Vivactil (Protriptyline hydrochloride) for Narcolepsy

Overview
Vivactil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Vivactil is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat narcolepsy. Vivactil is also known by its drug name, protriptyline hydrochloride.

Vivactil is a tricyclic antidepressant. Vivactil is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals that send messages) in the brain.

How do I take it?
Vivactil is generally taken three or four times a day.

Vivactil comes in tablet form. It should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Vivactil lists common side effects including headache, fatigue, ringing in the ears, weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, nightmares, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, breast swelling in women, and sexual difficulties.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Vivactil include worsening depression, increased suicide risk, glaucoma, and increased heart rate (tachycardia).

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Vivactil — RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/vivactil-drug.htm