Drug Interactions between hydroxyzine and trimipramine

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of hydrOXYzine such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with hydrOXYzine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of hydrOXYzine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns.

Ask your doctor before using trimipramine together with ethanol (alcohol), this can alter the effects of trimipramine and cause increased side effects. Call the doctor if you experience uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, blurred vision, sweating, muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, and seizures. You should be warned not to exceed recommended dosages, to avoid alcohol, and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness. If your doctor prescribes these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment to safely take this combination. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A variety of abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported to occur in association with the use of most anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics. Some of these changes include decreased inhibition, aggressiveness, agitation, and hallucinations. These drugs can cause or exacerbate mental depression and cause suicidal behavior and ideation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with a history of depression or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior. It may be prudent to refrain from dispensing large quantities of medication to these patients.

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.

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.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

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

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

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.

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.

Hydroxyzine is contraindicated in patients with a QT prolonged interval. Cases of QT prolongation and Torsade de Pointes have been reported during postmarketing studies. Most of the cases reported occurred in patients with other risk factors for QT prolongation, such as preexisting heart disease, electrolyte imbalances or arrhythmogenic drug use. Therefore, hydroxyzine should be used with caution in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation, congenital long QT syndrome, family history of long QT syndrome or other predisposing conditions, as well as myocardial infarction, uncompensated heart failure, and bradyarrhythmias.

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.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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.

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.

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.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

It has been suggested that the anticholinergic effect of antihistamines may reduce the volume and cause thickening of bronchial secretions, resulting in obstruction of respiratory tract. Some manufacturers and clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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.

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.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, 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. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

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.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, 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. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

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.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

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.

Antihistamines may infrequently cause cardiovascular adverse effects related to their anticholinergic and local anesthetic (quinidine-like) activities. Tachycardia, palpitation, ECG changes, arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypertension have been reported. Although these effects are uncommon and usually limited to overdosage situations, the manufacturers and some clinicians recommend that therapy with antihistamines be administered cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and/or hyperthyroidism.

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.

In general, anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver. Their plasma clearance may be decreased and their half-life prolonged in patients with impaired hepatic function. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in patients with liver disease (some are not recommended in severe liver impairment), and the dosage should be adjusted accordingly. Laboratory testing is recommended prior and during treatment.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Some anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics are extensively metabolized by the liver, and excreted in the urine. Patients with impaired renal and/or hepatic function may be at greater risk for adverse effects, including central nervous system and respiratory depression, due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with these drugs should be administered cautiously in such patients, with careful dose selection usually starting at the low end of the dosing range.

Limited pharmacokinetic data are available for the older, first-generation antihistamines. Many appear to be primarily metabolized by the liver, and both parent drugs and metabolites are excreted in the urine. Patients with renal and/or liver disease may be at greater risk for adverse effects from antihistamines due to drug and metabolite accumulation. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously in such patients. Lower initial dosages may be appropriate.

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.

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.

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

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.

Some hypnotic drugs can have an anticholinergic effect and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, and trouble urinating due to retention or enlarged prostate.

Antihistamines often have anticholinergic activity, to which elderly patients are particularly sensitive. Therapy with antihistamines should be administered cautiously, if at all, 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. Conventional, first-generation antihistamines such as the ethanolamines (bromodiphenhydramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, phenyltoloxamine) tend to exhibit substantial anticholinergic effects. In contrast, the newer, relatively nonsedating antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine) reportedly have low to minimal anticholinergic activity at normally recommended dosages and may be appropriate alternatives.

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.