Endep
Amitriptyline
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Endep
Endep is a tricyclic antidepressant medicine. Endep acts by balancing some chemicals that become unbalanced in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Endep
Endep is mainly used in the treatment of depression. It can also be used in other medical conditions that are included in the use guideline of Endep, if your doctor thinks necessary.
Direction of use of Endep
Endep should be taken as per instruction of your doctor. It is taken orally along with food or without food. Do not take Endep longer then recommended by your doctor or do not take large amount at a time. You may require dose adjustment for the best possible result. Follow the instructions of your doctor strictly.
Dose of Endep, if Missed
If you are taking Endep regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If you miss for long time than skip the missed dose and take the regular dose as usual schedule. Do not take more than 1 dose at a time.
How to Store Endep
Endep is stored at room temperature. It should be stored in cool, dark and dry place away from heat, light and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Endep
Before you start taking Endep inform your doctor if you have any disease like heart trouble (history of stroke or heart attack); schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic-depression), or other mental disease. You should also inform your doctor if you have diabetes (Endep can cause increase of blood sugar level or it may cause decrease blood sugar level), hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, seizures, etc.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Endep
Do not take alcohol if you are on Endep, it can cause potentially serious side effects. Do not take medicines that causes sedation like medicines for common cold, muscle relaxants, other antidepressants, anti epileptic medicines, pain killers etc. All the above medicines will cause more sedation or sleepiness by additive action. Do not drive or do risky jobs that need constant attention if you are taking Endep. It can also cause impairment of thinking and judgment.
Endep can cause photosensitivity and you should not get exposed to sun, artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds) etc as it will cause increase sunburn due to high sensitivity. If you have to go out to sun, use protective clothing or a sunscreen like SPF15.
If you are taking grapefruit regularly during treatment with Endep, you should reduce its intake as it can cause interaction with Endep.
Possible Adverse Effects
The common but less serious side effects of Endep are:
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, unpleasant taste, dryness in the mouth.
- Anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, generalized weakness, tiredness.
- Muscle in coordination, sleeplessness, nightmares, lack of concentrating, numbness etc.
- Headache, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), blurring of vision, skin rash.
- Reduced desire of sex, impotence in men and women, difficulty in getting orgasm, breast swelling both in men and women.
If you get more serious but uncommon side effects due to Endep, like the following, consult your doctor immediately:
- Allergic reaction to Endep. Allergic reaction is characterized by skin rash, severe itching, hives, breathing problems, chest discomfort, swelling of face, mouth, lips etc.
- Nausea, vomiting, headache, excessive thirst, light headedness, fainting etc.
- Fast, irregular and pounding pulse (palpitation).
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Headache, blurring of vision, problem with speech.
- Confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, shaking or tremor, uncontrolled movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw etc.
- Easy bruising and/or bleeding, skin rash, tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness.
- Chest pain, heaviness in chest, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, sweating, general weakness.
- Reduced urine production or no urine production (renal failure).