Uses
What is protriptyline used for?
Protriptyline is commonly used to treat depression.
Protriptyline may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does protriptyline work (mechanism of action)?
Protriptyline belongs to a group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). It works by increasing the amount of natural chemicals called norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.
How is protriptyline supplied (dosage forms)?
Protriptyline is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg oral tablets
How should I store protriptyline?
Protriptyline should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a tightly closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of protriptyline?
The most common side effects of protriptyline are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation
- Inability to empty your bladder
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
There may be other side effects of protriptyline that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of protriptyline?
While less common, the most serious side effects of protriptyline are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Protriptyline may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking protriptyline and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Protriptyline or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Glaucoma. Protriptyline may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma in some people. This can lead to blindness. Ask your healthcare provider if you should have your eyes examined to see if you are at risk. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder can have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as protriptyline, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Very increased energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Racing, fast-paced thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Unusually grand ideas
- Excessive happiness or irritability
- Talking faster or more than usual
Heart Rhythm Changes. Protriptyline may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Protriptyline can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Blood Disorders. Protriptyline may cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low white blood cell levels (leukopenia), and low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia). Stop using protriptyline and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection or sore throat
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use protriptyline?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take protriptyline.
- Protriptyline
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific protriptyline products they stock.
Drug Interactions. Protriptyline should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking protriptyline, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Heart Attack. Protriptyline should not be taken if you’ve just had a heart attack.
What should I know about protriptyline before using it?
Do not take protriptyline unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share protriptyline with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep protriptyline out of the reach of children.
Protriptyline can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how protriptyline affects you.
Protriptyline can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you get electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Protriptyline may increase the risk of problems from such therapy.
Do not stop taking protriptyline without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Feeling unwell
People 65 and older and adolescents can be at greater risk for some side effects from protriptyline. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in either of these age groups.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using protriptyline?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if protriptyline is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
- Kidney or liver problems
- Seizures or convulsions
- Bipolar disorder, mania, or schizophrenia
- Family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, or depression
- Glaucoma
- Inability to empty your bladder
- High thyroid hormone level
- History of stroke
- Diabetes
- Planned surgery
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how protriptyline could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take protriptyline while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking protriptyline, you can register in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 844-405-6185 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/. This registry collects safety information about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if protriptyline passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take protriptyline while you are breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does protriptyline interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between protriptyline and foods or drinks.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking protriptyline. The combination can increase sleepiness or affect your alertness or concentration.
Does protriptyline interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using protriptyline.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
- An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, tramadol, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
- Certain medicines used to manage irregular heart rhythms, such as flecainide, propafenone, or quinidine
- A thyroid medicine, such as levothyroxine, which is used to raise thyroid hormone levels
- Clonidine or guanethidine, which may be used to treat high blood pressure
- Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness (such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety)
- An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
- Cimetidine, which is a medicine that is commonly used for indigestion or stomach ulcers
- A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
- An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of protriptyline, and vice versa. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with protriptyline. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much protriptyline?
If you or someone else has used too much protriptyline, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of protriptyline?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Protriptyline?
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