Fluphenazine + Nortriptyline

Indications

This is indicated in

Mild to moderate mixed anxiety/depression
Emotional disturbance
Sleep disorder
Gastric problems

Fluphenazine is a tranquilizer of the phenothiazine type. Nortriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant having less sedative action. This combination has been found as effective preparation for the patients suffering from "anxiety" or "depression" or both and helps to restore functional ability without developing any drug dependence.

Pharmacology

Nortriptyline hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. Nortriptyline inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at nerve terminals. In contrast to its parent compound amitriptyline which is equally potent in inhibiting the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, Nortriptyline has a greater effect on norepinephrine reuptake than on serotonin reuptake.

Fluphenazine is a tranquilizer of the phenothiazine type with piperazine side chain. Fluphenazine primarily acts as a neuroleptic drug whose main therapeutic effect is believed to reside in potent dopamine (specially D2) receptor antagonism.

Dosage And Administration

Adults: One tablet 2 to 3 times daily.

Interaction

Interactions with barbiturates, alcohol, and narcotic drugs may occur, so central depressants should be administered with caution.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated in :

History of gradual epilepsy or organic brain damage
Blood dyscrasia
Severe cardiac insufficiency
Renal or liver damage
Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Younger children
Hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation

Side Effects

Tardive dyskinesias have been reported in phenothiazine therapy; usually after prolonged courses given at doses adequately to control psychotic illness. Blood dyscrasia, Malignant Neuroleptic syndrome and sudden death have been reported rarely. Agranulocytosis is a rare but potentially fatal adverse effect of Nortriptyline Hydrochloride.

Pregnancy And Lactation

The safety in human pregnancy has not been yet established. The use of this drug in lactation is not recommended, as it is excreted in breast milk.

Precautions And Warnings

Precautions should be taken in patients with glaucoma, prostate enlargement, cardiac failure and myocardial infarction, and in concurrent administration with CNS depressants. The drug may impair alertness and abilities to drive a car or operate machinery.