Vivactil Side Effects

Generic name: protriptyline

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 23, 2025.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Vivactil Side Effects associated with protriptyline. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Vivactil.

Applies to protriptyline: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior compared with placebo in children, adolescents, and young adults with psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD); there was not an increased risk of suicidality with antidepressants in adults older than 24 years and there was a decreased risk of suicidality in adults aged 65 years or older.

The risk of suicidal thinking and behavior should be balanced with the clinical need for therapy and patients should be monitored closely; instruct families and caregivers to communicate any changes in behavior with the prescriber.

Not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Serious side effects of Vivactil

Along with its needed effects, protriptyline (the active ingredient contained in Vivactil) 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 immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking protriptyline:

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach pain
• agitation or irritability
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• change in urination
• chest pain or discomfort
• clay-colored stools
• cold sweats
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• continuing ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained noise in the ears
• convulsions
• cool, pale skin
• difficulty with speaking
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• double vision
• drooling
• false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
• feeling of warmth
• feeling, seeing, or hearing things that are not there
• feeling that others are watching you or controlling your behavior
• feeling that others can hear your thoughts
• fever with or without chills
• hearing loss
• hostility
• hyperventilation
• inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
• lack of coordination
• lower back or side pain
• mood or mental changes
• muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
• muscle trembling or twitching
• nightmares
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• panic
• pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
• pounding in the ears
• redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• slurred speech
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• stiffness of the limbs
• stupor
• sweating
• swelling of face, ankles, or hands
• swollen glands
• talking, feeling, and acting with excitement
• trouble sleeping
• twisting movements of body uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back
• unusual behavior
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
• weight gain or loss
• yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking protriptyline:

Symptoms of overdose

• change in consciousness
• clumsiness
• disorientation
• disturbed concentration
• drowsiness to profound coma
• enlarged pupils
• increased or excessive unconscious or jerking movements
• low body temperature
• muscle aches or tightness
• muscle weakness
• severe sleepiness
• shivering
• trouble breathing
• weak or feeble pulse

Other side effects of Vivactil

Some side effects of protriptyline 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:

Incidence not known

• abdominal or stomach cramps
• bigger, dilated, or enlarged pupils (black part of the eye)
• black tongue
• difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
• enlargement or swelling of the breasts
• hair loss or thinning of the hair
• heartburn
• hives or welts
• increased in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to light
• increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
• pain or discomfort in the chest, upper stomach, or throat
• peculiar taste
• severe sunburn
• small red or purple spots on the skin
• swelling of the testicles
• swelling or inflammation of the mouth
• swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands on side of the face or neck
• unexpected or excess milk flow from the breasts
• waking to urinate at night

For healthcare professionals

Applies to protriptyline: oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Alteration in EEG patterns, ataxia, dizziness, drowsiness, extrapyramidal symptoms, extremity numbness, extremity paresthesia, extremity tingling, headache, incoordination, mydriasis, peripheral neuropathy, taste, seizures, stroke, tremors^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Agitation, anxiety, confusional states (particularly in the elderly) with hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, exacerbation of psychosis, hypomania, increased or decreased libido, insomnia, nightmares, panic, restlessness, suicidal behaviors, withdrawal symptoms^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal cramps, black tongue, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, epigastric distress, nausea, paralytic ileus, parotid swelling, tongue edema, stomatitis, sublingual adenitis, vomiting^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Arrhythmias, edema, flushing, general edema, myocardial infarction, heart block, hypertension, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, palpitation, tachycardia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement, delayed micturition, dilatation of the urinary tract, galactorrhea, impotence, nocturia, testicular swelling, urinary frequency, urinary retention^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Alopecia, face edema, itching, perspiration, petechia, photosensitization, skin rash, urticaria^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Drug fever, fatigue, hyperpyrexia, malaise, tinnitus, weakness^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, eosinophilia, leukopenia, purpura, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, elevation or depression of blood sugar levels, weight gain or loss^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Altered liver function, jaundice (simulating obstructive)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, disturbance of accommodation^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion^[Ref]

Further information

Vivactil side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer