Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 18, 2025
09:29
Investigating Drivers of Antireward in Addiction Behavior with Anatomically Specific Single-Cell Gene Expression Methods
Published on: August 4, 2022
2.4K
Amitriptyline Dependence and Its Associations: A Case Report and Literature Review
T Umaharan1, S Sivayokan2, S Sivansuthan3
1Senior Registrar in Psychiatry Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Case Reports in Psychiatry
|February 10, 2021
Summary
Amitriptyline, a widely used antidepressant, shows potential for abuse and addiction. This case report highlights risks associated with its dispensing and misuse, especially where regulations are lax.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used for various psychiatric and organic conditions.
- It functions by enhancing central nervous system monoamine availability.
- Previous case reports have suggested a potential for amitriptyline abuse.
Observation:
- This case report presents evidence supporting the hypothesis of amitriptyline's abusive potential.
- It details probable mechanisms leading to patient abuse and addiction to amitriptyline.
- The report also examines drug dispensing practices that may increase misuse risk.
Findings:
- Amitriptyline abuse and addiction are plausible, supported by emerging evidence.
- Patient-specific factors and drug accessibility influence misuse.
- Inadequate dispensing regulations exacerbate the risk of amitriptyline misuse.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant regarding amitriptyline's abuse potential.
- Stricter drug dispensing regulations may be necessary to mitigate misuse.
- Further research into the neurobiological mechanisms of amitriptyline addiction is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drug Dependence
1.4K
Medications are typically administered to achieve therapeutic effects. Some drugs can modify an individual's mood and perception, frequently resulting in various enjoyable experiences. However, this can result in drug dependency, a condition marked by continuous drug use despite potential negative consequences. Drug dependency primarily falls into two categories: psychological and physical dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when the pleasurable feelings induced by the drug...
1.4K
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
969
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
969
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
915
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not...
915
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
576
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
576
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
277
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
277
01:17Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
328
Sedatives and hypnotics encompass a wide range of substances, each with its unique mechanism of action, uses, and potential adverse effects.
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
328