Maprotiline

Maprotiline is an anti-depressant drug. This drug is given to patients who suffer from severe, debilitating depression, chronic depression or suicidal feelings to help improve their mood and reduce negative emotional states. It works by adjusting the chemical balance in the brain so that patients feel more mentally stable.

Side Effects/Warnings

Doctors should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to young people. Children, adolescents and young adults are at risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harming behavior when they take this medication, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Anyone taking this medication should be monitored, especially if they fall into this age group, to ensure that they don’t become suicidal or harm themselves.

Patients who are on anti-depressants for a long period of time may become physically dependent because of the changes the medication makes to brain chemicals. It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking the drug; physical withdrawal symptoms include high blood pressure and seizures as well as a return of psychiatric symptoms.