
Precautions
Maprotiline is in a class of medications called tetracyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance. How should this medicine be used?
What is maprotiline?
Maprotiline is not approved for use in pediatric patients. Reproduction studies have been performed in female laboratory rabbits, mice, and rats at doses up to 1.3, 7, and 9 times the maximum daily human dose respectively and have revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to maprotiline.
Is maprotiline safe to use in children?
How to use Maprotiline HCL. Take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to reduce daytime sleepiness. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, dry mouth,...
How should I take maprotiline HCl?
Maprotiline causes a strong initial sedation (first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy) and is therefore indicated to treat agitated patients or those with suicidal risks. It causes anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, constipation, confusion, tachycardia) with a lower incidence than amitriptyline.
What are the side effects of maprotiline?
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What type of antidepressant is maprotiline?
Maprotiline is in a class of medications called tetracyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance.
Is maprotiline a sedating?
Maprotiline causes a strong initial sedation (first 2 to 3 weeks of therapy) and is therefore indicated to treat agitated patients or those with suicidal risks. It causes anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, constipation, confusion, tachycardia) with a lower incidence than amitriptyline.
Can you overdose on maprotiline?
An overdose of maprotiline can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness or weakness, loss of balance, agitation, fast or irregular heart rate, vomiting, fever, stiff muscles, blue lips or fingernails, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
How is maprotiline different from other cyclic antidepressants?
Maprotiline shares many of the actions of the tricyclic antidepressants although unlike tricyclic antidepressants, maprotiline does not inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, except at much higher (500-fold) concentrations.
Can Maprotiline cause anxiety?
Maprotiline may cause some people to be agitated, irritable or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these adverse effects, tell your doctor right away.
Does Maprotiline affect norepinephrine levels?
Maprotiline is also effective in treating anxiety associated with depression ABPI (1998). Maprotiline selectively inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine at the neuronal membrane Parfitt and Sweetman (1999).
What do tetracyclic antidepressants do?
Tetracyclic antidepressants are used to treat major depressive disorder with symptoms such as depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, loss of pleasure, low energy, and suicidal thoughts. They have become less commonly prescribed, however, with the development of newer drugs.
What drug class is mirtazapine?
Mirtazapine is used to treat depression. Mirtazapine belongs to a group of medicines called tetracyclic antidepressants.
Is sertraline an antidepressant?
Sertraline is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's often used to treat depression, and also sometimes panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Who should not take tricyclic antidepressants?
People with the following conditions should avoid tricyclic antidepressants:angle-closure glaucoma.enlarged prostate.urinary retention.heart problems.thyroid problems.
How do you know if Paxil is working?
Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.
What is the success rate of mirtazapine?
The proportion of responders (defined by a 50% reduction in depression symptom severity using a standardised observer-rating scale) was 42% – 53% for active treatments versus 35% for placebo after approximately 8 weeks of treatment. “Response” for mirtazapine was 50%.
When will my mood get better after I start taking maprotiline?
You might start to feel better after 3 to 7 days of starting maprotiline, but it can take up to 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to take this medicati...
When is the best time to take maprotiline?
You can take maprotiline at any time during the day, but since it can make you tired, it might help to take it at night.
Is maprotiline safe to take if I'm pregnant?
It's not known if maprotiline is safe to take during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown maprotiline did not have any harmful effects on unborn ba...
Can I still drink alcohol when using maprotiline?
It is recommended to not drink alcohol while taking maprotiline because it can make sleepiness and tiredness worse.
Can maprotiline be used in children?
Maprotiline is not approved for use in children because it's not known if maprotiline works well or is safe in their age group. Antidepressants can...
What is Maprotiline used for?
Maprotiline is used in the treatment of depression, such as depression associated with agitation or anxiety and has similar efficacy to the antidepressant drug moclobemide. Treatment of depression of all forms and severities ( endogenous, psychotic, involutional, and neurotic) especially for depression associated with agitation or anxiety.
What is the name of the drug Maprotiline?
Maprotiline is marketed throughout the world mainly under the brand name Ludiomil. It is also available under a variety of other brand names including Deprilept, Maprolu, and Psymion among others.
What is the generic name for Maprotiline?
Generic names. Maprotiline is the English and French generic name of the drug and its INN, USAN, BAN, and DCF, while maprotiline hydrochloride is its USAN, USP, BANM and JAN. Its generic name in Spanish and Italian and its DCIT are maprotilina, in German is maprotilin, and in Latin is maprotilinum.
What drugs affect maprotiline?
Other types of interaction: Drugs, which induce certain enzymes in the liver, e.g. barbiturates, phenytoin, carbamazepine and oral anticonceptive drugs, enhance the elimination of maprotiline and decrease its antidepressant effects. Additionally the blood-concentrations of phenytoin or carbamazepine may be increased, ...
Where is maprotiline excreted?
Maprotiline is excreted in breast milk. At steady-state, the concentrations in milk correspond closely to the concentrations in whole blood. Caution should be exercised when maprotiline hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman.
