Amitriptyline And Perphenazine Description

Generic Name: AMITRIPTYLINE and PERPHENAZINE

Pronunciation: (a mee trip' ti leen) (per fen' a zeen)

Trade Name(s): Triavil, Etrafon.

Why it is prescribed: Amitriptyline (an antidepressant or mood elevator) and perphenazine (a tranquilizer) are used together to treat depression, anxiety and agitation.

When it is to be taken: The combination of amitriptyline and perphenazine is taken two to four times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription carefully. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses and the drug must be taken regularly before its full effect is felt.

How it should be taken: This medication comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label gives you the exact amount of the drug to be taken at each dose.

Special Instruction: 1. This medication can cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery.
2. You should have eye examinations periodically if you take this drug for a long time.
3. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly, especially when you are on large does and for a long period of time. Your doctor probably wants to decrease your dose gradually.
4. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at the regularly scheduled times. However, if you remember a missed dose at the time you are scheduled to take the next one. Take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects: 1. Drowsiness, weakness, tiredness, anxiety, excitement and insomnia can occur frequently. Take this drug at bedtime if it causes drowsiness. Take the last dose earlier in the evening if it causes insomnia.
2. Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and difficulty urinating are also seen. If these effects persists or severe, contact doctor.
3. Dizziness, lightheadedness and faintness can occur when arising from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly.
4. Muscle spasms, fine worm-like tongue movements, rhythmic face, mouth or jaw movements, slow or difficult speech, difficulty swallowing, drooling, Shuffling walk, fine tremor, inability to sit still, jerky movements, fever, sore throat, skin rash, weakness, yellowing of skin or eyes and irregular heartbeat are infrequent. If these symptoms persist, contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions:

Storage Conditions: 1. Keep medication in a tightly closed container.
2. Keep it out of reach of children.
3. Store it at room temperature.