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Vivactil |
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What is Vivactil and why is it prescribed? Vivactil is used to treat the symptoms of mental depression in people who are under close medical supervision. It is particularly suitable for those who are inactive and withdrawn. Vivactil is a member of the family of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. If you are prone to anxiety or agitation, Vivactil can make the problem worse. It can also exaggerate the symptoms of manic-depression and schizophrenia. If this seems to be happening, let your doctor know immediately. The doctor may have to reduce the dose of Vivactil or add another drug to your regimen. How should you take Vivactil? Follow your doctors directions for taking Vivactil. Do not take it with alcohol. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Vivactil at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Are there any Vivactil side effects? Vivactil side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Vivactil side effects may include abdominal cramps, abnormally high or low blood pressure, abnormal touch sensation, agitation, anxiety, black tongue, blood disorders, blurred vision, breast enlargement in males and females, breast milk production, changes in taste, confusion, constipation, delusions, diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, drug fever, exacerbation of psychoses, fatigue, fever, flushing, headache, hair loss, hallucinations, heart attack, heart block, high or low blood sugar, high pressure in the eyes, hives, hyperactivity, impotence, increased or decreased sex drive, inflammation of the mouth or tongue, insomnia, intestinal distress, intestinal paralysis, irregular or rapid heartbeat, itching, lack of coordination, light sensitivity, liver problems, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, nausea, nerve disturbances, nightmares, numbness, palpitations, panic, pupil dilation, rashes, restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, stroke, sweating, swelling, testicular swelling, tingling, tremors, urinary problems, visual focusing difficulties, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss, and yellowing of skin or eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Vivactil? If Vivactil 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. Remember that Vivactil must never be combined with monoamine inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Vivactil with Antidepressants that boost serotonin (including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft), Antipsychotic medications (such as Mellaril and Thorazine), Barbiturates (such as Nembutal and Seconal), Certain blood pressure medications (such as guanethidine), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Decongestants (such as Sudafed), Drugs that quell spasms (such as Donnatal and Levsin), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Flecainide (Tambocor), Narcotic painkillers (such as Percodan and Vicodin), Norepinephrine, Other antidepressants (such as Elavil and Tofranil), Propafenone (Rythmol), Quinidine (Quinaglute), Tramadol (Ultram), or Tranquilizers and sleep aids (such as Halcion, Valium, and Xanax). Are there any special warnings about Vivactil? Drugs such as Vivactil sometimes cause heartbeat irregularities. Vivactil should be used with caution by people who have heart problems or a thyroid disorder. Caution is also advisable if you have a history of seizures, tend to retain urine, have high pressure in the eyes, or use alcohol excessively. Vivactil is not recommended during shock therapy. It should be discontinued several days before any surgery. Vivactil may impair the physical and/or mental abilities required to drive a car or operate heavy machinery. |
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