Teva-Maprotiline
Jump to:
How Does This Medication Work?
Maprotiline belongs to a class of medications called tetracyclic antidepressants. This medication is used to treat depression, anxiety related to depression, and nerve pain. Depression is believed to be caused by imbalances in certain brain chemicals. This medication works by bringing these chemicals back into balance. Because brain chemicals are also involved in sending pain signals, this medication is believed to help with nerve pain by changing the balance of these chemicals.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How Should I Use This Medication?
The recommended starting dose of maprotiline for adults is 75 mg daily, divided into 2 or 3 doses. After 2 weeks, your doctor may increase your dose gradually according to response and side effects. The maximum recommended dose is 150 mg daily. Severely depressed patients may need slightly higher doses, however side effects are more common with higher doses.
Seniors generally need lower doses. The usual daily dose for seniors is 50 to 75 mg.
Maprotiline can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, and the total daily dose can be taken at one time, if preferred.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. **Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.**If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What Form(S) Does This Medication Come In?
Maprotiline is no longer being manufactured for sale in Canada and is no longer available under any brand names. This article is being kept available for reference purposes only. If you are using this medication, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for information about your treatment options.
Who Should Not Take This Medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
are allergic to maprotiline or any ingredients of this medication
are taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or have taken them in the past 14 days
have a history of certain blood disorders
have angle-closure glaucoma
have congestive heart failure
have just had a heart attack
have kidney damage
have liver damage
have or may have a seizure disorder
are intoxicated with alcohol or other medications such sedatives, or narcotic pain relievers, or psychotropic medications (i.e., medications for mental health conditions)
What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication?
<
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
agitation
anxiety
blurred vision
changes in sexual function
constipation
decreased memory
difficulty urinating
dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position
drowsiness
dry mouth
fatigue
headache
hot flushes
loss of appetite
muscle twitching
nausea
nervousness
nightmares
perspiration (sweating)
restlessness
skin rash or itching
stomach cramps
tremors
trouble sleeping
vomiting
weight gain
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
confusion
fainting
hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things than are not actually there)
itchy skin rash
pounding or fast heartbeat
purplish spots on the skin
signs of liver problems, e.g.:
abdominal pain
dark urine
nausea
pale stools
weakness
yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
signs of low platelets (e.g., unusual bruising or bleeding)
signs of low white blood cells (e.g., fever, sore throat)
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
seizures
signs of a severe allergic reaction, e.g.:
difficulty breathing
hives
swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face
suicidal thoughts
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Are There Any Other Precautions Or Warnings For This Medication?
Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Bladder problems: Maprotiline may cause urine retention and difficulty in urinating. If you have bladder problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Contact lenses: Since this medication can reduce tear production, contact lenses may damage the cornea of the eye. Talk to your doctor or optometrist about wearing contact lenses while talking maprotiline.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Maprotiline may reduce the mental or physical abilities required to perform certain tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Avoid these activities until you are sure that the medication does not affect you in this way.
Enlarged prostate: This medication can cause increased difficulty with urination, which may make symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland more pronounced. If you have an enlarged prostate or other difficulties with urinary disorders, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Glaucoma: This medication can cause the effects of glaucoma to worsen. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart conditions: Maprotiline, particularly when taken in high doses, can cause abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, or stroke. If you are a senior or have a history of heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Mental Health: Maprotiline may cause people with schizophrenia to experience psychosis and can trigger manic episodes when it is taken by someone with bipolar depression. It can also worsen thought disturbances for people who have psychotic conditions. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually over-excited or uninhibited), or delusional thinking, or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Like other antidepressant medications, it may cause people with depression to want to hurt themselves or others, particularly before the feelings of depression start to ease. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting this medication. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking this medication.
Mouth care: Maprotiline causes dry mouth and decreased body secretions, which may result in an increased risk of cavities. Talk to your dentist about how to keep your mouth healthy while taking maprotiline.
Seizures: Maprotiline may cause seizures, especially when higher doses are used. If you have brain damage, are addicted to alcohol, are going through alcohol withdrawal, or are taking medications that increase the risk of seizures (e.g., lithium), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping treatment: Stopping treatment suddenly may result in the following side effects:
dizziness
general feeling of being unwell
headache
increased body temperature
irritability
low blood pressure
nausea
sleep problems
vomiting
worsening depression
If treatment should be stopped, it should be done gradually as directed by your doctor.
Surgery: Since maprotiline can interact with general anesthetics, it should be gradually stopped, as directed by your doctor, before elective surgery. Be sure to tell all the members of your health care team that you are taking this medication.
Thyroid disease: Maprotiline can increase the heart and blood pressure effects that occur when the thyroid gland is overactive. If you have a thyroid condition, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking maprotiline, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Maprotiline is not recommended for use in children. The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience side effects of maprotiline. Lower doses are usually recommended.
What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication?
There may be an interaction between maprotiline and any of the following:
aclidinium
alcohol
alfuzosin
amiodarone
amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
atropine
azelastine
barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, midazolam)
bupropion
bromocriptine
cabergoline
carbamazepine
celecoxib
chloral hydrate
chloroquine
cisapride
clonidine
cobicistat
cyclobenzaprine
darifenacin
darunavir
degarelix
dextromethorphan
disopyramide
dofetilide
domperidone
donepezil
dronedarone
dronabinol
droperidol
efavirenz
ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine)
flavoxate
flecainide
galantamine
general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
glucagon
glycopyrrolate
ipratropium
isoniazid
ketotifen
lithium
macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
magnesium sulphate
methadone
methyldopa
metoclopramide
metyrosine
mifepristone
minocycline
mirabegron
mirtazapine
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; e.g., moclobemide, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
nabilone
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone)
olopatadine
oxybutynin
peginterferon Alfa-2B
perampanel
pimozide
potassium chloride
pramipexole
procainamide
quinidine
quinine
quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, sparfloxacin)
rilpivirine
rivastigmine
ropinirole
rotigotine
rufinamide
St. John's wort
saquinavir
scopolamine
seizure medications (e.g., clobazam, ethosuximide, felbamate, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid, zonisamide)
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., granisetron, ondansetron)
serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, venlafaxine)
solifenacin
sotalol
sulfonylureas (e.g., gliclazide, glyburide, tolbutamide)
tapentadol
tetrabenazine
thalidomide
thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide, metolazone)
ticlopidine
tiotropium
tolterodine
tramadol
trazodone
tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)
"triptan" migraine medications (e.g., eletriptan, sumatriptan)
tryptophan
tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., lapatinib, pazopanib, sunitinib)
umeclidinium
valerian
venlafaxine
voriconazole
zolpidem
zopiclone
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
stop taking one of the medications,
change one of the medications to another,
change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2025. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Teva-Maprotiline