Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
Maprotiline is prescribed for the treatment of depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications known as tetracyclic antidepressants. Its mechanism of action involves boosting the levels of specific natural substances in the brain, essential for maintaining mental balance.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication orally as instructed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times daily. If prescribed for once-daily use, take it at bedtime to minimize daytime sleepiness. The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
To minimize the risk of side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness, your doctor may advise starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it. Adhere to your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Consistently take this medication to derive the maximum benefit. Establish a routine by taking it at the same time(s) each day. Avoid increasing the dose or using the drug more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Doing so won’t hasten improvement, but it may heighten the risk of side effects.
Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Do not cease usage without consulting your doctor, as certain conditions may worsen when the drug is abruptly stopped. You might experience symptoms like mood swings, headaches, or fatigue upon discontinuation. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dosage to prevent these symptoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and promptly report any new or worsening symptoms.
This medication may not produce immediate effects. Some benefit may be noticeable within a week, but it could take up to 3 weeks to feel the full effect.
Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens, especially if feelings of sadness intensify or if you have thoughts of suicide. Regularly communicate with your healthcare provider to monitor your well-being.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- nausea
- drowsiness
- weakness or tiredness
- nightmares
- dry mouth
- skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
- changes in appetite or weight
- constipation
- difficulty urinating
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- changes in sex drive or ability
- excessive sweating
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
- slow or difficult speech
- shuffling walk
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- irregular heartbeat
Caution
- Before taking maprotiline, it’s important to communicate with your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to maprotiline, tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline), or any other substances.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have bleeding problems, breathing issues, kidney problems, liver problems, a recent heart attack, difficulties in urination, an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), a personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), a personal or family history of mental/mood conditions, a family history of suicide, seizures, or conditions that may increase your risk of seizures.
- Maprotiline may cause a condition affecting heart rhythm (QT prolongation), which can rarely lead to serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention, such as severe dizziness or fainting. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), or a family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
- Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase with the use of certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Consult your doctor about using maprotiline safely.
- This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects.
- Refrain from driving, using machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely.
- Maprotiline may increase sensitivity to the sun. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen with protective clothing when outdoors. Notify your doctor promptly if you experience sunburn or skin blisters/redness.
- For individuals with diabetes, this drug may complicate blood sugar control. Regularly monitor blood sugar levels and inform your doctor of the results. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet.
- Older adults may be more susceptible to side effects, particularly dizziness (especially when standing up), drowsiness, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, and QT prolongation. Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary, as untreated mental/mood problems can be serious. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or suspect pregnancy, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
- This medication passes into breast milk, and its effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Ludiomil is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Ludiomil tablet:
- 25 mg
- 75 mg
FAQ
How long does it take for Ludiomil to work?
This medication may not work right away. You may see some benefit within a week. However, it may take up to 3 weeks before you feel the full effect.
Can Ludiomil cause anxiety?
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Sometimes Ludiomil can cause mental/mood changes such as anxiety, agitation, and confusion.
