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Norpramin |
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What is Norpramin and why is it prescribed? Norpramin is used in the treatment of depression. Norpramin is one of a family of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Drugs in this class are thought to work by affecting the levels of the brain's natural chemical messengers, and adjusting the brain's response to them. Norpramin has also been used to treat bulimia and attention deficit disorders, and to help with cocaine withdrawal. Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when drugs such as Norpramin are taken with another type of antidepressant called an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Nardil and Parnate. Do not take Norpramin within two weeks of taking one of these drugs. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist know of all the medications you are taking. How should you take Norpramin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Norpramin. Do not stop taking Norpramin if you feel no immediate effect. It can take up to 2 or 3 weeks for improvement to begin. Norpramin can cause dry mouth. Sucking hard candy or chewing gum can help this problem. If you miss a dose and you take several doses per day, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember, then take any remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. If you take Norpramin once a day at bedtime and don't remember until morning, skip the missed dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Norpramin can be stored at room temperature. Protect it from excessive heat. Are there any Norpramin side effects? Norpramin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Norpramin side effects may include abdominal cramps, agitation, anxiety, black tongue, black, red, or blue spots on skin, blurred vision, breast development in males, breast enlargement in females, confusion, constipation, delusions, diarrhea, dilated pupils, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive or spontaneous flow of milk, fatigue, fever, flushing, frequent urination or difficulty or delay in urinating, hallucinations, headache, heart attack, heartbeat irregularities, hepatitis, high or low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased or decreased sex drive, inflammation of the mouth, insomnia, intestinal blockage, lack of coordination, light-headedness, loss of appetite, loss of hair, mild elation, nausea, nightmares, odd taste in mouth, painful ejaculation, palpitations, purplish spots on the skin, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, skin itching and rash, sore throat, stomach pain, stroke, sweating, swelling due to fluid retention, swelling of testicles, swollen glands, tingling, numbness and pins and needles in hands and feet, tremors, urinating at night, visual problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss, worsening of psychosis, and yellowed skin and whites of eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Norpramin? If Norpramin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. People who take antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors should not take Norpramin. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Norpramin with Cimetidine (Tagamet), Drugs that improve breathing (such as Proventil), Drugs that relax certain muscles (such as Bentyl), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Guanethidine (Ismelin), Paroxetine (Paxil), Sedatives/hypnotics (Halcion, Valium), Sertraline (Zoloft), or Thyroid medications (Synthroid). Extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious effects can result if Norpramin is combined with alcohol or other depressants, including narcotic painkillers such as Percocet and Demerol, sleeping medications such as Halcion and Nembutal, and tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax. Are there any special warnings about Norpramin? Before using Norpramin, tell your doctor if you have heart or thyroid disease, a seizure disorder, a history of being unable to urinate, or glaucoma. Nausea, headache, and uneasiness can result if you suddenly stop taking Norpramin. Consult your doctor and follow instructions closely when discontinuing Norpramin. Norpramin may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Norpramin may increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Overexposure could cause rash, itching, redness, or sunburn. Avoid direct sunlight or wear protective clothing. If you are planning to have elective surgery, make sure that your doctor is aware that you are taking Norpramin. It should be discontinued as soon as possible prior to surgery. Tell your doctor if you develop a fever and sore throat while you are taking Norpramin. He may want to do some blood tests. |
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