Has your doctor prescribed you a medication for depression? If it's a medication called Maprotiline, you probably have a lot of questions about it. It's normal to wonder things like, "What does this actually do?", "Will it have side effects?", "How long do I have to take it?" Don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medication called Maprotiline in a simple way that you can understand.
First of all, what kind of medicine is Maprotiline?
Simply put, Maprotiline is a medication that is given to treat your depression. It can also help reduce the anxiety that sometimes accompanies depression. You may find this medication under the brand name Ludiomil.
But remember, doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions as well. So if you have any more questions about this, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. Before you start this medication, you should clearly tell your doctor about any other medical conditions and habits you have. Failure to do so may cause unnecessary problems.
| Your condition or habit | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Bipolar disorder | This medicine can cause mood changes. |
| Glaucoma condition | Eye pressure may increase. |
| If you have heart disease or a previous heart attack | The rhythm of the heartbeat can be affected. |
| Liver disease | The process of eliminating the medicine from the body may be affected. |
| Seizures | May increase the risk of seizures. |
| Suicidal thoughts or a family history of such thoughts | This is very important. The doctor should be especially aware of this. |
| Trying to conceive, being pregnant, or breastfeeding | Medical advice is essential as it may affect the baby. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | To prevent an allergic reaction to the medicine. |
How should I use this medicine?
It's very simple. Swallow this pill with a glass of water. Take the dose exactly as your doctor tells you, at the time. If it's once a day, take it once, if it's twice a day, take it twice. Change the dose whenever you feel like it, and don't drink too much.
Most importantly: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice! Doing so may cause your symptoms to suddenly worsen, or you may experience other serious side effects. If you do stop, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dose.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not waste time and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once just to make up for a forgotten dose.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
This is also something you should pay special attention to. Maprotiline can interact with other medications and other things you are taking. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter cough and cold medications, traditional medicines, vitamins) and your habits (alcohol, smoking).
The table below is just a few examples. This list is not exhaustive.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Avoid taking Maprotiline with these | |
| Antidepressants from the MAOI group | Drugs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate |
| Some antifungal medications | fluconazole, ketoconazole |
| Drugs that affect heart rhythm | dronedarone, pimozide, thioridazine |
| Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking these. | |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds | Many types of antihistamines |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | such as diazepam, temazepam |
| Medication for high blood pressure | Several types can cause effects. |
| Thyroid medication | Tell me about the medicine you are taking. |
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
- Be patient: It may take several weeks for this medicine to take full effect. So, don't stop taking it because you think, "There's no difference yet." Continue to use it as directed by your doctor.
- Pay attention to your mood (very important): Especially when you first start taking this medication or after changing your dose, you and your family should be on the lookout for suicidal thoughts , or for any unusual feelings of anxiety, irritability, or insomnia . If you notice any of these , talk to your doctor right away. This is very important.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up from a sitting position or get out of bed suddenly. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- No alcohol! If you drink alcohol, you should stop drinking it completely while taking this medicine. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine and increase side effects.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common ( common ) side effect of this medication. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be a little blurry. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used. If the problem persists, tell your doctor.
- Constipation: This medicine may cause constipation. Eating foods high in fiber (fruits, vegetables) and drinking plenty of water may help. If you do not have a bowel movement after about 3 days, tell your doctor.
- Be careful with sunlight: This medication may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. So if you are going to be in the sun, use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Maprotiline can cause side effects in some people. Not everyone gets them.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. | Difficulty breathing |
| Rapid or irregular heartbeat | Seizures |
| Suicidal thoughts or major mood changes | Eye pain, changes in appearance |
| Extreme agitation, irritability | Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) |
| Difficulty urinating or a change in the amount of urine that comes out | Unusual tiredness, fainting |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Dizziness | Dry mouth |
| Constipation | Nausea, stomach discomfort |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | Changes in appetite or weight |
Take-Home Message
- Do not suddenly stop taking Maprotiline without your doctor's advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are taking.
- If you experience suicidal thoughts or unusual mood changes early in the course of taking the medication , inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. Be careful when driving as it may cause drowsiness.
- In case of overdose, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or contact the National Poisons Information Centre.
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