Amitriptyline/Chlordiazepoxide Oral Tablet (AMITRIPTYLINE/CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE - ORAL)

Instructions

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Though it helps many people, this medicine may sometimes cause addiction, especially if it is used for a long time. This risk for addiction may be higher if you have a substance use disorder - such as overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

If you stop this medicine suddenly, after using it regularly for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may ask you to slowly reduce your dose before stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any symptoms of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can include headaches, restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, depression, nausea, or seizures.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Smoking may affect the level of this medicine in your body. Tell your doctor if you smoke, or stop smoking while on this medicine.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• bloating
• blurry vision
• constipation
• dizziness or drowsiness
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• loss of balance
• change in behavior
• increased risk of bruising and bleeding
• chest pain
• confusion
• severe or persistent constipation
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• pain in the eye
• fainting
• fast or irregular heart beats
• persistent heartburn
• unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
• irritability
• lightheadedness
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• memory problems or loss
• restlessness
• seizures
• problems with sexual functions or desire
• shakiness
• talking quickly
• slurred speech
• dark, tarry stool
• suicidal thoughts
• seeing halos or colors around lights
• severe or persistent vomiting
• weakness on one side of the body

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.