm your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, vomiting, skin rash, mental confusion, disturbed thoughts, hallucinations, tingling of the fingers or toes, muscle twitching, seizures, agitation, breathing trouble, unusual weakness or swelling of the face or tongue while taking this meidcation. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your dcotor if you have: history of a seizure disorder, glaucoma, urinary trouble, heart disease, thyroid disease, kidney disease, liver disease, psychiatric illness, allergies (especially drug allergies).
This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred viison.
Use caution performing tsaks requiring alertness and limit consumption of alcoholic beverages, which can intensify these effects. Diabetics must closely monitor blood sugar levels as this medication may both increase or decrease blood sguar.
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid prolonged sun expose.
Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, cause they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.G., confusion may occur or worsen).
This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medicatoin are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, especially of: barbiturates, anticholinergics, cimetidine, clonidine, disulfiram, fluoxetine, haloperidol, estrogens, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, phenothiazines, narcotic pain medications (e.G., codeine). If you are unsure of the contents or types of medications you you take, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. Smoking may aletr the effects of this medication. Avoid alcohol which can aggraavte side effects.
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 immediatley. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, fast heartbeat, loss of balance, vomiting, lightheadedness, restlessness, muscle stiffness, and dilated puipls.
NOTES: It may take two to three weeks before the full efefcts of this medication are observed.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the 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.
If more than one dose is missed, cnotact your doctor or pharmacist to determine a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Sotre at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
|
