Pharmacodynamic interaction
MAO inhibitors
Simultaneous reception of amitriptyline and MAO inhibitors (nonselective, as well as selective inhibitors of MAO A (moclobemide) and MAO B (selegiline)) can cause the development of serotonin syndrome (possible agitation, confusion, tremor, myoclonus, hyperthermia). Amitriptyline can be appointed 14 days after discontinuation of treatment with irreversible nonselective MAO inhibitors and at least 1 day after discontinuation of therapy with the reversible MAO A inhibitor, moclobemide. Treatment with MAO inhibitors can be started 14 days after the end of amitriptyline intake.
Sympathomimetics
Amitriptyline can potentiate the effects of epinephrine, ephedrine, isoprenaline, norepinephrine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine on the cardiovascular system. Simultaneously with amitriptyline, do not use drugs that include sympathomimetics (local and systemic anesthetics, decongestant nasal sprays, etc.).
Drugs that reduce sympathetic activity
Tricyclic antidepressants can reduce the antihypertensive effects of guanethidine, betanidine, reserpine, clonidine and methyldopa. Against the background of therapy with tricyclic antidepressants, it is recommended to correct antihypertensive therapy.
Anticholinergic drugs
Tricyclic antidepressants can enhance the effects of anticholinergic drugs on the organs of vision, the central nervous system, the intestines and the bladder; simultaneous use of these drugs should be avoided due to an increased risk of developing paralytic intestinal obstruction.
Drugs that extend the interval QT
Drugs that extend the interval QT, including antiarrhythmics such as quinidine, H1-histamine receptor blockers, as astemizole and terfenadine, some neuroleptics (in particular, pimozide and sertindole), cisapride, halofantrine and sotalol can increase the likelihood of developing ventricular rhythm disturbances with concomitant administration with tricyclic antidepressants.
Drugs that depress the central nervous system
At simultaneous application with blockers of H1-histamine receptors, clonidine, alcohol and barbiturates, the oppressive effect on the central nervous system can be increased. Amitriptyline can enhance the effects of other drugs that depress the central nervous system.
Glucocorticoid means
Amitriptyline may increase depression caused by glucocorticoid agents.
Antithyroid drugs
Simultaneous reception with drugs for the treatment of thyrotoxicosis increases the risk of agranulocytosis.
Inhibitors of acetaldehyde dehydrogenase
Co-administration with disulfiram and other acetaldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitors may increase the risk of developing psychotic conditions and confusion.
Indirect anticoagulants
With the simultaneous use of amitriptyline and indirect anticoagulants (coumarin derivatives or indadion), an increase in anticoagulant activity of the latter is possible.
St. John's wort perforated
Simultaneous use of amitriptyline and preparations containing St. John's Wort can lead to an increase in the metabolism of amitriptyline and a decrease in the maximum serum concentration of amitriptyline by 20%, due to the induction of its metabolism by isoenzyme CYP3A4 liver. Theoretically, an increased risk of developing a serotonin syndrome is possible.
Lithium
With the simultaneous use of lithium and tricyclic antidepressants, the risk of psychoticsymptoms and toxic complications from the central nervous system, even against the background of therapeutic concentration of lithium in blood plasma. Described cases of mania, myoclonus, tremor, tonic-clonic seizures, memory disorders, confusion, disorganized thinking, hallucinations, serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, begins a few days after the start of the combination therapy; in most cases, treatment was required either with tricyclic antidepressants or with lithium. Elderly patients are particularly prone to the occurrence of such reactions.
Pharmacokinetic interactions
Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline, are metabolized by isoenzyme CYP2D6. In the isoenzyme population CYP2D6 is characterized by polymorphism. Isozyme CYP2D6 can inhibit various drugs, for example, antipsychotics, SSRIs with the exception of citalopram (very weak isoenzyme inhibitor CYP2D6), β-adrenoblockers and antiarrhythmics of the latest generation. These drugs can cause a pronounced slowdown in the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants and a significant increase in theirconcentration in the blood plasma.
Other isoenzymes are also involved in the metabolism of amitriptyline, such as CYP2C19 and CYP3A.
Tricyclic antidepressants and neuroleptics mutually inhibit each other's metabolism, which can lead to a reduction in the threshold of convulsive readiness and the development of seizures. You may need to adjust the dosage of these drugs.
Fluoxetine and fluvoxamine increase the concentration of tricyclic antidepressants in blood plasma.
Barbiturates and other inducers of microsomal liver enzymes, for example, rifampicin and carbamazepine, can enhance the metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants, reduce their plasma concentrations and reduce the antidepressant effect.
Cimetidine and methylphenidate, as well as blockers of "slow" calcium channels, can slow the metabolism of amitriptyline, increase its plasma concentrations and, consequently, increase toxic effects.
Antifungal drugs, such as fluconazole and terbinafine, increase the plasma concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants and enhance the associated toxic effects.
Estrogens and their oral contraceptives can increase the bioavailability of amitriptyline. You may need to adjust the dosage of drugs or cancel one of them.
Alcohol increases plasma concentrations of free amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
Tricyclic antidepressants can increase the serum concentration of phenytoin and, accordingly, increase the risk of its toxic effects (ataxia, hyperreflexia, nystagmus, tremor).