Protriptyline hydrochloride (
Vivactil®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Brand-name Vivactil is currently manufactured by Duramed Pharmaceuticals. Although Merck was the first manufacturer of Vivactil many years ago, Duramed now holds the rights to make brand-name Vivactil. Also, it has since come off-patent and is available as a generic.
How Does Protriptyline Work?
Protriptyline belongs to a class of medications called
tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how the drug works. It does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that perhaps protriptyline allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with depression symptoms.
When and How to Take This Medicine
Considerations for when and how to take protriptyline include the following:
- Protriptyline comes in tablet form. When used for depression, it is usually taken by mouth three to four times a day.
- You can take protriptyline with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
- The medicine should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For protriptyline to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. The drug will not work if you stop taking it.
HealthSavvy Sign In
|
