Vivactil is a brand name for the medication protriptyline hydrochloride, which is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and serotonin, in the brain. It is used to treat depression, particularly in individuals who have not responded to other antidepressant medications (1).
Vivactil is also sometimes used to treat other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, migraines and Narcolepsy (2).
Like other TCAs, Vivactil has the potential to cause side effects, some of which may be serious, so it should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Like other antidepressant medications, Vivactil can cause a range of side effects, some of which may be serious (3).
Here are some of the common side effects of Vivactil:
Less common but more serious side effects of Vivactil can include:
In addition, Vivactil can interact with other medications and supplements, so it is important to inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you are taking before starting Vivactil.
If you experience any side effects while taking Vivactil, you should talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dose or recommend alternative treatments to manage your symptoms.
Vivactil has a half-life of approximately 12 to 24 hours, meaning that it takes this amount of time for the body to eliminate half of the drug from the system. However, it may take longer for the drug to be completely eliminated from the body.
Factors such as age, liver and kidney function, and individual metabolism can affect how long Vivactil stays in the system (4). In general, it may take up to several days to a week for Vivactil to be completely eliminated from the body.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking Vivactil, and not to stop taking it suddenly without first consulting with your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
If you have any concerns about how long Vivactil may stay in your system or how to safely stop taking it, you should talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional.
It is generally not recommended to mix Vivactil with alcohol. Vivactil is a tricyclic antidepressant that affects the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, while alcohol is a depressant that can also affect the brain and nervous system. Mixing Vivactil with alcohol can increase the risk of certain side effects and may be dangerous.
Taking Vivactil and alcohol together can increase the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
This can make it more difficult to perform tasks that require alertness and attention, such as driving or operating machinery. In addition, both Vivactil and alcohol can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to cardiovascular problems.
As well as this, combining Vivactil with alcohol can also increase the risk of overdose or toxicity. Both Vivactil and alcohol can affect the liver and taking them together can increase the risk of liver damage or failure.
If you are taking Vivactil, it is important to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional before drinking alcohol or taking any other medications or supplements. They can provide guidance on how to safely use Vivactil and avoid potentially harmful interactions.
There are some antidepressant medications that may be safer to take with alcohol than others, but it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking any medication for depression.
One class of antidepressants that are considered relatively safe to use with alcohol is the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro). However, even with these medications, it is important to use caution and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
Other medications that may be used to treat depression, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and mirtazapine (Remeron), may also have a lower risk of adverse effects when used with alcohol, but it is still recommended to avoid drinking while taking these medications.
It is important to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional if you have concerns about drinking alcohol while taking medication for depression.
They can provide guidance on how to use medication safely and avoid potentially harmful interactions with alcohol.
Like other antidepressant medications, stopping Vivactil abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if the medication is discontinued too quickly or if the dosage is reduced too rapidly.
Symptoms can vary depending on the duration of treatment, dosage, and individual factors.
Common withdrawal symptoms from Vivactil may include:
In some cases, withdrawal from Vivactil can also cause depression or other psychiatric symptoms. It is important to work with a doctor or healthcare professional when discontinuing Vivactil or any other medication for depression.
To avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms, your doctor may recommend tapering off the medication gradually over several weeks or months, depending on the duration and dosage of treatment.
This can help to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and allow your body to adjust to the change in medication more smoothly.
If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Vivactil, it is important to talk to your doctor or a healthcare professional.
They can provide guidance on how to manage the symptoms and may recommend a tapering schedule to gradually reduce the dosage of the medication and minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to working with a healthcare professional, there are several strategies that may help to manage the symptoms of Vivactil withdrawal, including:
In some cases, your doctor may also recommend other medications or therapies to help manage withdrawal symptoms. These may include other antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or non-medication therapies such as psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).
It is important to remember that everyone’s experience with Vivactil withdrawal may be different, and there is no single approach that works for everyone.
Working with a healthcare professional and taking steps to support overall health and well-being can help to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and promote a smooth transition off the medication.
At Rehab 4 Addiction, our team of experts can talk to you about your medication and the effects alcohol is likely to have on you while you are on the medication.
We are available 24/7 to talk to you about anything related to alcohol, drugs, rehab and recovery.
Whether you are concerned about yourself, or want advice on how to help someone else, we are always available to help you.
Call us today on 0800 140 4690
[1] National Library of Medicine – Combination/augmentation strategies for improving the treatment of depression – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2424118/
[2] National Library of Medicine – Protriptyline – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/
[3] National Library of Medicine – Protriptyline – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499828/
[4] National Library of Medicine – LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548310/
Boris is our editor-in-chief at Rehab 4 Addiction. Boris is an addiction expert with more than 20 years in the field. His expertise covers a broad of topics relating to addiction, rehab and recovery. Boris is an addiction therapist and assists in the alcohol detox and rehab process. Boris has been featured on a variety of websites, including the BBC, Verywell Mind and Healthline. You can connect with Boris online at LinkedIn or X.com.
