Protriptyline Side Effects
What should I watch for?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden 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 or dizzy. 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 interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine can cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
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.
Common and Rare Side Effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach pain
agitation or irritability
blurred vision
burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
change in urination
chest pain or discomfort
clay-colored stools
cold sweats
confusion about identity, place, and time
continuing ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears
convulsions
cool, pale skin
difficulty with speaking
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
double vision
false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
feeling of warmth
feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
feeling that others can hear your thoughts
fever with or without chills
hearing loss
hostility
hyperventilation
inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
lack of coordination
lower back or side pain
mood or mental changes
muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
muscle trembling or twitching
nightmares
pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
panic
pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
pounding in the ears
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
shakiness and unsteady walk
slurred speech
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stiffness of the limbs
stupor
sweating
swelling of face, ankles, or hands
swollen glands
talking, feeling, and acting with excitement
trouble sleeping
twisting movements of body uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
unusual behavior
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
weight gain or loss
yellow eyes or skin
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Change in consciousness
clumsiness
disorientation
disturbed concentration
drowsiness to profound coma
enlarged pupils
increased or excessive unconscious or jerking movements
low body temperature
muscle aches or tightness
muscle weakness
severe sleepiness
shivering
trouble breathing
weak or feeble pulse
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Incidence not known
Abdominal or stomach cramps
bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
black tongue
difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
enlargement or swelling of the breasts
hair loss or thinning of the hair
hives or welts
increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
peculiar taste
severe sunburn
small red or purple spots on the skin
swelling of the testicles
swelling or inflammation of the mouth
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands on side of the face or neck
unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
waking to urinate at night
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
