| DRUG |
BRAND(S) |
DOSAGE |
SPECIAL
INSTRUCTIONS |
POSSIBLE
SIDE EFFECTS |
BE AWARE |
 |
|
Amitriptyline hydrochloride
|
Endep
|
10 to 30 mg per day in a single dose
|
For all tricyclic antidepressants:
Take at bedtime or several hours before bedtime to avoid "morning hangover."
|
Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; tiredness; weight gain
|
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using another antidepressant or have any of the following: a history of seizures, urinary retention,
heart problems or glaucoma or other chronic eye conditions. Because adverse side effects can occur if you stop using these drugs abruptly, discontinue them
gradually. Know how you respond to these drugs before driving or operating heavy machinery.
|
|
|
Cyclobenzaprine
|
Cycloflex, Flexeril
|
5 to 30 mg per day in a single dose
|
Take 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to reduce "hangover."
|
Blurred vision; dizziness; light-headedness; drowsiness; dry mouth
|
Before taking this medication, let your doctor know if you use alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as antihistamines,
cold or allergy medications, tranquilizers, sleeping medications, other muscle relaxants or narcotic pain medication, or if you have any of the following:
glaucoma, problems with urination, cardiovascular disease or overactive thyroid.
|
|
Duloxetine
|
Cymbalta
|
60 mg per day in two doses
|
Build dose gradually; taper dose slowly
|
Anxiety or nervousness; constipation; decrease in sexual desire or ability; decreased appetite; diarrhea; drowsiness; increased sweating; nausea; restlessness; skin rash; tiredness or weakness; trembling or shaking; trouble sleeping. Side effects may continue after treatment is stopped.
|
Combining these drugs with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (including antihistamines, narcotic medications and some dental anesthetics) can increase their effects and side effects. Taking with aspirin or other NSAIDs may increase risk of bleeding. Never stop taking these drugs abruptly. Your doctor will taper your dosage gradually. Do not take within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. Patients and their family members should be aware of agitation and suicidal tendencies.
|
|
|
Fluoxetine
|
Prozac
|
20 to 80 mg per day in a single dose
|
|
|
Tramadol
|
Ultram, Ultracet
|
50 to 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours, not exceeding 300 mg per day
|
|
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea
|
Do not increase dose on your own; do not stop abruptly unless advised to do so by your doctor; do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how your body reacts to this drug.
|
How to read this chart 
Close this window