Is Maprotiline a tetracyclic?
Maprotiline, sold under the brand name Ludiomil among others, is a tetracyclic antidepressant (TeCA) that is used in the treatment of depression. It may alternatively be classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), specifically a secondary amine.
Is maprotiline a second generation antidepressant?
Although maprotiline behaves in most regards as a ' first-generation antidepressant' it is commonly referred to as 'second-generation antidepressant'. The postulated mechanism of maprotiline is that it acts primarily by potentiation of central adrenergic synapses by blocking reuptake of norepinephrine at nerve endings.
What is Maprotiline used for?
Overview TOP. Maprotiline is used to relieve mental depression, including anxiety that sometimes occurs with depression. Maprotiline is available only with your doctor's prescription.
What should be monitored for when starting antidepressants?
Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.
Does Maprotiline cause liver problems?
Stomach or intestinal problems— Maprotiline may make the condition worse. Heart or blood vessel disease or. Overactive thyroid —Serious effects on your heart may occur. Liver disease—Higher blood levels of maprotiline may occur, increasing the chance of side effects.
Can maprotiline cause dizziness?
Drowsiness, dizziness or lightheadedness; confusion; vision problems; dryness of mouth; constipation; and difficulty in urinating may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of maprotiline.
Is maprotiline safe for children?
Maprotiline must be used with caution in children with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. More study is needed to be sure maprotiline is safe and effective in children.
Can maprotiline be taken with dental?
Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine. Taking maprotiline together with medicines that are used during surgery or dental or emergency treatments may increase the CNS depressant effects.
What is Maprotiline used for?
Indications and Usage for Maprotiline. Maprotiline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of depressive illness in patients with depressive neurosis (dysthymic disorder) and manic depressive illness, depressed type (major depressive disorder).
How many mg of maprotiline hydrochloride?
Maprotiline Hydrochloride, USP is available as tablets containing 25 mg, 50 mg, or 75 mg of Maprotiline hydrochloride. The 25 mg tablets are white film-coated, round, scored tablets debossed with 6 to the left of the score and 0 to the right of the score on one side of the tablet and M on the other side.
How much Maprotiline is in cats?
The oral LD 50 of Maprotiline hydrochloride is 600 to 750 mg/kg in mice, 760 to 900 mg/kg in rats, > 1000 mg/kg in rabbits, > 300 mg/kg in cats, and > 30 mg/kg in dogs.
Where is maprotiline excreted?
Maprotiline is excreted in breast milk. At steady-state, the concentrations in milk correspond closely to the concentrations in whole blood. Caution should be exercised when Maprotiline hydrochloride is administered to a nursing woman.
What should be monitored for when starting antidepressants?
Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.
Is maprotiline hydrochloride soluble in water?
Maprotiline hydrochloride is a fine, white to off-white, practically odorless crystalline powder. It is freely soluble in methanol and in chloroform, slightly soluble in water, and practically insoluble in isooctane. Its molecular weight is 313.87.
Does Maprotiline work?
It does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system and is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The postulated mechanism of Maprotiline is that it acts primarily by potentiation of central adrenergic synapses by blocking reuptake of norepinephrine at nerve endings. This pharmacologic action is thought to be responsible for the drug's antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
What is maprotiline (Ludiomil)?
Maprotiline is an antidepressant. Maprotiline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depressive disorders.
What are the possible side effects of maprotiline (Ludiomil)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is the most important information I should know about maprotiline (Ludiomil)?
You should not use maprotiline if you have a seizure disorder, or if you recently had a heart attack.
How should I take maprotiline (Ludiomil)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What happens if I miss a dose (Ludiomil)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Ludiomil)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of maprotiline can be fatal.
What should I avoid while taking maprotiline (Ludiomil)?
This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
How often should I take maprotiline?
It is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Take maprotiline at around the same time (s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take maprotiline exactly as directed.
How long does it take to get the full effect of Maprotiline?
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. It may take a few weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of maprotiline. Continue to take maprotiline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking maprotiline without talking to your doctor.
Can you call the doctor if you are on maprotiline?
Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own. Your healthcare provider will want to see you often while you are taking maprotiline, especially at the beginning of your treatment.
Can you get pregnant while taking Maprotiline?
if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking maprotiline.
What to know before taking Maprotiline?
Before using maprotiline, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems ( heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG ), family history of certain heart problems ( QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
What is the purpose of antidepressants?
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/ mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts /attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants ...
What is a tetracyclic antidepressant?
It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tetracyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.
Can you take MAO inhibitors before treatment?
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors ( isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication.
Can maprotiline make you dizzy?
Talk to your doctor about using maprotiline safely. This drug may make you di zzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana ( cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Interactions
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
Use Maprotiline (Ludiomil) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Overdose Signs
Overdose may cause drowsiness, fast or irregular heartbeats, vomiting, blue lips or fingernails, fainting, dilated pupils, or seizure.

Overview
This medication is used to treat various types of depression and related anxiety.
May Treat: Anxiety with depression · Depression
Brand Names: Ludiomil
Drug Class: Antidepressant-Tricyclics and Related (Non-Select Reuptake Inhibitors)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
May Treat: Anxiety with depression · Depression
Brand Names: Ludiomil
Drug Class: Antidepressant-Tricyclics and Related (Non-Select Reuptake Inhibitors)
Availability: Prescription Required
Pregnancy: Consult your doctor
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
Medical uses
Contraindications
Side effects
Interactions
Maprotiline, sold under the brand name Ludiomil among others, is a tetracyclic antidepressant (TeCA) that is used in the treatment of depression. It may alternatively be classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), specifically a secondary amine. In terms of its chemistry and pharmacology, maprotiline is closely related to other secondary amine TCAs like nortriptyline and protriptyline, …
Pharmacology
Maprotiline is used in the treatment of depression, such as depression associated with agitation or anxiety and has similar efficacy to the antidepressant drug moclobemide.
• Treatment of depression of all forms and severities (endogenous, psychotic, involutional, and neurotic) especially for depression associated with agitation or anxiety
• Panic disorder
Chemistry
Maprotiline may worsen psychotic conditions like schizophrenia and should be given with caution. The antipsychotic treatment should be continued. Patients with bipolar affective disorder should not receive antidepressants whilst in a manic phase, as antidepressants can worsen mania.
• Hypersensitivity to maprotiline or to other TCAs and TeCAs
• Hypertrophy of the prostate gland with urine hesitancy
History
The side-effect profile is comparable to other TCAs and TeCAS and many of the following are due to anticholinergic (which are less prominent than those of most TCAs) and antihistamine effects. Most often seen are:
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
Maprotiline Description
Maprotiline has a wide range of possible interactions. Some are typical for TCAs and TeCAs, others are caused by specific metabolic effects (e.g. high plasma-protein-binding) of maprotiline:
• Irreversible MAO-inhibitors: agitation, delirium, coma, hyperpyrexia (high fever), seizures and severe changes in blood pressure. Treatment-resistant and hospitalized patients may be treated concomitantly with an MAO-inhibitor, if they are closely monitored and if the initial dose of the M…
Maprotiline - Clinical Pharmacology
Maprotiline exhibits strong effects as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor with only weak actions the reuptake of serotonin and dopamine. It is also a strong antagonist of the H1 receptor, a moderate antagonist of the 5-HT2 and α1-adrenergic receptors, and a weak antagonist of the D2 and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Maprotiline has also more recently been identified as a potent antagonist of the 5-HT7 receptor, with this action potentially playing an important role in it…
Indications and Usage For Maprotiline
Maprotiline is a tetracyclic compound and is grouped with the TeCAs. Its chemical name is N-methyl-9,10-ethanoanthracen-9(10H)-propylamine. The drug has a dibenzobicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene (9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene) ring system; that is, a tricyclic anthracene ring system with an ethylene bridge across the central ring. This results in it having a unique three-dimensional central ring (a bicyclo[2.2.2]octane or 1,4-endoethylenecyclohexane ring) and being a tetracyclic rather t…
Contraindications
Maprotiline was developed by Ciba (now operated by Novartis). It was patented in 1966 and was first described in the literature in 1969. The drug was introduced for medical use in 1974. Generics are now widely available. It was introduced after most of the other TCAs but was the first TeCA to be developed and marketed, with the TeCAs mianserin and amoxapine following shortly thereafter and mirtazapine being introduced later on.
Warnings
Precautions
- The mechanism of action of Maprotiline is not precisely known. It does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system and is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. The postulated mechanism of Maprotiline is that it acts primarily by potentiation of central adrenergic synapses by blocking reuptake of norepinephrine at nerve endings. This pharmacologic action i…
Adverse Reactions
- Maprotiline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of depressive illness in patients with depressive neurosis (dysthymic disorder) and manic depressive illness, depressed type (major depressive disorder). Maprotiline is also effective for the relief of anxiety associated with depression.
Overdosage
- Maprotiline hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to Maprotiline and in patients with known or suspected seizure disorders. It should not be given concomitantly with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. A minimum of 14 days should be allowed to elapse after discontinuation of MAO inhibitors before treatment with Maprotiline is initiated. Effects should b…
Maprotiline Dosage and Administration
- Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and … - Screening Patients for Bipolar Disorder
A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. It is generally believed (though not established in controlled trials) that treating such an episode with an antidepressant alone may increase the likelihood of precipitation of a mixed/manic episode in p…
How Is Maprotiline Supplied
- General
The possibility of suicide in seriously depressed patients is inherent in their illness and may persist until significant remission occurs. Therefore, patients must be carefully supervised during all phases of treatment with Maprotiline, and prescriptions should be written for the smallest nu… - Information for Patients
Prescribers or other health professionals should inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with Maprotiline and should counsel them in its appropriate use. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicine…