Perphenazine and amitriptyline (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 29, 2022.
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. Although the causes of death in clinical trials were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (eg, heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (eg, pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. It is unclear from these studies to what extent the mortality findings may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to patient characteristics. Perphenazine and amitriptyline hydrochloride is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients 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. Perphenazine and amitriptyline hydrochloride is not approved for use in pediatric patients .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Duo-Vil 2-10
- Duo-Vil 2-25
- Etrafon
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant/Phenothiazine Combination
Pharmacologic Class: Phenothiazine
Chemical Class: Piperazine (class)
Uses for perphenazine and amitriptyline
Perphenazine and amitriptyline combination is used to treat certain mental and emotional conditions.
This combination is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using perphenazine and amitriptyline
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For perphenazine and amitriptyline, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to perphenazine and amitriptyline or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Certain side effects, such as muscle spasms of the face, neck, and back, tic-like or twitching movements, inability to move the eyes, twisting of the body, or weakness of the arms and legs, are more likely to occur in children, who are usually more sensitive than adults to some of the side effects of perphenazine and amitriptyline combination.
The perphenazine and amitriptyline combination must be used with caution in children with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for perphenazine and amitriptyline. More study ..
