GENERIC NAME: TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has other uses as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO USE: Use this as prescribed. Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of this medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using this medication without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include heartburn, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking this medication at bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about this. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug. Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Though uncommon, depression itself can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, or other mental/mood changes. Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Depression - Read about depression causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and types, including manic depression (bipolar disorder), postpartum depression and clinical depression. Source:MedicineNet Read 16 more tricyclic antidepressants-oral, injection related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection