Amoxapine
Amoxapine (Asendin)
Amoxapine
(ah- MOX-ah-peen)
Pregnancy Category: C Asendin (Rx)

Classification: Antidepressant, tricyclic

See Also: See also Antidepressants, Tricyclic.

Action/Kinetics: In addition to its effect on monoamines, this drug also blocks dopamine receptors. Significant anticholinergic effects, moderate sedation, and slight orthostatic hypotensive effect. Metabolized to the active metabolites 7-hydroxy- and 8-hydroxyamoxapine. Peak blood levels: 90 min. Effective plasma levels: 200-500 ng/mL. Time to reach steady state: 2-7 days. t 1/2: 8 hr; t 1/2 of major metabolite: 30 hr. Excreted in urine.

Uses: Endogenous and psychotic, as well as neurotic or reactive depressions. Depression accompanied by anxiety or agitation.

Contraindications: Avoid high dose levels in clients with a history of convulsive seizures. During acute recovery period after MI. Use in children less than 16 years of age.

Special Concerns: Safe use in children under 16 years of age and during lactation not established.

Additional Side Effects: Tardive dyskinesia. Overdosage may cause seizures (common), neuroleptic malignant syndrome testicular swelling, impairment of sexual function, and breast enlargement in males and females. Also, renal failure may be seen 2-5 days after overdosage.

How Supplied: Tablet: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg

Dosage
?Tablets Antidepressant.
Adults, individualized, initial: 50 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d. Can be increased to 100 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d. during first week. Due to sedation, do not use doses greater than 300 mg/day unless this dose has been ineffective for at least 14 days. Maintenance: 300 mg as a single dose at bedtime. Hospitalized clients: Up to 150 mg q.i.d. Geriatric, initial: 25 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d. If necessary and tolerated, increase to 50 mg b.i.d.-t.i.d. after first week. Maintenance: Up to 300 mg/day at bedtime.