Generic: amisulpiride

Class: antipsychotic

Dose: acute psychosis 200-400 bd. 

Indication: acute psychosis.  acute mania.  severe behavioural disorders in children.

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, insomnia, hypersalavation, anxiety, agitation, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, blurred vision, mydriasis, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, urinary retention, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, hyperprolactinaemia,

infrequent: ECG changes, neuroleptic malignant changes, SIADH, infrequent blood sugar,

rare: Urticaria,Stevens–Johnson syndrome, ECG changes, hepatic fibrosis

Generic: aripiprazole

Generic: chlorpromazine

Class: typical antipsychotic

Indication: acute and chronic psychosis, short term management of anxiety or agitation in non-psychotic people, severe behavioural disorders in children, intractible hiccups

Dose: 25 - 100mg in 3-4 doses.  Max 1000mg per day

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, anxiety, agitation, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, blurred vision, mydriasis, constipation, nausea, dry mouth, urinary retention, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, hyperprolactinaemia,

infrequent: photosensitivitiy, allergic reaction, cholestatic jaundice, ECG changes, increased blood glucose, hepatic fibrosis, seizures, hypo/hyper thermia, agranulocytosis,

rare:

Generic: haloperidol

Class: typical antipsychotic

Indication: acute and chronic psychosis, acute mania, tourrette's syndrome, severe behavioural disorders in children, intractible nausea and vomitting

Dose: 1 - 10mg, usually 2-3 times daily.  max 30mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, anxiety, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, agitation, tachycardia, blurred vision, mydriasis, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, urinary retention, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, hyperprolactinaemia

infrequent: allergic reactions, ECG changes, arrythmias, seizures, increased blood glucose, hepatic fibrosis, SIADH

rare:

Generic: olanzepine

Class: atypical antipsychotic

Indication: schizophrenia, acute mania, maintenance in bipolar, severe behavioural disturbances in children, organic psychosis (eg in dementia)

Dose: 5 - 20 mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: agitation, anxiety, drowsiness, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, mydriasis, elevated blood glucose, type 2 diabetes, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, hyperprolactinaemia

infrequent: ECG changes, allergic reactions, SIADH, hypo/hyper thermia, anaemia, seizures, hepatic fibrosis,

Generic: pericyazine

Class: atypical antipsychotic

Indication:

Dose: 15 - 75mg in 1 - 2 doses, elderly 2.5 - 30mg in 1 -2 doses

SIDE EFFECTS

common: anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, mydriasis, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, hyperprolactenaemia, tachycardia, nausea, urinary retention

infrequent: seizures, ECG changes, arrythmias, hepatic fibrosis, SIADH, hypo/hyper thermia, increased blood glucose

rare:

Generic: quetiapine

Class: atypical antipsychotic

Indication: acute mania, tourettes, severe behavioural disturbances in children, schizophrenia

Dose: 25 - 300mg bd, up to 750mg total daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: agitation, anxiety, sedation, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, constipation, mydriasis, blurred vision, hyperprolactenaemia, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, nausea, dry mouth, urinary retention,

infrequent: ECG changes, hepatic fibrosis, increased glucose levels, allergic reactions, SIADH, hypo/hyper thermia, seizures

Generic: risperidone

Class: atypical antipsychotic

Indication: schizophrenia, behavioural disturbances in dementia, behavioural disturbances in autistic children, short term treatment of acute mania,

Dose: 1 - 6mg in 1-2 doses d

SIDE EFFECTS

common: insomnia, akasthesia, agitation, sedation, anxiety, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, EPSE, blurred vision, mydriasis, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, sexual adverse effects, weight gain, hyperprolactinaemia

infrequent: increased blood glucose, hepatic fibrosis, SIADH, hypo/hyper thermia, allergic reaction, ECG changes

rare:

Generic: trifluoperazine

Class: atypical antipsychotic

Indication: acute and chronic psychosis, tourettes, organic psychosis, acute mania, severe behavioural disturbances in children

Dose: 2- 15 mg bd, to a max of 50mg total daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, anxiety, agitation, EPSE, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, hyperprolactinaemia, urinary retention, blurred vision, mydriasis

infrequent: seizures, ECG changes, arrythmias, hepatic fibrosis, SIADH, allergic reactions, hypo/hyper thermia, increased blood glucose

Generic: ziprasidone

Class: atypical antipsychotic

Indication: acute mania, severe behavioural disturbances in children, organic psychosis, tourettes syndrome

Dose: 20 - 80mg bd

SIDE EFFECTS

common: hypersalivation, agitation, anxiety, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, dry mouth, mydriasis, nausea, constipation, blurred vision, EPSE, urinary retention, weight gain, sexual adverse effects, hyperprolactinaemia

infrequent: hepatic fibrosis, seizures, ECG changes, arrythmias, allergic reactions, SIADH, hypo/hyper thermia

Generic: lithium

Class: drugs for bipolar

Indication: bipolar, treatment of acute mania

Dose: 750 - 2000 mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: metalic taste, nausea, diarrhoea, epigastric discomfort, weight gain, fatigue, headache, vertigo, tremor, acne, psoriasis, leucocytosis, polyuria, hypothyroidism, benign T wave changes on ECG

infrequent: nephrogenic diabetes with polyuria and polydipsia, memory impairment, hair loss, hyperparathyroidism

rare: arrythmias, hyperthyroidism

COUNSELLING

avoid sodium bicarbonate

keep well hydrated to avoid toxicity

maintain a normal diet

Take with food, and avoid taking with hot drinks.

Regular blood tests are important

Be alert for signs of lithium toxicity (extreme thirst and frequent urination, nausea, vomitting), and stop taking then seek urgent medical attention

Generic: alprazolam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: anxiety, panic disorders, sleep disorders, seizures

Dose: 0.25 - 4mg d (up to 3 times daily)

SIDE EFFECTS

common: drowsiness, oversedation, hypersalivation, light-headedness, memory impairment, ataxia, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, disorientation, confusion, paradoxical excitement, euphoria, respiratory depression, hypotension

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

hypnodorm

Generic: flunitrazepam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: anxiety, sleep disturbances, seizures, panic disorders, insomnia

Dose: 0.5 - 2mg nocte

SIDE EFFECTS

common: drowsiness, over sedation, light headedness, memory loss, hypersalivation, ataxia, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, disorientation, confusion, paradoxical excitement, euphoria, decreased libido, retrograde amnesia

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

Generic: temazepam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: insomnia

Dose: 5 - 20mg nocte

SIDE EFFECTS

common: over sedation, drowsiness, light headedness, memory loss, ataxia, hypersalivation, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, confusion, disorientation, paradoxical excitement, euphoria, aggression, anxiety, decreased libido, respiratory depression, hypotension

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

Generic: lorazepam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: anxiety, insomnia

Dose: 1 - 4mg in 1-3 doses

SIDE EFFECTS

common: oversedation, drowsiness, light headedness, memory loss, hypersalivation, ataxia, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, disorientation, confusion, paradoxical excitement, euphoria, aggression, anxiety, decreased libido, respiratory amnesia, hypotension

Generic: bromazepam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: anxiety

Dose: 6mg, up to 60mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: drowsiness, over sedation, light headedness, memory loss, hypersalivation, ataxia, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, disorientation, confusion, paradoxical excitement, euphoria, aggression, hypotension, respiratory depression

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

Generic: clobazam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: anxiety, insomnia

Dose: 10 - 30mg d (single or divided), max 60 -80mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: oversedation, drowsiness, hypersalivation, light headedness, memory loss, ataxia, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, confusion, disorientation, paradoxical excitement, aggression, respiratory depression, hypotension

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

Generic: nitrazepam

Class: Benzodiazepine

Indication: insomnia, sleep disorders, anxiety

Dose: 2.5 - 10mg n

SIDE EFFECTS:

common: over sedation, drowsiness, light headedness, hypersalivation, memory loss, ataxia, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, paradoxical excitement, disorientation, confusion, euphoria, anxiety, despiratory depression, hypotension

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

Generic: diazepam

Class: benzodiazepine

Indication: insomnia, sleep disorders, panic disorders, anxiety, seizures, muscle spasms

Dose: 1 - 10 mg up to 1-3 times daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: drowsiness, oversedation, light headedness, hypersalivation, memory loss, slurred speech

infrequent: headache, vertigo, disorientation, confusion, paradoxical excitement, euphoria, anxiety, reduced libido, retrograde amnesia, hypotension, respiratory depression

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

generic: oxazepam

class: benzodiazepine

indication: insomnia, anxiety

dose: 7.5 - 30mg up to qid

SIDE EFFECTS:

common: drowsiness, over-sedation, hypersalivation, slurred speech, ataxia, memory loss

infrequent:

headache, vertigo, disorientation, confusion, hypotension, respiratory depression, aggression, paradoxical excitement, reduced libido

COUNSELLING

Label 1 

Avoid alcohol and other medications that may cause drowsiness while taking this drug.

