Etrafon: Drug Information

Brand Name: Celexa

Other names: Endep, Tryptizol, Elavil, Perphenazine, Eliwel

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Etrafon is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat major depression, particularly associated with sleep disturbances. It is also used to treat anxiety associated with depression. This medicine is a combination of Amitriptyline and Perphenazine and works by rectifying the chemical imbalance in the brain.

How to take the medicine?

You must take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor who may gradually increase the dosage. You can take Etrafon with food before bedtime or late in the afternoon. This medicine is NOT recommended for children below the age of 12 years and caution is advised while administering it to the elderly.

Warning and Precaution:

Do not take Etrafon if you are allergic to it or to Amitriptyline or Perphenazine.

You must notify your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before takingEtrafon.

If you have a medical history of bipolar depression, conduction abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, psychosis, asthma, enlarged prostrate, thyroid disorder, epilepsy, kidney disease, brain tumor or are recovering from MI, you need to tell your doctor.

Do not take this medicine if you are diagnosed with liver disorder, blood cell disorder or immune system weakness.

Etrafon should not be given to patients on mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

DO NOT take alcohol with Etrafon as it increases drowsiness.

Drug Interactions:

Etrafon should NOT be given with Barbiturates as it reduces the serum level. Tell your doctor if you are on narcoleptics as taking the medicine with inhibit metabolism. Antiparkinson agents and antipsychotic drugs need to be avoided with Etrafon. The medicine should not be taken with MAOIs as it may result in convulsions, marked hyperplexia or coma.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of Etrafon include tachycardia, confusion, dizziness, postural hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, urinary retention, blurred vision, confusion, delirium, headache, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, tremors, constipation and weakness.

Overdose:

Etrafon overdose symptoms include hallucinations, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, increased sweating, muscle rigidity, seizure and coma. In case of an overdose, it is essential for you to notify your doctor ot contact your local poison control center at the earliest.