Interactions between Abstral and Amitriptyline

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

The use of opiate agonists is contraindicated in patients with acute alcohol intoxication exhibiting depressed vital signs. The central nervous system depressant effects of opiate agonists may be additive with those of alcohol. Severe respiratory depression and death may occur. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously in patients who might be prone to acute alcohol intake.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Adrenal Insufficiency.

Patients with Addison's disease may have increased risk of respiratory depression and prolonged CNS depression associated with the use of narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents. Conversely, these agents may cause or potentiate adrenal insufficiency. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with adrenocortical insufficiency. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Opiate agonists have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop after prolonged use. Abrupt cessation, reduction in dosage, or administration of an opiate antagonist such as naloxone may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance to an opiate agonist, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death, and cross-tolerance usually will occur with other agents in the class. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with opiate agonists. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of opiate therapy should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the response to alcohol. In patients who may use alcohol excessively, it should be borne in mind that the potentiation may increase the danger inherent in any suicide attempt or overdosage.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Opiate agonists have cholinergic activity. Large doses and/or rapid intravenous administration may produce bradycardia and arrhythmias via stimulation of medullary vagal nuclei. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of arrhythmias. Clinical monitoring of cardiovascular status is recommended during therapy.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Asphyxia.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Biliary Obstruction.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Bipolar Disorder.

A major depressive episode can be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. Patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder prior to initiating treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant. This screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that tricyclic antidepressants are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

The use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has rarely been associated with bone marrow suppression. Leukopenia, agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia, anemia, eosinophilia, purpura, and pancytopenia have been reported with some TCAs. Patients with preexisting bone marrow suppression or blood dyscrasias receiving TCAs should be monitored closely during therapy for further decreases in blood counts.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Brain Tumor.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants should be used with extreme caution in patients with evidence of cardiovascular disease because of the possibility of fluctuations in the blood pressure, arrhythmias, conduction defects, tachycardia, myocardial infarction and stroke. This also applies to patients who have family history of sudden death, cardiac dysrhythmias, or conduction disturbances. In some cases a gradual dose titration is recommended.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), can lower the seizure threshold and trigger seizures. These drugs should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of seizures, or other predisposing factors, such as head trauma, CNS abnormalities, and alcoholism. Daily dose restrictions might apply for specific antidepressants. Physicians are encouraged to get additional dosing recommendations on the manufacturer's prescribing information.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Vascular Disorder.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Constipation.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels have been reported with the use of some tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Rarely, these effects have also occurred with maprotiline, a tetracyclic antidepressant. Patients with diabetes should be monitored for worsening control of blood glucose when treated with these agents, particularly during dosage escalation or whenever dosage has been altered.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Drug Dependence.

Opiate agonists have the potential to cause dependence and abuse. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence can develop after prolonged use. Abrupt cessation, reduction in dosage, or administration of an opiate antagonist such as naloxone may precipitate withdrawal symptoms. In patients who have developed tolerance to an opiate agonist, overdosage can still produce respiratory depression and death, and cross-tolerance usually will occur with other agents in the class. Addiction-prone individuals, such as those with a history of alcohol or substance abuse, should be under careful surveillance or medical supervision when treated with opiate agonists. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients. After prolonged use or if dependency is suspected, withdrawal of opiate therapy should be undertaken gradually using a dosage-tapering schedule.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Fever.

The release of fentanyl from the transdermal system may be temperature-dependent. According to the manufacturer, a body temperature of 40 C (102 F) may theoretically increase serum fentanyl concentrations by approximately one-third due to increased drug release and skin permeability. Therapy with fentanyl transdermal systems should be administered cautiously and possibly at reduced dosages in patients with a high fever.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Gallbladder Disease.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Opioid analgesics are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Gastrointestinal Obstruction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma, Narrow Angle.

Tricyclic antidepressants as other type of antidepressants have an effect on pupil size causing dilation. This effect can potentially narrow the eye angle resulting in increased intraocular pressure and angle closure glaucoma, especially in predisposed patients. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with anatomically narrow angle or history of glaucoma. Doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with glaucoma.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

The hypoventilation associated with administration of opiate agonists, particularly by the intravenous route, can induce cerebral hypoxia and vasodilatation with resultant increase in intracranial pressure. Opiate agonists should not be used in patients with suspected or known head injury or increased intracranial pressure. Also, clinicians treating such patients should be aware that opiate agonists may interfere with the evaluation of CNS function, especially with respect to consciousness levels, respiratory status, and pupillary changes.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

The use of most tricyclic antidepressants is contraindicated in patients that are going through the acute recovery period after a myocardial infarction.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Most tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication as they may develop arrhythmias when these drugs are given.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Hypoglycemia.

