Protriptyline is a generic prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder (depression) in adults. It isn’t available as a brand-name drug. Protriptyline comes as an oral tablet.

Protriptyline is a generic medication. A brand-name version of the drug isn’t currently available.

Generic drugs are considered as safe and effective as the brand-name drug they’re based on, but they usually cost less.

Protriptyline belongs to a group of drugs called antidepressants.

Protriptyline has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Protriptyline precautions” section.

Protriptyline is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder (depression).

With depression, you experience feelings of persistent and intense sadness for an extended period of time.

It’s not fully known how protriptyline works to treat depression. However, it’s thought that the drug helps to increase certain chemical levels (such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain, which may help ease symptoms of depression.

Like most drugs, protriptyline may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects protriptyline may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of protriptyline. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking protriptyline and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that protriptyline can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read protriptyline’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of protriptyline that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from protriptyline can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from protriptyline, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of protriptyline that have been reported include:

Allergic reaction

For some people, protriptyline can cause an allergic reaction. It’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies. But allergic reactions have been reported in people taking protriptyline since the drug was approved for use.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue protriptyline treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to protriptyline, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

The protriptyline dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re taking protriptyline to treat
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Form and strengths

Protriptyline is available as an oral tablet in two strengths: 5 milligrams (mg) and 10 mg.

Recommended dosages

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of protriptyline that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more.

Dosage for depression

The typical dosage of protriptyline is 15 to 60 mg taken daily, split into three or four doses.

For example, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of 5 mg taken three times per day to start treatment. Depending on how well the drug works to treat your symptoms, they may increase your dosage over time up to 20 mg taken three times per day (or 15 mg taken four times per day).

How to take

Protriptyline comes as an oral tablet. Your doctor will explain how you should take protriptyline. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

About taking protriptyline

The following are some common questions about taking protriptyline.

  • Can protriptyline be chewed, crushed, or split? The manufacturer of protriptyline hasn’t stated whether protriptyline tablets can be chewed, crushed, or split. If you have trouble swallowing the tablets whole, you can get tips on how to swallow pills, or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
  • Should I take protriptyline with food? Protriptyline can be taken with or without food.
  • Is there a best time of day to take protriptyline? Protriptyline can be taken at any time of day, but it’s best to take it around the same time each day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps protriptyline work effectively.
  • What if I miss a dose of protriptyline? If you miss a dose of protriptyline, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects.
  • Will I need to use protriptyline long term? Protriptyline is typically a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
  • How long does protriptyline take to work? Protriptyline begins to work after you take your first dose, and may begin to have an effect within 1 week. But you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will monitor your depression symptoms throughout your treatment to check whether protriptyline is working.

Overdose

Do not take more protriptyline than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

  • severe low blood pressure
  • irregular heart rhythm
  • convulsions
  • coma
  • hallucinations
  • rigid muscles
  • high fever

In rare cases, overdose of protriptyline may cause death.

What to do in case of overdose

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much protriptyline. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Protriptyline can interact with several other medications.

Before taking protriptyline, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

For more information, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions with medications

The following list highlights medications that can interact with protriptyline. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with protriptyline. If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Drugs that can interact with protriptyline include:

Protriptyline and alcohol

It’s not safe to consume alcohol while taking protriptyline. If you have concerns about avoiding alcohol during your protriptyline treatment, talk with your doctor.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering protriptyline. What you’ll pay for protriptyline may depend on several factors, such as your treatment plan and the pharmacy you use.

You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of protriptyline. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.)

The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting protriptyline treatment.

Pregnancy and protriptyline

It’s not known whether protriptyline is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

Birth control and protriptyline

It’s not known whether protriptyline is safe to take during pregnancy. Therefore, if you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking protriptyline.

Protriptyline and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether protriptyline should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

This section describes the warnings and precautions for protriptyline.

FDA warning: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Protriptyline has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: Antidepressant drugs, including protriptyline, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults (up to age 24 years old). It’s important to note that protriptyline is not approved for use in people younger than 18 years old.

This increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors was shown in short-term studies of antidepressant drugs, and it isn’t clear whether this risk also applies to long-term use.

Throughout treatment with protriptyline, your doctor will closely monitor your mood and symptoms. Let them know right away if you notice changes in your behavior, mood, or thoughts. If you’re comfortable doing so, it can be helpful to let a close friend or family member know you’re taking protriptyline. They can also help monitor for these changes during your treatment.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Other precautions

Before taking protriptyline, discuss your health history with your doctor. Protriptyline may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of protriptyline, see the “Side effects of protriptyline” section.

Other drugs are available that can treat depression. If you’d like to explore an alternative to protriptyline, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to protriptyline:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.