Perphenazine and Amitriptyline (Systemic)
Brand Names : Etrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil, Elavil Plus, Etrafon-D, Etrafon-F, PMS Levazine
Precautions While Using This MedicineYour
doctor should check your progress at regular visits to allow dose adjustments
and help reduce side effects.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking
with your doctor
. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the
amount you are taking before stopping completely. This is to prevent side
effects and to prevent your condition from becoming worse.
Do not take this medicine within two hours of taking antacids or medicine
for diarrhea. Taking these products too close together may make this medicine
less effective.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants
(medicines that cause drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines
or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers,
or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates;
medicine for seizures; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.
Check with your doctor before taking any of the above
while you are using this medicine
.
Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment,
or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that
you are taking this medicine
. Taking perphenazine and amitriptyline
combination together with medicines that are used during surgery or dental
or emergency treatments may increase the CNS depressant effects.
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy or less alert than
they are normally, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Even
if this medicine is taken only at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel
drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how
you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything
else that could be dangerous if you are not alert
.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur
,
especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly
may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.
This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to
increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during
exercise or hot weather while you are taking this medicine
, since overheating
may result in heat stroke. Also, hot baths or saunas may make you feel dizzy
or faint.
Perphenazine and amitriptyline combination may cause dryness of the mouth.
For temporary relief, use sugarless gum or candy, melt bits of ice in your
mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel
dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing
dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including
tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
Perphenazine may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than
it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may
cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or
a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
-
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00
a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
-
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
-
Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF)
of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number,
especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about
this, check with your health care professional.
-
Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect
your lips.
-
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with
your doctor
.
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