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Other information

Indication
For the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders

Pharmacology
Protriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. It was thought that tricylic antidepressants work by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. However, this response occurs immediately, yet mood does not lift for around two weeks. It is now thought that changes occur in receptor sensitivity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, a part of the brain involved in emotions. Presynaptic receptors are affected: a1 and b1 receptors are sensitized, a2 receptors are desensitised (leading to increased noradrenaline production). Tricyclics are also known as effective analgesics for different types of pain, especially neuropathic or neuralgic pain. A precise mechanism for their analgesic action is unknown, but it is thought that they modulate anti-pain opioid systems in the CNS via an indirect serotonergic route. They are also effective in migraine prophylaxis, but not in abortion of acute migraine attack. The mechanism of their anti-migraine action is also thought to be serotonergic.

Mechanism Of Action
Protriptyline acts by decreasing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin (5-HT).

Drug Category
Antidepressants; Norepinephrine-Reuptake Inhibitors; ATC:N06AA11

Brand Names/Synonyms
Amimetilina; Anafranil; Apo-Amitriptyline; Apo-Imipramine; Apo-Trimip; Asendin; Aventyl; Elavil; Impril; Levate; MK 240; Norpramin; Novo-Doxepin; Novo-Tripramine; Novopramine; Novotriptyn; Pertofrane; Protriptyline; Protryptyline; Rhotrimine; Sinequan; Surmontil; Tofranil; Triadapin 5; Triptil; Vivactil

Dosage Forms
TABLET

Absorption
Not Available

Interactions
DRUG INTERACTIONS If Protriptyline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Patient should check with doctor before combining Protriptyline with the following: Antidepressants that boost serotonin, including Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft Antipsychotic medications such as Mellaril and chlopromazine Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal Certain blood pressure medications such as guanethidine Cimetidine (Tagamet) Decongestants such as Sudafed Drugs that quell spasms, such as Donnatal and Levsin Epinephrine (EpiPen) Flecainide (Tambocor) Narcotic painkillers such as Percodan and Vicodin Norepinephrine Other antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil Propafenone (Rythmol) Quinidine Tramadol (Ultram) Tranquilizers and sleep aids such as Halcion, Valium, and Xanax Protriptyline must never be combined with monoamine inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate.

Chemical IUPAC Name
Not Available

Chemical Formula
C19H21N

Half Life
Not Available

Drug Type
Approved Drug

# Accession No
APRD00441

CAS Registry Number
438-60-8