There have been reports of both elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs should be used with caution in patients with hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia or diabetes. Monitoring sugar levels is recommended.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may cause orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, syncope, and dizziness, particularly during initiation of therapy or rapid escalation of dosage. Imipramine appears to have the greatest propensity to induce these effects, while secondary amines such as nortriptyline may do so less frequently. Tolerance to the hypotensive effects often develops after a few doses to a few weeks. Rarely, collapse and sudden death have occurred secondary to severe hypotension. Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include tachycardia, arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, myocardial infarction, strokes, congestive heart failure, and ECG abnormalities such as PR and QT interval prolongation. Therapy with TCAs should be avoided during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction, and should be administered only with extreme caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, a history of cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, or a predisposition to hypotension. Close monitoring of cardiovascular status, including ECG changes, is recommended at all dosages. Many of the newer antidepressants, including bupropion and the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are considerably less or minimally cardiotoxic and may be appropriate alternatives.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Infectious Gastroenteritis.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may prolong and/or worsen diarrhea associated with organisms that invade the intestinal mucosa, such as toxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and pseudomembranous colitis due to broad-spectrum antibiotics. These agents decrease gastrointestinal motility, which may delay the excretion of infective gastroenteric organisms and/or their toxins. Other symptoms and complications such as fever, shedding of organisms, and extraintestinal illness may also be increased or prolonged. Therapy with opioids should be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with infectious diarrhea, particularly that due to pseudomembranous enterocolitis or enterotoxin-producing bacteria or if accompanied by high fever, pus, or blood in the stool.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Intestinal Anastomoses.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents increase smooth muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease peristalsis, which can lead to elevated intraluminal pressure, spasm, and constipation following prolonged use. In patients with severe or acute inflammatory bowel disease, the decrease in colonic motility may induce toxic megacolon. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or recent gastrointestinal tract surgery. Gastrointestinal effects appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents are extensively metabolized by the liver, and several of them (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone, meperidine, methadone, morphine, propoxyphene) have active metabolites that are further converted to inactive substances. The serum concentrations of these agents and their metabolites may be increased and the half-lives prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with liver disease. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Mania.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Neutropenia.

The use of some tricyclic antidepressants has been associated with neutropenia (ANC < 500/mm3) and agranulocytosis (ANC < 500/mm3). Leukocyte and differential blood counts should be performed in patients that develop fever and sore throat during treatment. Therapy should be discontinued if there is evidence of pathologic neutrophil depression.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Pancreatitis.

Opioid agonists may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which may increase biliary tract pressure. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions and transient elevations in serum amylase. Patients with biliary tract disease (including acute pancreatitis) should be regularly evaluated for worsening symptoms. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with biliary tract disease, gallbladder disease, or acute pancreatitis.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may potentiate the effects of circulating catecholamines. Enhanced sympathetic activity can provoke hypertensive crises in patients with pheochromocytoma or other tumors of the adrenal medulla, such as some neuroblastomas. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with these tumors.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Prematurity/Underweight in Infancy.

The use of narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents is contraindicated in premature infants. These agents may cross the immature blood-brain barrier to a greater extent than in adults, resulting in disproportionate respiratory depression.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Although narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents are generally metabolized by the liver, renal impairment can alter the elimination of these agents and their metabolites (some of which are pharmacologically active), resulting in drug accumulation and increased risk of toxicity. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired renal function. Subsequent doses should be titrated based on individual response rather than a fixed dosing schedule.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

In general, tricyclic antidepressants should be used with caution in patients with liver or renal disease, as these drugs are metabolized and excreted through the liver and kidneys. Dose selection, especially in the elderly patients that might have liver or renal dysfunction, should usually be limited to the smallest effective total daily dose. Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine and nortriptyline have occasionally been associated with elevations in SGOT (AST) and SGPT (ALT), and other hepatic adverse events such as jaundice. Although serious liver injury has only been reported rarely, therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting liver disease and periodic monitoring of liver enzyme levels is recommended.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are known to undergo metabolism in the liver. Some of the metabolites, such as those of imipramine, clomipramine and desipramine, may be pharmacologically active. Many of the metabolites are also excreted by the kidney. There are very limited data concerning the use of TCAs in patients with renal and/or liver disease. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with significantly impaired renal or hepatic function. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

