Dosage ; Initially 25-75mg daily in three divided doses
or a single dose nocte. (max.150mg).
| Brand Name | Manufacturer Name | Distributor | Drug Strength | Packaging | Formulation | Formulation Strength | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ludiomil | Novartis Consumers | Harley's Limited | 25mg | 30 | Tablet | per tablet | KES 1,159 |
| Ludiomil | Novartis Consumers | Harley's Limited | 50mg | 30 | Tablet | per tablet | KES 1,945 |
| Mode Of Action | The mechanism of action of amitriptylinne is not fully known but may be due to its increasing the synaptic concentration of norepinephrine and/or serotonin in the central nervous system (CNS). These neurotransmitters are thought to be increased through inhibition of their reuptake by the presynaptic neuronal membrane. |
|---|---|
| Drug Indication | Depressive illness; useful in depression associated with anxiety and sleep disturbances; chronic neurogenic pain; and bulimia nervosa; temporary treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children 6 years of age or older. |
| Precautions | Blood monitoring; history of epilepsy; pregnancy and lactation; history of mania; close angle glaucoma; concurrent electroconvulsive therapy; anaesthesia; elderly; hepatic impairment; psychosis; withdraw gradually. |
| Contra-Indications | Severe hepatic disorders; acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction; hypersensitivity to tricyclic drugs; MAOIs. |
| Side Effects | Antimuscarinic actions namely: drowsiness; urinary retention; dry mouth; constipation; blurred vision; sweating; hypotensive effect, which may lead to dizziness and syncope. Arrhythmias and heart block; convulsions; haematological and hepatic reactions |
| Dosage | Initially 25-75mg daily in three divided doses or a single dose nocte. (max.150mg). |
| Special Information | A tetracyclic sedating antidepressant. Exceptions are that it has less anti-muscarinic effects, more likely to cause rashes and convulsions (at higher doses hence contraindication in patients with history of epilepsy). |
| Pregnancy Category | Category C |
| Pregnancy Category Description | Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, or may be suspected of causing detrimental effects on human foetus or neonates without causing malfunctions. These effects may be reversible |
| Drug Category | DRUGS ACTING ON CNS |
| Drug Sub-Category | Antidepressants, anxiolytics
Dosing: Adult Mild-to-moderate depression/anxiety: Oral: Initial: 75 mg/day for 2 weeks (lower doses may be considered in some patients); Maintenance: Increase by 25 mg as tolerated up to 150 mg/day; given in divided doses or in a single daily dose Severe depression: Oral: Initial: 100-150 mg/day for 2 weeks; Maintenance: Increase by 25 mg as tolerated up to 225 mg/day; given in divided doses or in a single daily dose Dosing: Geriatric Depression/anxiety: Oral: Initial: 25 mg/day for 2 weeks; Maintenance: Increase by 25 mg as tolerated; usual dose: 50-75 mg/day, higher doses may be necessary in nonresponders Dosage Forms: U.S. Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. Tablet, oral, as hydrochloride: 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg Use; Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) or of anxiety associated with depression Use - Unlabeled/Investigational Chronic pain; panic attacks |