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Lofepramine Depression Medication: Drug Information, Side Effects and Precautions

Lofepramine is a tricyclic (TCA) medication that is used to treat depression. It prevents the absorption of noradadrenaline and serotonin back into the nerve cells. This helps prolong a person’s lightened mood, and this is how depression is relieved.

This medication sometimes has other uses, and your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information about these.

Lofepramine Dosage and Usage Information

It is important to always take your scheduled dose at the correct time as directed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with or without food.

In Case of an Overdose

If it is an emergency that results from taking too much of this medication you need to consult a medical professional immediately. Non-emergency situations can be handled through the nearest poison control center.

In Case of a Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medication you should not take a double dose the next time. Instead, either you will need to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, or just skip it and take the next scheduled dose. What you decide to do depends upon how long you have between the missed dose and the next dose that needs to be taken. If you have any questions about this you can consult your doctor.

Side Effects of Lofepramine

All medications have a varying risk of side effects, and no person will experience the same ones. This is just as true for Lofepramine as well as any other medication.

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include

1. Changes in appetite or weight
2. Drowsiness
3. Dry mouth
4. Excitement or anxiety
5. Insomnia
6. Nightmares
7. Skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
8. Upset stomach
9. Weakness or tiredness

More serious side effects of this medication could include the following

1. Hyponatraemia (low blood sodium levels)
2. Confusion, muscle twitching, or convulsions

Your doctor can tell you about any possible additional side effects as well. Some are more serious than others, and some require more immediate attention than others.

Lofepramine Precautions

If you plan to take Lofepramine you need to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking. This includes all prescription ones as well as non-prescription ones, as well as vitamins and supplements.

You will also need to be honest with your doctor about any and all medical conditions including glaucoma, enlarged prostate, seizures, head injuries, or any other trauma or sickness. Your doctor will most likely have you fill out a medical history questionnaire before your appointment to receive Lofepramine.

Additional precautions include that you need to inform your doctor if you become pregnant or are breastfeeding. In addition, if you are already on this medication, at first you will need to be careful not to drive, not to operate any heavy machinery, or not to partake in any tasks that require much concentration. Once you know how you will react to this medication you can partake in more and more activities.

Those who take Lofepramine also need to know that this drug causes drowsiness when drinking alcohol, therefore alcohol should be avoided. In addition, cigarette smoking could reduce the effectiveness of this medication.

How to Store Lofepramine

This mediation should remain stored securely in the container it came in. Furthermore, it should be kept away from children, and stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture. All medication that you no longer need, or that is outdated, should be discarded.

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