Etrafon (Elavil, Perphenazine) side effects and uses

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Generic Name: Amitriptyline

Drug Class: Antidepressant, TCA

Etrafon is a heterocyclic antidepressant - a class of drugs that inhibits the nerve cells' ability reuptake norepinephrine and serotonin and brings the levels of these neurotransmitters back up to normal. Etrafon is very sedating.

Find more information on Etrafon action and its uses.

How to Take Etrafon :

Take this medicine as directed. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

Etrafon Side Effects:

Some common side effects reported with Etrafon medicine include:

• skin rash,
• itching or hives,
• swelling of the face or tongue, which may casue difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• constipation
• dry mouth, blurred vision,
• urinary retention
• drowsiness,
• nervousness,
• insomnia, etc.

Warnings and precautions for Etrafon:

• Not to be given concomitantly with MAOIs; discontinue MAOI therapy at least 14 days before starting Etrafon. Acute recovery phase following MI, acute CHF.
• Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
• Etrafon drug is not recommended for use during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction and in the presence of acute congestive heart failure.
• Etrafon should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures, impaired liver function, a history of hepatic damage or blood dyscrasias and, because of its atropine-like action, in patients with a history of urinary retention, or with narrow-angle glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure.
• Discontinue the drug several days before elective surgery if possible.

What to do if you take Overdose of Etrafon ?

Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Etrafon ?

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How to Store Etrafon :

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.