Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide

MEDICATION GUIDE — An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm088622.pdf, must be dispensed with this medication for each new outpatient prescription and refill.

U.S. BRAND NAMES — Limbitrol®; Limbitrol® DS [DSC]

PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY
Antidepressant, Tricyclic (Tertiary Amine)
Benzodiazepine

DOSING: ADULTS — Depression and anxiety: Oral: Initial: 3-4 tablets in divided doses; this may be increased to 6 tablets/day as required. Some patients respond to smaller doses and can be maintained on 2 tablets.

DOSING: ELDERLY — Refer to adult dosing.

DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Tablet: 12.5/5: Amitriptyline hydrochloride 12.5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 5 mg; 25/10: Amitriptyline hydrochloride 25 mg and chlordiazepoxide 10 mg
Limbitrol®: 12.5/5: Amitriptyline hydrochloride 12.5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 5 mg
Limbitrol® DS: 25/10: Amitriptyline hydrochloride 25 mg and chlordiazepoxide 10 mg [DSC]

DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE
Tablet: 12.5/5: Amitriptyline 12.5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 5 mg; 25/10: Amitriptyline 25 mg and chlordiazepoxide 10 mg
Limbitrol®: 12.5/5: Amitriptyline 12.5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 5 mg

GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — Yes

USE — Treatment of moderate-to-severe anxiety and/or agitation and depression

ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT — See individual agents.

CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, or any component of the formulation; depression of CNS; MAO inhibitors; acute recovery phase following MI; angle-closure glaucoma; pregnancy

WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS
Boxed warnings: Suicidal thinking/behavior: See "Major psychiatric warnings" below.

Major psychiatric warnings:
• [U.S. Boxed Warning]: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (18-24 years of age) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders; consider risk prior to prescribing. Short-term studies did not show an increased risk in patients >24 years of age and showed a decreased risk in patients ≥ 65 years. Closely monitor patients for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, particularly during the initial 1-2 months of therapy or during periods of dosage adjustments (increases or decreases); the patient's family or caregiver should be instructed to closely observe the patient and communicate condition with healthcare provider. A medication guide concerning the use of antidepressants should be dispensed with each prescription. Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide combination is FDA approved for depression associated with anxiety in children ≥ 12 years of age. The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in major depression and may persist until remission occurs. Patients treated with antidepressants should be observed for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases. Worsening depression and severe abrupt suicidality that are not part of the presenting symptoms may require discontinuation or modification of drug therapy. Use caution in high-risk patients during initiation of therapy. Prescriptions should be written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient care. The patient's family or caregiver should be alerted to monitor patients for the emergence of suicidality and associated behaviors such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania; patients should be instructed to notify their healthcare provider if any of these symptoms or worsening depression or psychosis occur. May worsen psychosis in some patients or precipitate a shift to mania or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder. Monotherapy in patients with bipolar disorder should be avoided. Patients presenting with depressive symptoms should be screened for bipolar disorder. This combination is not FDA approved for the treatment of bipolar depression.

Concerns related to adverse effects: Anterograde amnesia: Benzodiazepines have been associated with anterograde amnesia. Anticholinergic effects: May cause anticholinergic effects (constipation, xerostomia, blurred vision, urinary retention); use with caution in patients with decreased gastrointestinal motility, paralytic ileus, urinary retention, BPH, xerostomia, or visual problems. The degree of anticholinergic blockade produced by amitriptyline is very high relative to other antidepressants. Orthostatic hypotension: May cause orthostatic hypotension (risk is very high relative to other antidepressants); use with caution in patients at risk of this effect or in those who would not tolerate transient hypotensive episodes (cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, hypovolemia, or concurrent medication use which may predispose to hypotension/bradycardia). Paradoxical reactions: Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior, have been reported with benzodiazepines, particularly in adolescent/pediatric or psychiatric patients. Sedation: Both agents may cause sedation, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving). The degree of sedation is very high relative to other antidepressants. SIADH and hyponatremia: Has been associated with the development of SIADH and hyponatremia.

Disease-related concerns: Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease (including previous MI, stroke, tachycardia, or conduction abnormalities); the risk conduction abnormalities with amitriptyline is high relative to other antidepressants. Depression: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in patients with depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present. Drug abuse: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in patients with a history of drug abuse or acute alcoholism; potential for drug dependency exists. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence may occur with prolonged use. Diabetes: Use amitriptyline with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus; may alter glucose regulation. Hepatic impairment: Use both agents with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Impaired gag reflux: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in patients with an impaired gag reflux. Porphyria: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in patients with porphyria. Renal impairment: Use both agents with caution in patients with renal impairment. Respiratory disease: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in patients with respiratory disease. Seizure disorder: Use with caution in patients at risk of seizures, including those with a history of seizures, head trauma, brain damage, alcoholism, or concurrent therapy with medications which may lower seizure threshold. Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism or those receiving thyroid supplementation.