If you take this medicine regularly for more than 2–4 weeks your body may become used to it and in time, you may need a higher dose for it to continue to work. If you stop the medicine suddenly, you may have unpleasant effects (eg feeling anxious, difficulty sleeping). Discuss how to stop the medicine with your doctor first.

generic: buspirone

class: other anxiolytic

indication: anxiety disorders

dose: 5mg tds.  max 60mg per day

SIDE EFFECTS:

common: dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, nausea, nervousness, excitement

rare: tachycardia, palpitations, chest pain, confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, dystonias, akasthesia, tardive dyskinesia, serotonin syndrome

COUNSELLING

label 12 and 18

generic: zolpidem

class: non-bzd hypnotic

indications: insomnia

dose: 5 - 12.5mg nocte

SIDE EFFECTS

common: diarrhoea

infrequent: drowsiness, hallucinations, amnesia, sleep walking

rare: paradoxical symptoms (eg insomnia, irritability, agitation)

COUNSELLING

label 1.

Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that increase drowsiness.  This may increase risk of walking or driving while asleep

Generic: zopiclone

Class: non-bzd anxiolytic

Indication: insomnia

Dose: 3.75 - 7.5 mg nocte

SIDE EFFECTS

common: bitter taste, dry mouth, drowsiness

rare: nightmares, hallucinations, dyspepsia, angiodema

Strattera

Generic: atomoxetine

Class: drugs for ADHD

Indications: ADHD in children over 6 years

Dose: up to a max of 80mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: nausea, vomitting, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, decreased apetite, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, dizziness, somnolence, irritability, aggression, temper tantrums

infrequent: palpitations, tachycardia

rare: suicidal thoughts, hepatic dysfunction

generic: acamprosate

class:

indication: maintenance of alcohol abstinence

dose: 1-2 tablets tds

SIDE EFFECTS

common: rash, diarrhoea, changes in libido

infrequent: nausea, vomitting, abdo pain, erythema, itch

generic: disulfiram

class:

indication: alcohol abstinence

dose: 100 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, headache

infrequent: taste disturbances

rare: jaundice, hepatitis, blood discrasias, peripheral neuropathy, psychosis, confusion

generic: naltrexone

class: opioid antagonist

indication: alcohol/opioid withdrawal

dose: 50mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, sleepiness

generic: bupropion

class:

indication: smoking cessation

dose: 150-300mg once or twice daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: insomnia, nightmares, dizziness, concentration difficulties, agitation, anxiety, tremor, headache, fever, rash, itch, itch, urticaria, anorexia, nausea, dry mouth, constipation

rare: seizures

generic: vareniclene

class:

indication: smoking cessation

dose: 0.5mg d, 0.5mg bd, 1mg bd

SIDE EFFECTS

common: nausea, vomitting, dispepsia, flatulance, increased appetite, headache, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, abnormal dreams, sleep disturbances

infrequent: mood changes, AF, musculoskeletal pain, dry mouth, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, abdominal pain, raised liver enzymes, GORD, gastritis, somnolence, tremor, rash, weight increase

rare:

Generic: phenelzine

Class: MAOI

Indication: major depression, panic disorder

Dose: 45 - 90mg in 2 -3 divided doses

SIDE EFFECTS

common: orthostatic hypotension, sleep disturbances, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, agitation, tremor, twitching, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain, impotence, loss of libido

infrequent: itch, rash, blurred vision, peripheral oedema, mania

rare: hypertensive crisis, hepatocellular damage, SIADH 

COUNSELLING:

It is best to take before 3pm or you may have trouble sleeping.

