Protriptyline is mainly used for the treatment of depression.
What is Protriptyline?
Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the brain activity of certain molecules that help with keeping the mood up.
How should Protriptyline be taken?
Protriptyline is administered orally.
Side effects associated with Protriptyline
Protriptyline can influence the blood sugar level. It can also increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun and in some cases it can increase the risk of eye problems.
Among the other possible adverse effects are included:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Stimulation
- Headache
- Impotence
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Dilated pupils
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Stomach problems
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight changes
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Protriptyline triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itchy skin
- Difficult breathing
- Tightness or chest pain
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Problems in the sexual sphere
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Fainting
- Slowed, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Temperature
- Difficult or frequent urination
- Hallucinations
- Behavior or mood changes
- Muscle, neck, or jaw spasms
- Panic attacks
- Tinnitus
- Convulsions
- Severe dizziness or drowsiness
- Sore throat
- Stomach ache
- Suicidal thoughts
- Swollen testicles
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Tics in the face or tongue
- Stiffness or uncontrolled movements of arms or legs
- Bruising or bleeding
- Worsening of depression
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Protriptyline
Protriptyline can compromise the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery, especially when taken together with alcohol or other drugs. In addition, the dizziness associated with its intake can be aggravated by high temperatures, physical activity and fever. It can also increase the risk of a heat stroke or overheating.
Protriptyline should not be taken in case of recent heart attack, if you are taking furazolidone (or have been taken in the past 14 days), linezolid, or MAO inhibitors and in case of ongoing treatment with cisapride.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, to other components, to other drugs or foods
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, in particular thyroid medication, medicines containing methylene blue, azole antifungals, cimetidine, duloxetine, flecainide, methylphenidate, mibefradil, phenothiazines, propafenone, quinidine, SSRIs, terbinafine, arsenic, astemizole , cisapride, droperidol, furazolidone, linezolid, MAO inhibitors, pimozide, quinolone antibiotics, streptogramins, terfenadine, tramadol, ziprasidone, barbiturates, phenytoin, anticholinergics, carbamazepine, chlorpropamide, sympathomimetics, clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine
- You suffer (or have suffered) from hyperthyroidism, increased pressure in the eye or glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, seizures, porphyria, prostatic hypertrophy, urination difficulties, bipolar disorder, other psychiatric illnesses or psychological disorders
- You have any suicidal thoughts
- You are planning a surgery
- You drink alcohol or have a history of alcoholism
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is recommended to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists about ongoing treatment with Protriptyline prior to any procedure.
