Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. It is also prescribed at lower doses for neuropathic pain and migraine prevention.

Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: A drug that increases signaling by slowing the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Amitriptyline shares this reuptake action, though it also blocks several other receptors.
Major depressive disorder: A mental disorder marked by persistent depressed mood or loss of interest, alongside other symptoms that impair daily life. Amitriptyline was developed as an antidepressant and remains an option for treating depression.
Nortriptyline: A tricyclic antidepressant and active metabolite of amitriptyline, with relatively stronger norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. It is a closely related alternative that may cause less sedation and anticholinergic burden.
Anticholinergic syndrome: A toxic state caused by excessive blockade of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. Amitriptyline overdose can produce severe anticholinergic symptoms, including delirium.
Tricyclic antidepressant: An antidepressant class characterized by a three-ring chemical structure and effects on monoamine transporters and other receptors. Amitriptyline is a prototypical member of this older antidepressant class.
Serotonin transporter: A membrane protein that removes serotonin from synapses by transporting it into nerve cells. Amitriptyline inhibits this transporter, increasing serotonin availability between neurons.
Neuropathic pain: Pain caused by a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. Amitriptyline is prescribed at lower doses for several forms of this pain.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: An antidepressant that selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake, generally with fewer anticholinergic effects than tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs are common alternatives when amitriptyline’s adverse-effect burden is undesirable.
Cardiac conduction: The electrical propagation of impulses through the heart’s specialized conduction system. Amitriptyline toxicity can disrupt conduction and cause dangerous arrhythmias.
Roland Kuhn: A Swiss psychiatrist who pioneered the clinical use of imipramine as an antidepressant. His work established tricyclic antidepressants as a treatment class that later included amitriptyline.

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