Vivactil
Vivactil Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Vivactil is a brand name. Its generic name is Protriptyline.
Introduction
Vivactil (brand name, Vivactil) is a tricyclic antidepressant of the dibenzocycloheptene family of medications. It is used to treat moderate to severe depression in adults, as well as major depressive disorder and nocturnal enuresis, a bed-wetting problem that is most common in children but can sometimes occur in adults. Vivactil works by blocking the effects of certain hormones, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. It also works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain.
Uses
Vivactil is used to treat episodes of moderate to severe depression in adults, as well as major depressive disorder and nocturnal enuresis, a bed-wetting problem that is most common in children but can sometimes occur in adults.
Mechanism of Action
Vivactil is believed to work by blocking the effects of certain hormones, such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, and by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. This helps to reduce the symptoms of depression and can help to improve sleep quality.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Most people should start to notice some improvement in their symptoms within a few days of starting treatment. It can sometimes take up to two or three weeks for the full effects to be noticeable.
Absorption
Vivactil is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The peak plasma concentration (CMax) is reached within four to six hours after oral administration.
Route of Elimination
Vivactil is primarily eliminated through the kidneys. It is metabolized by the liver before elimination, and its metabolites are also eliminated in the urine.
Dosage
Vivactil is available in tablet form in doses of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg. The dose should be taken once daily, usually in the morning, before meals. The starting dose for most people is 20 mg once per day. Some people may require higher doses, up to 30 mg once per day.
Administration
Vivactil should be taken orally with a full glass of water. It should be taken in the morning, before meals, and swallowed whole. Avoid chewing, crushing, or splitting the tablets.
Side Effects
Common side effects of protriptyline include dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, constipation, drowsiness, weight gain, blurred vision, and difficulty concentrating. Less common side effects include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, tremors, and sweating.
Toxicity
At high doses or with long-term use, protriptyline can cause serious toxic effects, including coma and death. Therefore, it should only be used at the lowest possible dose and for a short period of time.
Precautions
Vivactil should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures, heart disease, or glaucoma. It should also be used with caution in patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse, as it can be habit-forming. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking Vivactil, as it can cause drowsiness.
Interaction
Vivactil can interact with other medications, including antihistamines, antifungals, antiarrhythmic agents, some antibiotics, and antipsychotic drugs. It can also interact with food products, such as alcohol, caffeine, and aged cheese. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting treatment with Vivactil.
Disease Interaction
Vivactil can interact with certain medical conditions, including heart disease, glaucoma, seizures, and diabetes. Patients with any of these conditions should inform their doctor before starting treatment with Vivactil.
Drug Interaction
Vivactil can interact with other medications, including antihistamines, antifungals, antiarrhythmic agents, some antibiotics, and antipsychotic drugs. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are taking before starting treatment with Vivactil.
Food Interaction
Vivactil can interact with certain food products, such as alcohol, caffeine, and aged cheese. Patients should avoid these products while taking Vivactil.
Pregnancy Use
Vivactil should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it can cause birth defects. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should inform their doctor before taking Vivactil.
Lactation Use
Vivactil should not be used while breastfeeding, as it can potentially pass into the breast milk and affect the baby. Women who are breastfeeding should inform their doctor before taking Vivactil.
Acute Overdose
An acute overdose of protriptyline can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an overdose include seizures, delirium, confusion, coma, irregular heartbeat, and respiratory depression. Treatment options include activated charcoal, gastric lavage, and supportive care.
Contraindication
Vivactil is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the medication. It is also contraindicated in patients who are taking other tricyclic antidepressant medications, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or medications that contain a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.
Use Direction
Vivactil should be taken once a day, with or without food, usually in the morning, before meals. The tablets should be swallowed whole without crushing, crushing, or splitting them. The dose should be taken at the same time each day and should be taken for at least six weeks for the full benefits of the medication to be realized.
Storage Condition
Vivactil should be stored at room temperature and away from light and moisture. The tablets should be kept in a tight, light-resistant container.
Volume of Distribution
The apparent volume of distribution of protriptyline is approximately 5 L/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of protriptyline is approximately 8-10 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of protriptyline is approximately 10 ml/min.
Here you find in details version of Vivactil