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Surmontil |
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What is Surmontil and why is it prescribed? Surmontil is used to treat depression. It is a member of the family of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when drugs such as Surmontil are taken with another type of antidepressant called an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include Nardil and Parnate. Do not take Surmontil within 2 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 Surmontil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Surmontil. Surmontil may be taken in 1 dose at bedtime. Alternatively, the total daily dosage may be divided into smaller amounts taken during the day. If you are on long-term therapy with Surmontil, the single bedtime dose is preferred. It is important to take Surmontil exactly as prescribed, even if the drug seems to have no effect. It may take up to 4 weeks for its benefits to appear. Surmontil can make your mouth dry. Sucking hard candy or chewing gum can help this problem. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. If you take Surmontil once a day at bedtime and you miss a dose, do not take it in the morning. It could cause disturbing side effects during the day. Store Surmontil at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Capsules in blister strips should be protected from moisture. Are there any Surmontil side effects? Surmontil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Surmontil side effects may include abdominal cramps, agitation, anxiety, black tongue, blocked intestine, blood disorders, blurred vision, breast development in men, confusion (especially in older adults), constipation, delusions, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, dilated pupils, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive or spontaneous milk excretion, fatigue, fever, flushing, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, frequent urination, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, heart attack, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, hives, impotence, increased or decreased sex drive, inflammation of the mouth, insomnia, irregular heart rate, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, low blood sugar, nausea, nightmares, numbness, peculiar taste in mouth, purple or reddish-brown spots on skin, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, skin itching, skin rash, sore throat, stomach upset, stroke, sweating, swelling of breasts, swelling of face and tongue, swelling of testicles, swollen glands, tingling, pins and needles, tremors, visual problems, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss, and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Surmontil? If Surmontil 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 are taking antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors (Parnate and Nardil) should not take Surmontil. Wait 2 weeks after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you begin taking Surmontil. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Surmontil with Antidepressants (such as Desyrel and Wellbutrin), Antidepressants that act on serotonin (such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft), Antispasmodic drugs (such as Donnatal and Cogentin), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Drugs for heart irregularities (such as Rythmol and Tambocor), Guanethidine (Ismelin), Local anesthetics containing epinephrine, Local decongestants (such as Dristan Nasal Spray), Major tranquilizers (such as Thorazine and Mellaril), Quinidine (Quinidex, Quinaglute), Stimulants (such as Proventil, Sudafed, and EpiPen), or Thyroid medications (such as Synthroid). Extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious effects may result if you drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking Surmontil. Are there any special warnings about Surmontil? Use Surmontil cautiously if you have a seizure disorder, the eye condition known as glaucoma, heart disease, or a liver disorder. Also use caution if you have thyroid disease or are taking thyroid medication. People who have had problems urinating should also be careful about taking Surmontil. Nausea, headache, and a general feeling of illness may result if you suddenly stop taking Surmontil. This does not mean you are addicted, but you should follow your doctor's instructions closely when discontinuing the drug. Surmontil may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure of the drug's effect on you. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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