is amitripyline a non- arrhrymthetic drug?

[greatwhitenorth221]

I'm a bit confused.  Amitriptyline ans all TCAs are considered to potentially increase PVC incidence in the literature I've read.  On this forum in December 27, 2002, it stated:

"Some non-benzodiazepine/non-cardioactive agents that may be of use include amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant)",.

Also, I have read that it can act like quinidine and reduced PVC incidence has been documented.  The reason In ask is that I use amitriptyline for panic attacks (25 mg. and not that often)  and I have pVCs as well.

Thanks if you can clear this up

[Cleveland Clinic]

greatwhite,

the answer on Dec 27 was simply referring to the anti-anxiety effects of amitriptyline.

Tricyclics can cause PVCs and some other arrythmias, so dosing is important.  Correlation between your PVCs and initiation of the drug would be important, as would a balance between the beneficial effects and side effects of the drug.

good luck

[jdm]

I was prescribed this drug for depression. My experience with it is the reason I NEVER-EVER take a new drug for the first time anywhere but in my doctor's office or an ER.  I took the first tablet and then went for a mildly strenuous walk.  Nobody had said anything about possible cardiac side effects.  My heartbeat became erratic as I recall with beats close together and then far apart.  I had never experienced such a situation before or since.  

That was back in about '88 when I was 38 yrs old.  An unexplained atrial tach was just about that time becoming more pronounced but I had not yet developed the severe anxiety disorder I now have because of it.  For that reason I did not panic but just flushed the contents of the rx bottle down the toilet and let the effects of the miserable drug wear off.  My heartbeat went back to normal in time.  I chose depression over a misfiring heart.  

I've personally found, and I wish it was not so, that I am very sensitive to any foreign material in my system.  Now, when I want to know how I will react to a new rx drug I look for the "unusual or very seldom" side effects to find out.  

The doctors I have seen cannot believe that 25 mg of attenolol has a VERY profound effect on me. ( and I take it 1/4 tablet at a time!!!!!!! ) They say people take 100 and don't feel it.  So?

My advice to you is do not take this drug.  There are lots of other antidepressants available now that were not back when I had my first and only experience with it.  

ps.  I suffer from severe and frequent classic migraine.  I have refused to take any of the new drugs that can shut down the attacks.  I get the visual aura and the whole nine yards etc.  The reason I won't try any of this stuff is that I am scared it will kill me or have very severe side effects given my history of sensitivity.  I just endure the migraines the best I can.  

I think some doctors fail to realize that some of their patients will have side effects that fall in the "very infrequent" range.  It must really surprise a doc when they prescribe some tryptin type anti migraine medicine only to have their patient die soon after taking the first dose ( as sometimes happens ).  Yes, I know it is only one or two per 100,000 or some large number-but if you are that person........oops.

[3rdMajor]

25mg of Amitriptyline is a low dose that might be prescribed as a prophylactic dose for migraine, or for hypnotic effect to induce sleep in depression related insomnia. Some fibromyalgia people take it for neuropathic pain.  For depression or anxiety, the does would be upwards of 200 - 250 mg.
I had bypass 5x and the ensuing depression caused insomnia.  I take 25mg amitriptyline and its no problem.  I think tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension are possible cardio side effects, but they would be dose related.
Never heard of, and dont see how 25mg amitriptyline taken "occasionally" could be of any help with panic attacks.