Amitriptyline and Chlordiazepoxide

Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe depression associated with moderate to severe anxiety. The therapeutic response to chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets occurs earlier and with fewer treatment failures than when either amitriptyline or chlordiazepoxide is used alone. Symptoms likely to respond in the first week of treatment include: insomnia, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, agitation, psychic and somatic anxiety, suicidal ideation and anorexia.

of amitriptyline in man is not known, but the drug appears to interfere with the reuptake of norepinephrine into adrenergic nerve endings. This action may prolong the sympathetic activity of biogenic amines.

Optimum dosage varies with the severity of the symptoms and the response of the individual patient. When a satisfactory response is obtained, dosage should be reduced to the smallest amount needed to maintain the remission. The larger portion of the total daily dose may be taken at bedtime. In some patients, a single dose at bedtime may be sufficient. In general, lower dosages are recommended for elderly patients. Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets 10 mg/25 mg are recommended in an initial dosage of 3 or 4 tablets daily in divided doses, this may be increased to 6 tablets daily as required. Some patients respond to smaller doses and can be maintained on 2 tablets daily. Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets 5 mg/12.5 mg in an initial dosage of 3 or 4 tablets daily in divided doses may be satisfactory in patients who do not tolerate higher doses.

Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to either benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants. It should not be given concomitantly with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Hyperpyretic crises, severe convulsions and deaths have occurred in patients receiving a tricyclic antidepressant and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor simultaneously. When it is desired to replace a monoamine oxidase inhibitor with chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, a minimum of 14 days should be allowed to elapse after the former is discontinued.

Boxed warning: Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Risks from Concomitant Use with Opioids Concomitant use of benzodiazepines, including chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Adverse reactions to chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride are those associated with the use of either component alone. Most frequently reported were drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness and bloating. Other side effects occurring less commonly included vivid dreams, impotence, tremor, confusion and nasal congestion. Many symptoms common to the depressive state, such as anorexia, fatigue, weakness, restlessness and lethargy, have been reported as side effects of treatment with both chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets and amitriptyline. Granulocytopenia, jaundice and hepatic dysfunction of uncertain etiology have also been observed rarely with chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets.

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Store in a dry place.