Ludiomil

Ludiomil is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) which is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety (caused by depression).

It works by increasing certain chemical activity in the brain such as norepinephrine and serotonin which helps improves mood.

It may also be used in the treatment of chronic neurogenic pain (a continuing type of pain). It is available in the form of a tablet and only with doctor’s prescription.

If you are about to start Ludiomil, speak with your doctor about what you need to know.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about condition such as:

Allergy: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children: Maprotiline increases suicidal thoughts and actions in children more than adults. Children should be closely monitored for any new onset of depression, restlessness, and irritable behavior while using Maprotiline.

Elderly: It should be used with caution in an elderly patient as they are more sensitive to its effects like Drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion, vision problems, dryness of mouth, constipation, and difficulty in urinating.

Pregnancy: It is a category B drug. It is safe to use in pregnancy.

Breast Feeding: It can pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. If you are using Maprotiline while nursing, discuss it with your doctor for possible risk factors.

Drug Interactions: Maprotiline may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Some of them are listed below:

• Anticholinergics (scopolamine)
• Cimetidine
• Fluoxetine
• Linezolid
• MAOIs (phenelzine)
• Phenothiazines (chlorpromazine)
• Thyroid medicines (levothyroxine) because the risk of maprotiline's side effects may be increased.
• Barbiturates (phenobarbital)
• Hydantoins (phenytoin)
• Sympathomimetic medicines (albuterol, pseudoephedrine) because the risk of their side effects may be increased.
• Guanethidine or guanfacine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Maprotiline.

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as:

• If you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression).
• Other mental or mood problems.
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts.
• Alcohol or substance abuse.
• If you have an overactive thyroid.
• If you a history of heart problems (heart attack, irregular heartbeat).
• Trouble passing urine
• Increased eye pressure or glaucoma.
• Seizures
• Asthma
• Liver diseases

To use Ludiomil properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Use it exactly as your doctor directed. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.

It should be taken by mouth with or without food. It may take 2 to 3 weeks to be effective fully.

Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose of this drug before stopping it completely. It is dangerous to suddenly stop taking the drug.

Dosage: It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose.it is best to take each dose at equally spaced times a day and night. You must follow your doctor’s command.

For depression:

• Adults: 25 milligrams (mg) one to three times a day. The dose should not exceed more than 150 mg a day unless hospitalized.
• Children: dose is determined by your doctor.

Missed dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Do not double the dose.

Storage: Store it at room temperature. Keep it away from children.

Before using Ludiomil, there are some precautions you must take.

Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Maprotiline.

Maprotiline will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Some people may become agitated, irritable or restless and show abnormal behavior while using Maprotiline.

It may increase suicidal thoughts in some patients, usually children and in young adults. If you notice such tendencies inform your doctor immediately.

Maprotiline may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or light-headedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Use Maprotiline with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

While using Maprotiline get up slowly from lying or sitting position as you may feel Dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting on sudden rising up from bed or chair.

Maprotiline is known to cause dry mouth in some patients. Use a saliva substitute or sugarless candy or gums.

If the mouth is dry for more than 2 weeks inform your doctor or dentist as dry mouth can lead to dental diseases and fungal infection of the mouth.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Maprotiline before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Ludiomil to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent:

More common are:

• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nervousness

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.