Maprotiline

Generic Name : Maprotiline

Why it is prescribed (Indications) : Maprotiline, an antidepressant or mood elevator, is used to treat depression and anxiety.

When it is to be taken : Maprotiline usually is taken one to three times a day. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Maprotiline must be taken regularly to be effective. Do not skip doses, even if you feel that you do not need them. This drug may have to be taken regularly for as long as three weeks before its full effect is felt.

How it should be taken : Maprotiline comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not take it more or take more at each dose than as directed.

Special Instruction :
1. Maprotiline can cause drowsiness, especially during the first few weeks that you take it. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Keep all appointments with your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted occasionally. Do not stop taking maprotiline abruptly, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor may want to decrease your dose gradually.
3. If you take maprotiline more than once a day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, omit the missed dose entirely.
4. If you take maprotiline once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, omit the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects :
1. Drowsiness, weakness, tiredness, anxiety, excitement, insomnia. Take this drug at bedtime if it causes drowsiness; take it in the morning if it causes insomnia.
2. If you take maprotiline more than once a day, ask your doctor if you can take it once a day. These effects should decrease as you continue to take the drug. Contact your doctor if they persist or are severe.
3. Dizziness. Lightheadedness, faintness when arising from a sitting or lying position. Get up slowly.
4. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candies.
5. Persistent, fine tremor; shuffling walk; slow seech; difficulty swallowing; drooling; slow, jerky movements; jaw , back, and neck muscle spasms; inability to sit still; sore throat, fever, skin rash, and yellowing of skin or eyes; irregular heartbeat. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Limit your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
2. Before you take maprotiline, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especilly MAO inhibitors; medication for seixures, high blood pressure, asthma, colds, or allergies; sedatives; tranquilizers; sleeping pills; anticoagulants; thyroid;levodopa; antihistamines; and methylphenidate.
3. Before taking maprotiline, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or if you have a history of seizures, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, an overactive thyroid gland, or a heart condition.
4. If you become pregnant while taking this drug, notify your doctor promptly.
5. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you take maprotiline.
6. Maprotiline can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Wear protective clothing and a sunscreen preparation.
7. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions :
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out the reach of children. Store it at room temerature.