Asendin
Generic Name: Amoxapine (a-MOX-a-peen)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, Tricyclic
Contents
Drug Uses
This medication is used to treat depression and for chronic neuropathic
pain (nerve pain) or to prevent migraine headaches. Your doctor may prescribe
this medicine for other conditions as well.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side
effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you
have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
Helps depression by restoring two natural chemicals (serotonin and norephinephrine).
How to Take It
Amoxapine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one or
more times daily. It may be taken with or without food. Take this medicine
as directed and do not take more or less of it or more often than prescribed
by your doctor. Continue to take this medicine even if you are feeling better.
Do not stop taking amoxapine without talking to your doctor, especially
if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor will probably
will want to decrease your dose slowly.
Possible Side Effects
- Some COMMON SIDE EFFECTS reported with this medicine include:
- upset stomach
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- weakness or tiredness
- insomnia
- nightmares
- skin more sensitive to sunlight
- constipation
- nausea
- blurred vision
- headache
- weight gain
- An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include
rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- jaw; neck and back muscle spasms
- slow or difficult speech
- shuffling walk
- fine tremor
- fever
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe skin rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- irregular heartbeat
Warnings/Precautions
- This medicine should NOT be used by those:
- having taken MAO inhibitors in the last two weeks
- with narrow angle glaucoma
- with irregular heart beat
- Elderly patients generally should avoid it because of an increase
in dizziness and falls.
- This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcoholic beverages
can increase the side effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Possible drug interactions may occur with amitriptyline and:
- Phenobarbital
- MAO inhibitors (severe)
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially:
- anticoagulants (Warfarin)
- cimetidine (Tagamet)
- estrogens
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- levodopa (Sinemet)
- lithium (Eskalith; Lithobid)
- MAO inhibitors (phenelzine; tranylcypromine)
- blood pressure medications
- seizure medicine
- medicine for Parkinson's disease
- asthma medications
- cold/allergy medications
- methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- muscle relaxants
- birth-control pills
- sedatives
- sleep medicines
- thyroid medicines
- tranquilizers
- vitamins and herbal remedies
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not
double doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
For women, it should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. As with other
medications, if you suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to you physician
or pharmacist before using this medication.
More Information
This medicine may cause depletion of Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2. Talk to
your doctor about adding these supplements to your diet.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information
expires March 1, 2005. Published March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific
instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept
any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences
arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information
contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person
or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise.
No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents
of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health
care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen. |