Sensival Side Effects

Sensival is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression. Like any medication, it can cause side effects. Here are some common and less common side effects of Sensival include.

Common Side Effects

• Dry Mouth: Sensival can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth sensation.
• Constipation: TCAs, including Sensival, may cause constipation due to their effects on the gastrointestinal system.
• Blurred Vision: Some individuals may experience blurred vision or other changes in vision.
• Urinary Retention: Difficulty in passing urine or urinary retention can occur with Sensival.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: Sensival can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing up, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Increased Heart Rate: Sensival may elevate heart rate, which can be a concern for individuals with certain heart conditions.
• Weight Gain: Some people may experience weight gain while taking Sensival.
• Sedation: Sensival can cause drowsiness or sedation, and it is often taken at bedtime to minimize this effect.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a common side effect while taking Sensival.
• Difficulty Sleeping (Insomnia): Despite its sedative effects, Sensival can cause insomnia in some individuals.
• Increased Sweating: Excessive sweating or changes in sweating patterns may occur.
• Tremors: Some individuals may experience tremors or shaky movements.

Less Common Side Effects

• Serious Cardiovascular Effects: Sensival may increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms, especially in individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions.
• Neurological Effects: In rare cases, Sensival may lower the seizure threshold, potentially leading to seizures, especially in individuals with a history of epilepsy.
• Confusion or delirium: Some people may experience confusion or delirium, particularly in older adults.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as skin rash, itching, or swelling.
• Hepatic (Liver) Effects: In rare instances, Sensival may lead to increased liver enzyme levels.
• Endocrine Effects: Sensival may affect blood sugar levels, potentially impacting individuals with diabetes.
• Hematological (Blood) Effects: This is a severe but extremely rare side effect characterized by a significant decrease in white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections.

Sensival is one of the leading brands of Nortriptyline, manufactured and marketed by Pharmedic (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Presently, Sensival is available in Tablets Form.

Sensival Tablets : 25mg and 75mg strengths.

1. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Concurrent use of Sensival with MAOIs, such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening interactions. A sufficient washout period is usually required when switching between these medications.
2. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): Combining Sensival with SSRIs or SNRIs may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, seizures, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This combination should be used cautiously and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
3. Anticholinergic Drugs: Concurrent use of Sensival with other drugs possessing anticholinergic properties (e.g., certain antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics) may result in an additive anticholinergic effect, leading to increased side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and cognitive impairment.
4. Cimetidine: Cimetidine, an H2 receptor antagonist used to treat heartburn and stomach ulcers, may increase the concentration of Sensival in the blood, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.
5. St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort, an herbal supplement used for depression, can reduce the effectiveness of Sensival.
6. CYP2D6 Inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme, responsible for metabolizing Sensival, may increase Sensival levels in the blood. Examples include fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine.
7. CYP2D6 Inducers: Drugs that induce the CYP2D6 enzyme may decrease Sensival levels. Examples include rifampin and carbamazepine.
8. Beta-Blockers: Concurrent use of Sensival with beta-blockers may result in increased blood pressure and heart rate.