Maprotiline is used to treat depression.
This medicine is also used for the relief of anxiety related to depression.
Take Maprotiline exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Maprotiline must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- recovering from a heart attack
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
as Maprotiline may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Maprotiline if you are currently taking or have taken a certain type of medicine to treat depression and Parkinson's disease known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Maprotiline should not be taken within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI medicines, nor should MAOI medicines be taken within 2 weeks after stopping Maprotiline. Please see the section “Can I take this with other medicines?” below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- diabetes
- mood disorder
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Maprotiline.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness and tiredness.
Maprotiline may cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert. Always keep your doctor updated of any changes in your eyesight.
You may also feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, especially if you are taking this medicine for the very first time. This is common and should improve gradually as you get used to Maprotiline. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. It will also help if you take the very first dose of this medicine at bedtime.
Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, constipation, weakness, tiredness, headache, difficulty sleeping, tremor and nausea.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- thoughts of self-harm
- seizures (fits)
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Maprotiline if you are currently taking or have taken a certain type of medicine used to treat depression and Parkinson's disease, known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and trancylpromine. Maprotiline should not be taken within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI medicines, nor should MAOI medicines be taken within 2 weeks after stopping Maprotiline.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines used to treat depression e.g. fluoxetine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- medicines for gastric irritation e.g. cimetidine
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine
- medicines for abnormal heart rhythm e.g. amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine
- medicines for sleeping disorder and anxiety e.g. diazepam
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Maprotiline.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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