Protriptyline Hcl (protriptyline HCl)

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data

Overview

Protriptyline hydrochloride is a dibenzocycloheptene-derivative tricyclic antidepressant.

USES: This medication is used to treat depression. Protriptyline belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

Generic name: protriptyline HCl
Pronunciation: (pro-TRIP-ti-leen)

Reference product & biosimilars

No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.

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Indications

The following indications are listed for Protriptyline Hcl:

  • Depression

Also known as: Depressed Mood, Depressive Disorder, Depressive Reaction, Depressive Syndrome, Mental Depression.

Dosing

There is a wide range of dosage requirements, and dosage of protriptyline hydrochloride must be carefully individualized. Initial dosages should be low and generally range from 15-40 mg daily, depending on the severity of the condition being treated. Dosage may be gradually adjusted to the level which produces maximal therapeutic effect with minimal toxicity; increases should be made to the morning dose. Dosages may range up to 60 mg daily. Geriatric and adolescent patients should usually be given lower than average dosages. The manufacturers state that therapy should be initiated with 5 mg 3 times daily in these patients. Dosage may be gradually increased if necessary, but geriatric patients receiving more than 20 mg daily should be carefully monitored for cardiac abnormalities. Maximum antidepressant effects may not occur for 2 or more weeks after therapy is begun.

After symptoms are controlled, dosage should be gradually reduced to the lowest level which will maintain relief of symptoms. To avoid the possibility of precipitating withdrawal symptoms, protriptyline should not be terminated abruptly in patients who have received high dosage for prolonged periods.

Patients should be monitored for possible worsening of depression, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, especially at the beginning of therapy or during periods of dosage adjustment. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications, in the Tricyclic Antidepressants General Statement 28:16.04.28.)

Drug interactions

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Contraindications

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Adverse reactions

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Precautions

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ICD codes

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Formulary status

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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data