Maprotiline Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 22, 2022.
Applies to maprotiline: oral tablet.
Warning
Oral route (Tablet)
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of maprotiline or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Maprotiline is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Serious side effects of Maprotiline
Along with its needed effects, maprotiline may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking maprotiline:
More common
- Skin rash, redness, swelling, or itching
Less common
- Constipation (severe)
- nausea or vomiting
- shakiness or trembling
- seizures (convulsions)
- unusual excitement
- weight loss
Rare
- Breast enlargement—in males and females
- confusion (especially in the elderly)
- difficulty in urinating
- fainting
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
- inappropriate secretion of milk—in females
- irregular heartbeat (pounding, racing, skipping)
- sore throat and fever
- swelling of testicles
- yellow eyes or skin
Symptoms of overdose
- Convulsions (seizures)
- dizziness (severe)
- drowsiness (severe)
- fast or irregular heartbeat
- fever
- muscle stiffness or weakness (severe)
- restlessness or agitation
- trouble in breathing
- vomiting
Other side effects of Maprotiline
Some side effects of maprotiline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
- Blurred vision
- decreased sexual ability
- dizziness or lightheadedness (especially in the elderly)
- drowsiness
- dryness of mouth
- headache
- increased or decreased sexual drive
- tiredness or weakness
Less common
- Constipation (mild)
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- increased appetite and weight gain
- increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
- increased sweating
- trouble in sleeping
- weight loss
After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to maprotiline: oral tablet.
General
The most commonly reported side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 22%)
Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, nausea
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Vomiting, epigastric distress, diarrhea, bitter taste, abdominal cramps, dysphagia, increased salivation
Frequency not reported: Sublingual adenitis, black tongue, stomatitis, paralytic ileus[Ref]
Nervous system
Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (up to 16%)
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, tremor, headache
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Decreased memory, numbness, tingling, motor hyperactivity, akathisia, EEG alterations, extrapyramidal symptoms, ataxia, dysarthria
Frequency not reported: Stroke, peripheral neuropathy[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, agitation
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Confusional states, hallucinations, disorientation, delusions, restlessness, nightmares, hypomania, mania, psychosis exacerbation, feelings of unreality, decreased libido[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Weakness, fatigue
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Tinnitus, drug fever[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Accommodation disorder, mydriasis[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypotension, hypertension, tachycardia, palpitation, arrhythmia, heart block, syncope, edema
Frequency not reported: Myocardial infarction[Ref]
Dermatologic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Skin rash, petechia, itching, photosensitization, excessive perspiration, flushing, alopecia
Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis[Ref]
Genitourinary
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Urinary retention, delayed micturition, impotence, urinary frequency
Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement (in women), galactorrhea, testicular swelling[Ref]
Hepatic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Altered liver function, jaundice
Postmarketing reports: Increased liver enzymes[Ref]
Metabolic
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Elevation/depression of blood sugar levels, weight loss or gain[Ref]
Respiratory
Interstitial pneumonitis was occasionally associated with eosinophilia and increased liver enzymes. However, no clear causal relationship to treatment has been established.[Ref]
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Nasal congestion
Postmarketing reports: Interstitial pneumonitis[Ref]
Hematologic
Frequency not reported: Bone marrow depression, agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, purpura, thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Endocrine
Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia (in men)[Ref]
More about maprotiline
- Check interactions
- Reviews (18)
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: tetracyclic antidepressants
- Breastfeeding
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Ludiomil (maprotiline)." Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals (2001):
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.