Perphenazine/Amitriptyline (By Mouth)

Amitriptyline (a-mee-TRIP-ti-leen), Perphenazine (per-FEN-a-zeen)

Treats anxiety and depression.

Brand Name(s):

Triavil, Duo-Vil 2-25, Duo-Vil 2-10
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to perphenazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, amitriptyline (Elavil®), or other antidepressants. This medicine should not be taken with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).

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.

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.
• While taking this medicine, avoid becoming overheated during exercise and hot weather; it can result in heat stroke. Don't 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

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