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Antiarrhythmic properties of amitriptyline.
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
Southern Medical Journal
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can be safely used in cardiac patients. This case report demonstrates its beneficial use in managing severe cardiac arrhythmias alongside affective disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as nortriptyline and imipramine exhibit Type 1 antiarrhythmic properties.
- Existing clinical reservations regarding TCA use in cardiac patients may be excessive.
- The cardiac effects of amitriptyline are not widely documented.
Observation:
- A patient with severe cardiac arrhythmias and organic affective disorder was treated.
- Electrophysiologic data were recorded throughout the treatment period.
Findings:
- Amitriptyline demonstrated beneficial effects in managing the patient's cardiac arrhythmias.
- The use of amitriptyline was deemed safe in this cardiac patient.
- Therapeutic plasma concentrations of TCAs correlate with antiarrhythmic effects.
Implications:
- Amitriptyline may be a viable treatment option for patients with both cardiac arrhythmias and affective disorders.
- Further research into the cardiac safety and efficacy of amitriptyline is warranted.
- This case challenges the broad contraindication of TCAs in cardiac patients.