Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Maprotiline
Drug Class: Tricyclic Antidepressants
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Maprotiline? (Back to top)
MAPROTILINE is used to treat depression. This medicine also helps to relieve anxiety associated with depression. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bipolar disorder
• blood disorders
• heart disease
• liver disease
• previous heart attack
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or family history of suicide
• an unusual or allergic reaction to maprotiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• cisapride
• cocaine
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• levomethadyl
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• pimozide
• sparfloxacin
• St. John's Wort
• ziprasidone

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• cimetidine
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for the thyroid
• phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• confusion or nervousness
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever with increased sweating
• hallucinations
• muscle stiffness, twitches, or problems with movement
• pale skin
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• swelling or tenderness of breasts or testicles
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• yellowing of the eyes or skin

• blurred vision
• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation
• headache
• trouble sleeping
• unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of this medicine.

Patients and their families should watch out for depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

If you are going to have surgery or will need an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:August 08, 2007

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