Concurrent drug therapy issues: CNS depressants/psychoactive medications: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in patients receiving other CNS depressants or psychoactive medication. Sedatives: Effects may be potentiated when used with other sedative drugs or ethanol.

Special populations: Debilitated patients: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in debilitated patients; active metabolites with extended half-lives may lead to delayed accumulation and adverse effects. Elderly: Use both agents with caution in the elderly. Benzodiazepines have been associated with falls and traumatic injury; active metabolites with extended half-lives may lead to delayed accumulation and adverse effects. Pediatrics: Use chlordiazepoxide with caution in children; active metabolites with extended half-lives may lead to delayed accumulation and adverse effects.

Dosage form specific issues: Chlordiazepoxide injection: Parenteral administration should be avoided in comatose patients or shock. Adequate resuscitative equipment/personnel should be available, and appropriate monitoring should be conducted at the time of injection and for several hours following administration. The parenteral formulation should be diluted for I.M. administration with the supplied diluent only. This diluent should not be used when preparing the drug for intravenous administration.

Other warnings/precautions: Appropriate use: Chlordiazepoxide does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties. Discontinuation of therapy: Amitriptyline therapy should not be abruptly discontinued in patients receiving high doses for prolonged periods. Rebound or withdrawal symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation of chlordiazepoxide or large decreases in dose. Use caution when reducing dose or withdrawing therapy; decrease slowly and monitor for withdrawal symptoms. Flumazenil may cause withdrawal in patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy: May increase the risks associated with electroconvulsive therapy; consider discontinuing, when possible, prior to ECT treatment.

RESTRICTIONS — C-IV

METABOLISM / TRANSPORT EFFECTS
Amitriptyline: Substrate of CYP1A2 (minor), 2B6 (minor), 2C9 (minor), 2C19 (minor), 2D6 (major), 3A4 (minor); Inhibits CYP1A2 (weak), 2C9 (weak), 2C19 (weak), 2D6 (weak), 2E1 (weak)

Chlordiazepoxide: Substrate of CYP3A4 (major)

DRUG INTERACTIONS
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central): Anticholinergics may diminish the therapeutic effect of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central). Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticholinergics. If the anticholinergic action is a side effect of the agent, the result may be beneficial. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alfuzosin: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Direct-Acting): Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha-/Beta-Agonists (Direct-Acting). Exceptions: Dipivefrin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Alpha1-Agonists: Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the vasopressor effect of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Alpha2-Agonists: Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the antihypertensive effect of Alpha2-Agonists. Exceptions: Apraclonidine; Brimonidine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Altretamine: May enhance the orthostatic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Amphetamines: Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the stimulatory effect of Amphetamines. Tricyclic Antidepressants may also potentiate the cardiovascular effects of Amphetamines. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Anticholinergics: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Anticholinergics. Exceptions: Paliperidone. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Antifungal Agents (Azole Derivatives, Systemic): May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Aprepitant: May increase the serum concentration of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Artemether: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Aspirin: Antidepressants (Tricyclic, Tertiary Amine) may enhance the antiplatelet effect of Aspirin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Barbiturates: May increase the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Beta2-Agonists: Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Beta2-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

BuPROPion: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Calcium Channel Blockers (Nondihydropyridine): May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CarBAMazepine: May increase the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CarBAMazepine: May increase the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Chloroquine: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cimetidine: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cimetidine: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cinacalcet: May increase the serum concentration of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ciprofloxacin: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Cisapride: Amitriptyline may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Cisapride. Risk X: Avoid combination

Clozapine: Benzodiazepines may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Clozapine. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP2D6 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP2D6 Substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May increase the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May decrease the metabolism of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Deferasirox: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Desmopressin: Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Desmopressin. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Dexmethylphenidate: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Disulfiram: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Dronedarone: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Dronedarone. Risk X: Avoid combination

DULoxetine: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Fluconazole: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Fosaprepitant: May increase the serum concentration of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Specifically, the active metabolite aprepitant is likely responsible for this effect. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Gadobutrol: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Grapefruit Juice: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Iobenguane I 123: Tricyclic Antidepressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Iobenguane I 123. Risk X: Avoid combination

