Asendin (Amoxapine)

Brand names: Asendin, Asendis, Defanyl, Demolox, Moxadil, Amoxapine

What is Asendin?
Asendin is a popular medicament that is known as tricyclic antidepressant. It prescribed for the treatment of clues of agitation, anxiety or depression, including chronic neuropathic pain (nerve pain). Advise with your health care provider or pharmacist for more information about the salubrious effects of this product.

What important information should I know about Asendin?
Do not finish your course of Asendin, even if you start to feel better. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while using this Asendin unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Asendin extends sensitivity to sunlight, it may cause severe burning. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen when exposure to the sun is unavoidable. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with Asendin. Asendin may make you dizzy or impair your coordination. Be very careful about doing perilous tasks, climbing, driving or operating machinery until you know how you react to this medicament. Always apprise a physician before giving Asendin to a child.

What should I tell my doctor before I take this drug?
Your medical practitioner has to know about:

• heart disorders, heart attack, stroke, or seizures
• liver or kidney disease
• schizophrenia or other mental illness
• glaucoma
• diabetes (amoxapine may raise or lower blood sugar)
• pregnancy, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant
• problems with urination
• any allergies.

How to take Asendin?
Asendin is offered in pills form to take orally. The usual starting oral dose is 50 milligrams (mg).It is usually taken two to three times daily. Asendin should be accompanied by some water. It is important to drink several glasses of water each day while you are taking Asendin to protect your kidneys. You may take it on a full or on an empty stomach. In order to soften stomach irritation and help your body absorb the drug is advisable to combine with meals. The pills should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, break or chew them. The dosage of Asendin is based on individuals and response to remedy. It is obviously to appeal to your medic before to take this drug. Follow your medical practitioner instructions thoroughly.

What should you do if you miss a dose of Asendin?
If you miss a dosage of Asendin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

What should you do if you overdose of Asendin?
Taking any medicine in excess you can have serious consequences for your health. If you feel an overdose, inform your physician immediately. In large doses, Asendin may give rise to agitation, confusion, uneven heartbeats, drowsiness, hallucinations, increase or decrease in urination, coma or seizure (convulsions).

What drug(s) may interact with Asendin?
Do not take Asendin with any of the following:

• certain antibiotics like grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin
• medicines to control heart rhythm
• St. John's Wort
• ziprasidone
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
• levomethadyl
• halofantrine
• procarbazine
• droperidol
• pimozide
• maprotiline
• cisapride
• cocaine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate.

• medicines for mental depression
• barbiturates, like phenobarbital
• cimetidine.

What side-effects may occur?

• Problems with breathing, chest pain
• Abnormal production of milk in females
• Breast enlargement in both males and females
• Nausea, vomiting
• Allergic reaction ( hives; skin rash or swelling; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing; itching )
• Numbness, tingling in your hands or feet (tremor), muscle stiffness, or spasms
• Fever with increased sweating
• Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Weight gain or loss
• Liver problems, yellowing eyes, skin
• Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• Mental, mood changes (e.g., loss of contact with reality, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, blurred vision)
• Difficulty urinating (urinary retention), dark urine, diarrhea
• Change in sex drive or performance
• Headache, dizziness, ringing in your ears or hearing loss.

How should Asendin be stored?
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F), tightly closed, away from sunlight, direct heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom or near a sink. Keep drug out of the reach of children and away from pets.