Aventyl
Generic Name:
Brand Names:
Aventyl, Pamelor
Aventyl Description:
Aventyl belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants and is used to alleviate depression. While the exact mechanisms of Aventyl are unknown, the medication acts on the central nervous system and produces stimulant and depressant activity. The medication works to fight the chemical imbalances that may cause depression by altering the levels of certain substances in the brain.
Aventyl Side Effects:
Potential side effects of Aventyl include:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Tingling sensations or numbness
- Changes in blood pressure
- Confusion
- Change in libido
For more information, see our Aventyl side effects page.
Aventyl Uses:
Aventyl is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder experience prominent and persistent episodes of depression. Depressive episodes generally include a combination of at least four of the following symptoms:
- Change in appetite
- Change in sleeping habits
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Reduced interest in regular activities
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Sluggish thinking or reduced concentration
- Suicide attempts or ideation
Aventyl Interactions:
Aventyl may interact with the following medications and substances:
- Other antidepressants
- Cimetidine
- Fluoxetine
- Reserpine
- Other anticholinergic drugs or sympathomimetic agents
- Alcohol
- Phenothiazines
- Carbamazepine
- Certain antiarrhythmics
- Quinidine
Aventyl may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Aventyl.
Aventyl Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Aventyl dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines set by their doctor.
Aventyl is administered in the form of an oral solution. The medication was also previously available in the form of an oral capsule; however, this version of the medication has been discontinued.
Adult patients usually take 25 mg of the medicaiton, three to four times a day. Some patients may take their total daily amount in a single dose.
Elderly patients generally take a total daily dosage between 30 and 50 mg, in multiple divided doses.
Patients should not abruptly stop taking Aventyl or change their dosage amount, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.
Missing a Dose of Aventyl
If you forget to take a dose of Aventyl, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of Aventyl to compensate for a missed dose.
Aventyl Overdose
An overdose of Aventyl can result in serious complications and death. Symptoms of an Aventyl overdose may include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severely low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Central nervous system depression
- Coma
- Confusion or reduced concentration
- Hallucinations
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
Aventyl FDA Approval:
November 6, 1964
Aventyl Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Aventyl, like other antidepressants, carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medication may place children, adolescents and young adults at an increased risk of suicide. Generally, depression and other mental illnesses are often already associated with an increased risk of suicide. Because of these risks, all patients taking Aventyl should be closely monitored for abnormal changes in behavior or suicidal tendencies.
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
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September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
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August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