Avoid tyramine while taking and 2 weeks after taking this medicine

labels 1 , 5 and 16

Tell dr if develop headaches or other unusual symptoms.  Stop taking and seek urgent medical attention if severe  headache or palpitations

Generic: tranylcypromine

Class: MAOI

indication: major depression, panic disorder

dose: 20 - 60mg in 2 -3 divided doses

SIDE EFFECTS

common: orthostatic hypotension, sleep disorders, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, weakness, agitation, tremor, twitching, monoclonus, hyperreflexia, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain, impotence, loss of libido,

infrequent: rash, itch, sweating, blurred vision, peripheral oedema, mania

rare: hypotensive crisis, hepatocellular damage, SIADH

COUSELLING

take before 3pm or you may have trouble sleeping.

avoid food with tyramine while taking and for 2 weeks after taking.

labels 1, 5 and 16

tell dr if headache or other unusual symptoms.  Stop taking and seek urgent medical attention if severe headache or palpitations develop

Generic: citalopram

Class: SSRI

Indication: major depression, anxiety disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

nausea, agitation, insomnia, drowsiness, tremor, dry mouth, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness, anxiety, weight changes, sexual dysfunction, rhinitis, myalgia, rash

infrequent:

EPSE, sedation, confusion, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, hyponatraemia, abnormal platelet aggregation/haemorrhagic conditions

rare: hepatitis, galactorrhoea, seizures, taste disturbances

COUNSELLING

labels 5, 9 and 12

Generic: escitalopram

Class: SSRI

Indication: major depression, anxiety disorders

Dose: 10 - 20mg as a single daily dose

SIDE EFFECTS

common: nausea, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, weight changes, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness, rash, myalgia, sexual dysfunction, rhinitis,

COUNSELLING
labels 5, 9 and 12

Generic: fluoxetin

Class: SSRI

Indication: anxiety disorders, major depression

Dose: 10 - 60mg daily as a single dose

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

anxiety, agitation, insomnia, drowsiness, tremor, dry mouth, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness, anxiety, weight loss/gain, sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, rhinitis, myalgia, rash

Infrequent:

EPSE, SIADH, sedation, confusion, palpitations, tachycardia, hypotension, abnormal platelet aggregation/haemorrhagic disorder

Rare:

hepatic disorders, seizures, taste disturbances, galactorrhoea,

COUNSELLING

labels 5, 9 and 12

Generic: paroxetine

Class: SSRI

Indication: major depression, anxiety disorders

Dose: 10 - 50mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: agitation, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, tremor, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness, anxiety, weight gain/loss, sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, rash, myalgia, rhinitis

infrequent:

EPSE, sedation, confusion, palpitations, tremor, hypotension, tachycardia, abnormal platelet aggregation, haemorrhagic disorders

rare: hepatitis, blood dyscrasias, taste disturbances, galactorrhoea

COUNSELLING

labels 5, 9 and 12

Generic: sertraline

Class: SSRI

Indication: major depression, anxiety disorder

Dose: 25 - 200mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

anxiety, agitation, insomnia, drowsiness, tremor, dry mouth, diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, sweating, headache, weakness, weight gain/loss, sexual dysfunction, loss of libido

infrequent: EPSE, hyponaturaemia, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, palpitations, abnormal platelet aggregation/haemorrhagic disorders

COUNSELLING

labels 5, 9 and 12

Generic: venlafaxine

Class: SNRI

Indication: major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia

Dose: 75 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common

nausea, vomitting, diarrhoea, headache, rash, sweating, anxiety, fatigue, hypertension, tremor

infrequent:

sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, dry mouth, insomnia, somnolence, constipation, hyponaturaemia, hypotension, ECG changes, palpitations

COUNSELLING

Do not crush or chew

Take with food to avoid stomach upsets.

Be careful taking driving/operating machinary until you know how venlafexine affects you.

Label 9

Generic: anitriptyline

Class: TCA

Indication: nocturnal enuresis, major depression, neuropathic pain

dose: 10 - 300mg in 1-3 divided doses

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, reduced lacrimation, constipation, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, sinus tachycardia, urinary retention or hesitency, reduced GI mobility, anticholinergic delirium, impotence, loss of libido, other sexual adverse effects, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, confusion

COUNSELLING

Labels 16, 12, 9

May increase the effects of alcohol

May get dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.  These may ease or lessen after 7 days.  Try taking at night to reduce drowsiness

Generic: clomipramine

Class: TCA

Indication: major depression

Dose: 25 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

dry mouth, reduced lacrimation, constipation, urinary retention or hesitancy, orthostatic hypotension, sedation, blurred vision, sinus tachycardia, reduced GI mobility, anticholinergic delirium, impotence, loss of libido, other sexual adverse effects, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, confusion 

COUNSELLING
labels 9, 12, 16

may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.  this may ease or lessen after 7 days.  Try taking at night to reduce daytime drowsiness.

