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Vivactil Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Protriptyline hydrochloride

PROTRIPTYLINE (Vivactil®) is an antidepressant. It is used to treat depression. Protriptyline is in a class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that help to maintain mental balance.

Vivactil Dosage

• The usual dose for adult is 15 to 40 milligrams in 3 or 4 doses per day. The maximum dosage is 60 milligrams daily.
• Lower dosages are recommended for adolescents and older adults. Five milligrams 3 times a day may be given initially, followed by a gradual increase if necessary.

Uses of Vivactil

• Vivactil is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression.
• It is also used for other conditions those listed in the medication guide.

Side Effects of Vivactil

If you are using Vivactil, then discuss the side effects of Vivactil with your doctor and if you feel any develop or change in intensity, then tell your doctor immediately. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Vivactil. Side effects may include:

• anxiety
• black tongue
• breast milk production
• constipation
• drowsiness
• exacerbation of psychoses
• fatigue
• heart block
• insomnia
• intestinal distress

Warnings and precautions before taking Vivactil:

• Drugs such as Vivactil sometimes may cause heartbeat irregularities. So you should be used Vivactil with caution by people who have heart problems or a thyroid disorder.
• If you are taking Vivactil, then it may impair the physical and mental abilities. So do not perform any activities require alertness such as drive a car or operate heavy machinery.
• if you are having surgery, such as dental surgery, then you should tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking protriptyline.
• You should be avoided unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Because protriptyline may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking certain drugs with Vivactil, then it may be increased, decreased, or altered the effects of Vivactil. So discuss with your doctor before combining Vivactil with the following:

• Antipsychotic medications such as Mellaril and Thorazine
• Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Decongestants such as Sudafed
• Epinephrine (EpiPen)
• Flecainide (Tambocor)
• Norepinephrine
• Other antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil
• Propafenone (Rythmol)
• Quinidine (Quinaglute)
• Tramadol (Ultram)

Overdose

After taking Vivactil, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately. Symptoms of Vivactil overdose may include:

• Convulsions
• Agitation
• confusion
• dilated pupils
• hyperactive reflexes
• low body temperature
• muscle rigidity
• stupor
• vomiting