Protriptyline Hydrochloride (By Mouth)

Protriptyline Hydrochloride (proe-TRIP-ti-leen hye-droe-KLOR-ide)

Treats depression. This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant.

Brand Name(s):

Vivactil
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to protriptyline, if you have had a recent heart attack, if you are also taking Propulsid®, or if you have recently taken an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may need to take this medicine for a few weeks before you begin to feel better.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking Tagamet®, tramadol (Ultram™), medicine for heart rhythm problems (such as verapamil, Cardioquin®, Rythmol®, Sectral®, Tambocor®), medicine for high blood pressure or thyroid problems, or other medicines to treat depression or another mental illness.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain killers, or sedatives).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, seizures, problems with urination, glaucoma, thyroid disease, or diabetes.
• Tell your doctor about your mental health history, including any depression, paranoia, unusual anxiety, manic-depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Confusion, agitation, hallucinations, hostility, or other unusual behaviors
• Excessive sleepiness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.