A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) who took antidepressants ('mood elevators') such as protriptyline during clinical studies became suicidal (thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so). Children, teenagers, and young adults who take antidepressants to treat depression or other mental illnesses may be more likely to become suicidal than children, teenagers, and young adults who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. However, experts are not sure about how great this risk is and how much it should be considered in deciding whether a child or teenager should take an antidepressant. Children younger than 18 years of age should not normally take protriptyline, but in some cases, a doctor may decide that protriptyline is the best medication to treat a child's condition.
You should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways when you take protriptyline or other antidepressants even if you are an adult over age 24. You may become suicidal, especially at the beginning of your treatment and any time that your dose is increased or decreased. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you often while you are taking protriptyline, especially at the beginning of your treatment. Be sure to keep all appointments for office visits with your doctor.
The doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with protriptyline. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You also can obtain the Medication Guide from the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273.
No matter what your age, before you take an antidepressant, you, your parent, or your caregiver should talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treating your condition with an antidepressant or with other treatments. You should also talk about the risks and benefits of not treating your condition. You should know that having depression or another mental illness greatly increases the risk that you will become suicidal. This risk is higher if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had bipolar disorder (mood that changes from depressed to abnormally excited) or mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) or has thought about or attempted suicide. Talk to your doctor about your condition, symptoms, and personal and family medical history. You and your doctor will decide what type of treatment is right for you.
Protriptyline is used to treat depression. Protriptyline is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
Protriptyline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken three or four times a day. Take protriptyline at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take protriptyline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of protriptyline and gradually increase your dose. Your doctor may decrease your dose after your condition is controlled.
Protriptyline controls depression but does not cure it. Continue to take protriptyline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking protriptyline without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking protriptyline, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, and lack of energy.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
loss of appetite
weight changes
unusual taste in the mouth
stomach pain or cramps
heartburn
dry mouth
constipation
drowsiness
dizziness
nightmares
headaches
frequent urination, especially at night
difficulty urinating
wide pupils
changes in sex drive or ability
breast enlargement in men and women
unsteadiness
ringing in ears
hair loss
flushing
sweating
black tongue
slow or difficult speech
weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
crushing chest pain
rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
rash or hives
itching
swelling of the face or tongue
yellowing of the skin or eyes
jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
fainting
blurred vision
difficulty walking
unusual bleeding or bruising
seizures
confusion
hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
believing things that are not true
fever
pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
Protriptyline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
irregular heartbeat
loss of consciousness
fainting
seizures
confusion
problems concentrating
hallucination (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
agitation
drowsiness
stiff muscles
vomiting
fever
cold body temperature
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Reviewed - 09/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.