Opiate agonists may produce significant central nervous system and respiratory depression of varying duration, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Apnea may result from decreased respiratory drive as well as increased airway resistance, and rigidity of respiratory muscles may occur during rapid IV administration or when these agents are used in the induction of anesthesia. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, the respiratory effects are usually not clinically important except in patients with preexisting pulmonary impairment. Therapy with opiate agonists should be avoided or administered with extreme caution and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with severe CNS depression; sleep apnea; hypoxia, anoxia, or hypercapnia; upper airway obstruction; chronic pulmonary insufficiency; a limited ventilatory reserve; or other respiratory disorders. In the presence of excessive respiratory secretions, the use of opiate agonists may also be problematic because they decrease ciliary activity and reduce the cough reflex. Caution is also advised in patients who may be at increased risk for respiratory depression, such as comatose patients or those with head injury, intracranial lesions, or intracranial hypertension. Clinical monitoring of pulmonary function is recommended, and equipment for resuscitation should be immediately available if parenteral or neuraxial routes are used. Naloxone may be administered to reverse clinically significant respiratory depression, which may be prolonged depending on the opioid agent, cumulative dose, and route of administration.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may aggravate symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenic patients, particularly those with paranoid symptomatology. Depressed patients, usually those with bipolar disorder, may experience a switch from depression to mania or hypomania. These occurrences have also been reported rarely with the tetracyclic antidepressant, maprotiline. Therapy with these agents should be administered cautiously in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or a history of mania.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Schizophrenia.

Some tricyclic antidepressants have shown to cause activation or exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients. A dosage reduction might be required.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures, and, at higher dosages, have been reported to induce seizures in patients without history of seizures. Patients with history of seizure disorders should be regularly evaluated for worsened seizure control during therapy. Prolonged meperidine use may increase the risk of toxicity (e.g., seizures) from the accumulation of the active metabolite (normeperidine).

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a major potential interaction with Shock.

Opiate agonists can induce vasodilation and significant hypotension, particularly when given in high dosages and/or by rapid intravenous administration. Opiate analgesics cause vasodilatation that may exacerbate hypotension and hypoperfusion and, therefore, are contraindicated in circulatory shock. At therapeutic analgesic dosages, ambulatory patients are more likely to experience dizziness and hypotension than patients who are confined to bed. However, orthostatic hypotension may occur in supine patients upon rising. Therapy with opiate agonists should be administered cautiously and initiated at reduced dosages in patients with hypovolemia, or a predisposition to hypotension. When given by intramuscular or subcutaneous administration, clinicians should also be aware that impaired perfusion in these patients may prevent complete absorption of the drug. With repeated injections, an excessive amount may be absorbed suddenly if normal circulation is reestablished.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Tardive Dyskinesia.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. As with other drugs that possess anticholinergic activity, TCAs may aggravate tardive dyskinesia or induce previously suppressed symptoms. Patients with tardive dyskinesia requiring therapy with TCAs should be monitored for exacerbation of the condition.

Amitriptyline has a major potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Tertiary amines such as amitriptyline and trimipramine tend to exhibit greater anticholinergic effects than other agents in the class. Therapy with TCAs should be administered cautiously in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as urinary retention or obstruction; angle-closure glaucoma, untreated intraocular hypertension, or uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma; and gastrointestinal obstructive disorders. In patients with angle-closure glaucoma, even average doses can precipitate an attack. Glaucoma should be treated and under control prior to initiation of therapy with TCAs, and intraocular pressure monitored during therapy.

The fentaNYL in Abstral has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Narcotic (opioid) analgesic agents may inhibit the urinary voiding reflex and increase the tone of the vesical sphincter in the bladder. Acute urinary retention requiring catheterization may occur, particularly in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or urethral stricture and in older adult patients. These agents may also decrease urine production via direct effects on the kidney and central stimulation of the release of vasopressin. Therapy with opioids should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to urinary retention and/or oliguria. The effects on smooth muscle tone appear to be the most pronounced with morphine.

Amitriptyline has a moderate potential interaction with Urinary Retention.

Due to their anticholinergic properties, tricyclic antidepressants should be administered with caution in patients with history of urinary retention. Particularly doxepin hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with tendency to urinary retention.