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Drug Class Description
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCADs) .Generic Name
AmoxapineDrug Description
50 mg orange tablets; 100 mg blue tablets. Heptagonal, marked LL50 or LL100.Presentation
Tablets, amoxapine 50mg , 100mg .Indications
Depression.Adult Dosage
Initially 100 - 150 mg daily. Usual maintenance, 150 - 250 mg daily; maximum 300 mg daily.Child Dosage
Not recommended.Elderly Dosage
Initially 25 mg twice daily increasing after 5 - 7 days to maximum 50 mg three times daily.Contra Indications
Acute myocardial infarction, heart block, disorders of cardiac rhythm, coronary insufficiency, severe liver disease, mania. Pregnancy and lactation.Special Precautions
Cardiovascular disease, liver disorders, hyperthyroidism, tumours of adrenal medulla, epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, urinary retention, constipation, renal disease. Monitor cardiac and hepatic function during long term therapy.
Psychoses, patients with suicidal tendencies. Reduce doses for the elderly.
Interactions
With or within 14 days of MAOIs. Carbamazepine, phenytoin, neuroleptics. Barbiturates, other antidepressants, alcohol, anticholinergics, local anaesthetics containing adrenaline (epinephrine) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine), cimetidine, oestrogens,
Adverse Reactions
Anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision and changes in accommodation, palpitations and tachycardia. Tinnitus, drowsiness, nervousness or insomnia. Tremor, orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, sweating, weakness and fatigue, ataxia, epileptiform seizures, occasional extrapyramidal symptoms and gastric irritation. Weight loss or gain. Allergic skin reactions, jaundice and blood disorders (test blood regularly).
Conduction defects and cardiac arrhythmias. Endocrine effects such as changes in libido, impotence, gynaecomastia and galactorrhoea. Changes in blood sugar concentrations. Some patients may switch over into mania and schizophrenic symptoms activated, especially in the elderly. Withdrawal symptoms.
Manufacturer
WyethDrug Availability
(POM)Updated
08 June 2009