What does it do?

Maprotiline is used to treat and prevent depression, and sometimes other conditions.

How should you take it?

Take maprotiline regularly as directed with a glass of water, usually at night-time.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose if you remember on the same day. If not, skip the dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with maprotiline including:

• some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold medicines)
• cold and flu medicines containing dextromethorphan (e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough Forte®)
• anti-sickness medicines (e.g. Sea-legs®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy).

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Suicidal thoughts Fast or irregular heartbeat Seizures Reduced number of blood cells that fight infections or help your blood to clot - symptoms include: fever, chills, sore throat or generally feeling unwell, or easy or unusual bruising or bleeding	Tell your doctor immediately
Anxiety, restlessness	Tell your doctor
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache Strange or uncontrolled movements, muscle weakness More sensitive to sunlight (sunburn or rash) Changes in sexual function, trouble peeing Dry mouth, weight gain, constipation	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have liver, heart, thyroid, or prostate problems, or if you have trouble peeing.
• Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, bipolar disorder, or if you have ever had a seizure.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Maprotiline can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• It may take a few weeks for maprotiline to start working.
• Feelings of anxiety in the first few weeks of therapy are common, but should get better. Discuss with your doctor.
• If your depression continues to get worse, see your doctor.
• Do not stop taking maprotiline without talking to your doctor first.