Amitriptyline/Perphenazine Oral Tablet (PERPHENAZINE/AMITRIPTYLINE - ORAL)

Instructions

To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Call your doctor right away if you notice slow or shallow breathing.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• blurry vision
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• lightheadedness
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• loss of balance
• change in behavior
• increased risk of bruising and bleeding
• breast pain or swelling
• chest pain
• confusion
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• pain in the eye
• face appearing mask-like
• fainting
• high fever
• fast or irregular heart beats
• unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
• irritability
• signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
• memory problems or loss
• menstruation changes (missed or fewer periods)
• mood changes
• uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
• muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
• muscle pain or weakness
• restlessness
• seizures
• problems with sexual functions or desire
• shakiness
• blistering or peeling of the skin
• talking quickly
• dark, tarry stool
• symptoms of stroke (such as one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion)
• suicidal thoughts
• difficulty swallowing
• sweating
• dark urine
• blurring or changes of vision
• severe or persistent vomiting

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.