Perphenazine/amitriptyline (By mouth)

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Introduction

Amitriptyline Hydrochloride (am-i-TRIP-ti-leen hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Perphenazine (per-FEN-a-zeen)

Treats anxiety and depression.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• You may take your tablets with food to avoid stomach upset.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time (within 2 hours) for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Keep your tablets at room temperature in the original tightly-closed, light-resistant container, away from heat and moisture.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking drugs that can make you sleepy such as cold or allergy medicine, sedative, or pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you have heart disease, liver disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, or any other medical problem.
• For some children and teenagers, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. All of the warnings in this leaflet are true for a child or teenager who is using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed. Also tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts about hurting yourself. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you, especially if they are new or get worse quickly. Make sure your caregiver knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let your doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
• While taking this medicine, avoid becoming overheated during exercise and hot weather. This can result in heat stroke. Do not stay out in the sun too long.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving a car or operating heavy machines.
• There is a risk of side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• If you have been taking this medicine for a long time or in large doses, ask your doctor before you stop taking the medicine. You may need to take less and less before stopping completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Loss of bladder control
• Uncontrollable movement of the tongue, cheeks, jaw, or arms
• Seizures
• Fever, severe muscle stiffness
• Skin rash, itching, swelling
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Dry mouth, stuffy nose
• Difficulty having sex
• Constipation

Brand Name(s)

Duo-Vil 2-10, Duo-Vil 2-25

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used