Generic Name: amitriptyline and perphenazine (a mee TRIP ti leen and per FEN a zeen)
Brand Names: Etrafon Forte, Triavil
What is Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine)?
Amitriptyline is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Perphenazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (feen-oh-THYE-a-zeens). Perphenazine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety.
The combination of amitriptyline and perphenazine is used to treat depression, anxiety, and agitation.
Amitriptyline and perphenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine)?
You should not take this medication if you are allergic to amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol) or perphenazine (Trilafon), or if you have liver damage, a weak immune system, a blood cell disorder (such as anemia), or if you have recently had a heart attack. Do not use amitriptyline and perphenazine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Do not drink alcohol. Amitriptyline and perphenazine can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine)?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to amitriptyline (Elavil, Vanatrip, Limbitrol) or perphenazine (Trilafon), or if you have:
liver damage;
a blood cell disorder (such as anemia);
a weak immune system (bone marrow depression); or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
Do not use amitriptyline and perphenazine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Serious, life threatening side effects can occur if you use amitriptyline and perphenazine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
To make sure you can safely take amitriptyline and perphenazine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
kidney or liver disease;
heart disease, or a history of heart attack or stroke;
pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumor);
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
a thyroid disorder;
asthma, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
glaucoma;
problems with urination;
bipolar disorder (manic-depression), schizophrenia or other mental illness;
history of drug or alcohol addiction;
history of suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
history of breast cancer.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking amitriptyline and perphenazine, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice. Amitriptyline and perphenazine may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without medical advice.
How should I take Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using amitriptyline and perphenazine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Do not stop using amitriptyline and perphenazine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using amitriptyline and perphenazine. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amitriptyline and perphenazine can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, vomiting, feeling hot or cold, sweating, muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.
What should I avoid while taking Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine)?
Do not drink alcohol. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous. Amitriptyline and perphenazine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Perphenazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;
feeling like you might pass out;
seizures (convulsions);
slow heart rate, chest pain or heavy feeling;
easy bruising or bleeding;
jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
painful or difficult urination; or
urinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may include:
feeling dizzy, drowsy, or tired;
strange dreams or nightmares;
sleep problems (insomnia);
dry mouth, loss of appetite;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
blurred vision;
breast changes; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Triavil (amitriptyline and perphenazine)?
Before taking amitriptyline and perphenazine, tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft).
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by amitriptyline and perphenazine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other antidepressant.
The following drugs can interact with amitriptyline and perphenazine. Tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
atropine (Atreza, Lomotil, Sal-Tropine, and others);
cimetidine (Tagamet);
a heart rhythm medication such as quinidine (Quin-G), procainamide (Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), flecaininde (Tambocor), mexiletine (Mexitil), or propafenone, (Rythmol).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with amitriptyline and perphenazine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
More Triavil resources
- Triavil Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Triavil Drug Interactions
- Triavil Support Group
- 1 Review for Triavil - Add your own review/rating
Compare Triavil with other medications
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about amitriptyline and perphenazine.
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