AMITRIPTYLIN

[sydbean]

Does anyone know what "family" of drugs Amitriptylin falls into?

Is it a benzo? I hear all this stuff about how dangerous benzos are so I was worried that it might fall into that group.

I am especially concerned because I am on a fairly high dose of Methadone and don't want to drop dead one night due to the combo!!!

Any info anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Suzie

"Some days it's not even worth chewing through the restraints!!"

[ariadaun]

It is a tricyclic antidepressant and does not fall into the benzo category. Here is a link to the drug monograph for it...all the information you could ever want and more...

http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-e01.html

under Interactions:
Possible hyperpyretic crisis if given with or within 14 days of MAOI therapy. May enhance the response to alcohol, other CNS depressants and anticholinergics (paralytic ileus). Use cautiously with sympathomimetics. May block the antihypertensive effect of guanethidine or similar agents. Delirium with ethchlorvynol and also with disulfiram. Cimetidine may reduce the hepatic metabolism of some tricyclic antidepressants.

if it were me...I would call the local ER and ask them if it is safe to use the two together if you cannot reach your prescribing physician.

[mgl]

From the drug interaction checker:
“Methadone may cause dose-related prolongation of the QT interval. Coadministration with other agents that can prolong the QT interval may result in elevated risk of ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsade de pointes, because of additive arrhythmogenic potential related to their effects on cardiac conduction…
…If taking drugs that also cause central nervous system and/or hypotensive effects (e.g., psychotropic drugs like tricyclic antidepressants, phenothiazines, and neuroleptics), patients should be made aware of the possibility of additive effects with methadone and counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.”

http://www.drugs.com/xq/cfm/pageID_1...e/qx/index.htm