Pharmacology Amitriptyline 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. Indications and Usage For the relief of symptoms of depression.
Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.
Amitriptyline, because of its sedative action, is also of value in alleviating the anxiety component of depression. As with other tricyclic antidepressants, amitriptyline may precipitate hypomanic episodes in patients with bipolar depression. These drugs are not indicated in mild depressive states and depressive reactions. Contraindications Amitriptyline is contraindicated in patients who have shown prior hypersensitivity to it. It should not be given concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.