Amitriptyline and Perphenazine

About amitriptyline and perphenazine

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant which keeps the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain for longer, thus causing an improvement in mood. Perphenazine is an antipsychotic which blocks the chemical dopamine, thus relieving anxiety.

Before taking amitriptyline and perphenazine

Before taking amitriptyline and perphenazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart disease.
• If you have recently had a heart attack.
• If you have an irregular heart rate.
• If you suffer from epilepsy, myasthenia gravis or thyroid disease.
• If you suffer from Parkinson's disease.
• If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (a tumour which causes very high blood pressure).
• If you have a history of mental problems.
• If you have had difficulty passing water in the past, or have an enlarged prostate.
• If you are due to have surgery under an anaesthetic in the near future.
• If you suffer from porphyria (a group of genetic blood disorders caused by problems with how your body makes a substance called heme).
• If you or a family member have had raised pressure in the eye(s) or glaucoma.
• If you have difficulty breathing.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take amitriptyline and perphenazine

• Perphanazine should only be used as short-term treatment for anxiety.
• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take amitriptyline & perphenazine at the same time each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Treatment with amitriptyline & perphenazine should not be stopped suddenly, but withdrawn gradually according to directions from your doctor.
• Abrupt withdrawal may cause symptoms such as feeling or being sick, loss of appetite, headache, dizziness, chills, difficulty sleeping or anxiety.
• It may take up to 4 weeks before you notice an improvement in your mood- persevere with your treatment and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you start to feel worse.
• Your doctor may suggest non-drug treatments such as counselling; you should keep any appointments for these sort of appointments.
• Cutting down on alcohol and getting more exercise can help to make you feel better.
• Sugar, chocolate, cakes and biscuits can decrease mood by causing rapid changes in blood sugar levels, and should be avoided or eaten in moderation.
• Increasing your consumption of oily fish may help to make you feel better.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• Keep your regular doctor's appointments so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

Can amitriptyline and perphenazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store amitriptyline and perphenazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines