Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Pamelor as follows:
- Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set enough reminders on your phone for medication pick-up. You can have a reminder 10 days ahead, the next a week ahead, and then, every day, before you run out of the medication. This helps with securing the refill in time and making arrangements for pick-up at the pharmacy. Also, you can avoid the unpleasant withdrawal response from sudden discontinuation of medication due to running out on the medication.
- Pamelor intake can induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Pamelor intake carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to Pamelor intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness. Avoid sudden changes in position, until you are used to the side-effects of Pamelor intake. Sudden change of positions can make the confusion and dizzy episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. Observing compliance with use of assistive and supportive devices, such as, walker and cane, can help fall prevention. Report any episodes of increased dizziness, syncope, and loss of consciousness while taking Pamelor. Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their risk of causing hypotensive episodes.
- Pamelor carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Pamelor can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking Pamelor along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of cardiac arrhythmias, if any, if you are newly started on Pamelor. If you are newly diagnosed with any cardiac arrhythmias or started on any antiarrhythmic medications, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on Pamelor, if you have been using the medication for long.
