Nortriptyline and Fluphenazine

About Nortriptyline and Fluphenazine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antidepressants.

It is a combination medicine containing two ingredients, nortriptyline and fluphenazine.

It is most commonly used to treat depression, especially when the patient is experiencing anxiety (worry).

This preparation is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Motipress. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Nortriptyline and Fluphenazine

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver, kidney or thyroid problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy, hypotension (low blood pressure), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), glaucoma, if you are experiencing or have ever experienced difficulty urinating (passing water), psychoses (mental problems), porphyria (a blood disorder), diabetes, Parkinson's disease, myasthenia gravis or prostate problems
• if you are prone to dizziness or fainting, particularly when getting up from a lying or sitting position
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Nortriptyline and Fluphenazine

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• It may take several weeks before you begin to feel the benefits of this treatment.
• Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually.
• Take this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose at the usual time. If it is almost time for your next dose, leave out the missed dose and continue taking it at the normal times.
• Before purchasing any 'over the counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside this preparation.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this preparation contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• This preparation can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Try to avoid alcohol as it will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• If you have to undergo surgery or emergency treatment, make sure you tell the doctor or surgeon that you are taking this preparation.
• This preparation can occasionally cause dry mouth. To relieve this, try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking ice or sugar-free sweets. Alternatively a saliva substitute can be purchased from your pharmacist. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• This preparation may cause some people to sweat more than they usually do. If you experience this, take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather.
• This preparation can cause some people to become more sensitive to sunlight than they usually are. Try to avoid sunlight and sunbeds or use a suncream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.
• If you have diabetes: make sure you check your blood sugar levels regularly as this preparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood.

Can Nortriptyline and Fluphenazine cause problems?

Along with their needed 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.

Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating (passing water), sweating, nausea (feeling sick), a fast or fluttering heartbeat, shakiness, skin rashes, being easily excitable, confusion, sexual problems, increased appetite, weight gain or weight loss, enlargement of the breasts, discharge from the nipples, spasms of the eye, face, neck and back muscles, shakiness, stiffness, a stuffy nose, ringing in the ears, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), .

Important: If you experience the following symptoms contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Fever (high temperature), loss of consciousness, stiffness of the muscles, paleness of the skin, a fast heartbeat, incontinence (passing water without control from the patient), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Nortriptyline and Fluphenazine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct light and heat.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/09/2002