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Chemical Name: PERPHENAZINE (per-FEN-a-zeen) and AMITRIPTYLINE (a-mee-TRIP-ti-leen)
This medicine is a phenothiazine and tricyclic antidepressant combination used to treat anxiety and depression.
WARNING: ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICINES MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, AND POSSIBLY ADULTS, WHO HAVE SEVERE DEPRESSION OR CERTAIN OTHER MENTAL OR MOOD DISORDERS. Children, adolescents, and adults who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, or tramadol. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anticholinergics, carbamazepine, cimetidine, clonidine, dicumarol, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, guanadrel, guanethidine, guanfacine, levodopa, macrolide antibiotics, mibefradil, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), paroxetine, phenothiazines, or tricyclic antidepressants. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of irregular heartbeat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a medication guide. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
SEVERAL DAYS TO A FEW WEEKS may pass before you feel the full effect of this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms daily. Contact the doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. If dizziness occurs, sit up or stand up slowly. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine unless you first discuss it with your doctor. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heat stroke may occur while you are taking this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience chest pain; a rapid or irregular heartbeat; difficulty urinating, nightmares; excessive drowsiness; tremors; uncontrollable movements of the mouth/tongue/face; muscle stiffness or weakness in the arms or legs; fainting; uncoordinated movements; ringing in the ears; confusion; restlessness; itching or hives. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feelings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness; rapid pulse; dilated pupils; convulsions; lightheadedness; vomiting; muscle rigidity; and uncontrollable movements of the tongue, mouth, or face.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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