Isoniazid: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lithium: May enhance the neurotoxic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Lumefantrine: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Macrolide Antibiotics: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Exceptions: Azithromycin; Dirithromycin [Off Market]; Spiramycin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the serotonergic effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. This may cause serotonin syndrome. Risk X: Avoid combination

MAO Inhibitors: May enhance the orthostatic effect of Orthostasis Producing Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Methylphenidate: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Nefazodone: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Nilotinib: May enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

NSAID (COX-2 Inhibitor): Antidepressants (Tricyclic, Tertiary Amine) may enhance the antiplatelet effect of NSAID (COX-2 Inhibitor). Risk C: Monitor therapy

NSAID (Nonselective): Antidepressants (Tricyclic, Tertiary Amine) may enhance the antiplatelet effect of NSAID (Nonselective). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Oral Contraceptive (Estrogens): May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Oral Contraceptive (Progestins): May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Peginterferon Alfa-2b: May decrease the serum concentration of CYP2D6 Substrates. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Phenytoin: Benzodiazepines may increase the serum concentration of Phenytoin. Short-term exposure to benzodiazepines may not present as much risk as chronic therapy. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Pimozide: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Pimozide. Risk X: Avoid combination

Pramlintide: May enhance the anticholinergic effect of Anticholinergics. These effects are specific to the GI tract. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Propoxyphene: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Protease Inhibitors: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Management: Amprenavir, atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, and tipranavir are contraindicated with midazolam and triazolam according to each protease inhibitor's prescribing information. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Protease Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Proton Pump Inhibitors: May increase the serum concentration of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Exceptions: Lansoprazole; Pantoprazole; Rabeprazole. Risk C: Monitor therapy

QTc-Prolonging Agents: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other QTc-Prolonging Agents. Their effects can be additive, causing life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

QuiNIDine: Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QuiNIDine. QuiNIDine may decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

QuiNINE: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QuiNINE. QuiNINE may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QTc-Prolonging Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination

Rifamycin Derivatives: May increase the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May decrease the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Exceptions: Citalopram; Escitalopram; PARoxetine; Sertraline. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Serotonin Modulators: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other Serotonin Modulators. The development of serotonin syndrome may occur. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Sibutramine: May enhance the serotonergic effect of Serotonin Modulators. This may cause serotonin syndrome. Risk X: Avoid combination

St Johns Wort: May increase the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. The risk of serotonin syndrome may theoretically be increased. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

St Johns Wort: May increase the metabolism of Benzodiazepines (metabolized by oxidation). Risk C: Monitor therapy

Sulfonylureas: Cyclic Antidepressants may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Sulfonylureas. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Terbinafine: May decrease the metabolism of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Tetrabenazine: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Tetrabenazine. Risk X: Avoid combination

Theophylline Derivatives: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Benzodiazepines. Risk D: Consider therapy modification

Thioridazine: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Thioridazine. Risk X: Avoid combination

TraMADol: Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the neuroexcitatory and/or seizure-potentiating effect of TraMADol. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Valproic Acid: May increase the serum concentration of Tricyclic Antidepressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Vitamin K Antagonists (eg, warfarin): Tricyclic Antidepressants may enhance the anticoagulant effect of Vitamin K Antagonists. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Yohimbine: Tricyclic Antidepressants may increase the serum concentration of Yohimbine. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Yohimbine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antianxiety Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy

Ziprasidone: QTc-Prolonging Agents may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Ziprasidone. The risk of a severe arrhythmia may be increased. Risk X: Avoid combination

PREGNANCY RISK FACTOR — D (show table)

LACTATION — Excretion in breast milk unknown/contraindicated

PRICING — (data from drugstore.com)
Tablets (Chlordiazepoxide-Amitriptyline)
5-12.5 mg (60): $44.99
10-25 mg (60): $65.99

Tablets (Limbitrol DS)
10-25 mg (60): $99.99

MONITORING PARAMETERS — Suicidal ideation (especially at the beginning of therapy or when doses are increased or decreased)

CANADIAN BRAND NAMES — Limbitrol®

INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES — Limbatril (DE); Limbatrilin (CN); Limbitrol (AE, AT, BE, BH, BR, CY, EG, FI, FR, GH, GR, ID, IL, IQ, IR, JO, KE, KW, LB, LY, NL, OM, QA, SA, SY, TW, TZ, UG, YE, ZM); Limbitryl (IT)

MECHANISM OF ACTION — See individual agents.

PHARMACODYNAMICS / KINETICS — See individual agents.