CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
id: 02971c8f-b725-4d60-8afc-8d415791cb2b
displayName: CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY SECTION
FDA Article Code: 34090-1
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Amitriptyline hydrochloride is an antidepressant with sedative effects. Its mechanism of action in man is not known. It is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and it does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system.
Amitriptyline inhibits the membrane pump mechanism responsible for uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in adrenergic and serotonergic neurons. Pharmacologically this action may potentiate or prolong neuronal activity since reuptake of these biogenic amines is important physiologically in terminating transmitting activity. This interference with the reuptake of norepinephrine and/or serotonin is believed by some to underlie the antidepressant activity of amitriptyline.
INDICATIONS OF USAGE
id: ff69baf6-1a5e-4f74-95dc-9c9ca89db2eb
displayName: INDICATIONS & USAGE SECTION
FDA Article Code: 34067-9
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
For the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.
PRECAUTIONS
id: 3559ef03-d0dd-46af-93bc-4dace7dd6974
displayName: PRECAUTIONS SECTION
FDA Article Code: 42232-9
PRECAUTIONS
Schizophrenic patients may develop increased symptoms of psychosis; patients with paranoid symptomatology may have an exaggeration of such symptoms. Depressed patients, particularly those with known manic-depressive illness, may experience a shift to mania or hypomania. In these circumstances the dose of amitriptyline may be reduced or a major tranquilizer such as perphenazine may be administered concurrently.
The possibility of suicide in depressed patients remains until significant remission occurs. Potentially suicidal patients should not have access to large quantities of this drug. Prescriptions should be written for the smallest amount feasible.
Concurrent administration of amitriptyline hydrochloride and electroshock therapy may increase the hazards associated with such therapy. Such treatment should be limited to patients for whom it is essential.
When possible, the drug should be discontinued several days before elective surgery.
Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported.
Amitriptyline hydrochloride should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function.