May increase effects of alcohol

Generic: doxepin

Class: TCA

Indication: major depression

dose: 25 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

sedation, dry mouth, reduced lacrimation, blurred vision, urinary retention or hesitancy, constipation, anticholinergic delirium, weight gain, sinus tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, impotence, loss of libido, other sexual adverse effects, sweating, insomnia, dizziness, agitation, tremor, anxiety, confusion, reduced GI motility

COUNSELLING
labels 9, 12 and 16

may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.  This may ease or lessen after 7 days.  Try taking at night to avoid daytime drowsiness.

may increase effects of alcohol

Generic: imipramine

Class: TCA

indication: major depression, nocturnal enuresis, second line for ADHD

Dose: 10 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS:

common:

sedation, dry mouth, reduced lacrimation, decreased GI motility, urinary retention or hesitancy, constipation, anticholinergic delirium, sinus tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, loss of libido, impotence, other sexual dysfunction, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, weight gain, tremor, dizziness

COUNSELLING

labels 9, 12 and 16

may increase the effects of alcohol.

you may get a dry mouth, blurred vision or drowsiness.  this may lessen or ease after 7 days.  Try taking at night to avoid daytime drowsiness.

Generic: dothiepin

Class: TCA

Indication: major depression

Dose: 25 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, dry mouth, decreased lacrimation, reduced GI motility, weight gain, sinus tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, tremor, dizziness, anxiety, impotence, loss of libido, other sexual dysfunction, insomnia, agitation, sweating

COUNSELLING

labels 9, 12 and 16

may increase effects of alcohol

may cause dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness.  this may ease or lessen after 7 days.  try taking at night to avoid daytime drowsiness

Generic: nortriptyline

Class: TCA

Indication: major depression

Dose: 10 - 150mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, dry mouth, reduced lacrimation, weight gain, reduced GI motility, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, dizziness, sweating, tremor, impotence, loss of libido, sexual dysfunction, anticholinergic delirium, confusion, anxiety

COUNSELLING

labels 9, 12 and 16

may increase effects of alcohol

may cause drowsiness, dry mouth and blurred vision.  This may ease or lessen after 7 days.  Try taking at night to avoid daytime drowsiness.

Generic: trimipramine

Class: TCA

Indication: major depression

Dose: 25 - 300mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

Common: sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, reduced lacrimation, reduced GI motility, weight gain, orthostatic hypotension, sinus tachycardia, anticholinergic delirium, confusion, sweating, tremor, insomnia, dizziness, impotence, loss of libido, other sexual adverse effects

COUNSELLING

labels 9, 12 and 16

may increase effects of alcohol.

may cause dry mouth, blurred vision and drowsiness.  These may ease or lessen after 7 days.  Try taking at night to avoid daytime drowsiness.

Generic: mianserin

Class: tetracyclic antidepressant

Indication: major depression

Dose: 10 - 120 mg daily

SIDE EFFECTS

common: sedation, dry mouth, dizziness, vertigo

infrequent: weight gain

rare: disturbances in hepatic function, arthralgia, oedema, blood dyscrasias

COUNSELLING

labels 1 and 9

Aurorix

Generic: moclobemide

Class: reversible MAO inhibitor

Indication: major depression, panic disorder

Dose: 300 - 600mg daily in 1 - 2 divided doses

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

nausea, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, headache

infrequent: GI complaints, visual disturbances, flushing, rash, itch, urticaria

COUNSELLING

best taken with food

take no later than early afternoon or you may have trouble sleeping.

Although moclobemide is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinary, avoid these tasks until you know how it affects you.

Generic: mirtazepine

Class: other antidepressant

Indication: major depression

Dose: 15 - 60mg at night

SIDE EFFECTS

common:

increased appetite, weight gain, sedation, weakness, peripheral oedema,

rare:

orthostatic hypotension, seizures, mania, rash, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia

COUNSELLING

labels 1 and 9