Drug reference

protriptyline

Tricyclic Antidepressant (secondary amine) · Antidepressant, Analgesic

Tricyclic Antidepressant (secondary amine)Antidepressant, Analgesic

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

12 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 12 →

AmiodaroneSevereDatabaseDDInter
AmisulprideSevereDatabaseDDInter
AnagrelideSevereDatabaseDDInter
ArbutamineSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Protriptyline antagonizes the norepinephrine transporter (NET). It also blocks histamine H1, 5HT2, alpha-1 adrenergic, and muscarinic cholinergic receptors, contributing to its clinical effects and side effects.

Indications

depressionpsychotic depression (with first-generation antipsychotics)pain conditionsCataplexy (associated with narcolepsy)

Pharmacokinetics

Half-life

80 hours

Metabolism

hepatic

Side effects

Common

sedationcognitive dullingblurred visiondry mouthtachycardiaconstipationdifficulty urinatingorthostatic hypotensionweight gain

Serious

quinidine-like effects on cardiac conduction (life threatening in overdose)
lowered seizure threshold
serotonin syndrome (with MAOIs)

Drug interactions

Amiodarone

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Amisulpride

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Anagrelide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Arbutamine

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Arsenic Trioxide

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bedaquiline

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bepridil

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Bupropion

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: metabolism

Source: DDInter

Buspirone

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Cabozantinib

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Ceritinib

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Chloroquine

Severe

Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Depression in adults

IPS · Psychiatry · 2023

Depression in adults

NICE · Psychiatry · 2022

Stroke and TIA — secondary prevention

AHA · Neurology · 2021

Gastric premalignant conditions

ACG · Gastroenterology · 2025

Alcohol use disorder

MOHFW · Psychiatry · 2021

Other Tricyclic Antidepressant (secondary amine) drugs

maprotiline

0 brands

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Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team