Generic medicine

Maprotiline Hydrochloride: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh

Maprotiline Hydrochloride is a tetracyclic antidepressant indicated for the treatment of: Major depressive disorder (established use): including depression associated with anxiety and more.

Forms:Tablet

About Maprotiline Hydrochloride

Indications of Maprotiline Hydrochloride

Maprotiline Hydrochloride is a tetracyclic antidepressant indicated for the treatment of:

  • Major depressive disorder (established use): including depression associated with anxiety, in outpatients as well as hospitalized patients with moderate to severe depressive illness.
  • Endogenous and involutional depression (guideline/clinically supported use): Maprotiline Hydrochloride has long been used for classic melancholic-type depression where sedative and anxiolytic properties are beneficial.

Maprotiline Hydrochloride is generally reserved for patients who have not responded adequately to, or cannot tolerate, first-line antidepressants such as SSRIs, given its side-effect profile. It is not indicated for bipolar mania, and use in other psychiatric conditions is not established.

Dosage & Administration of Maprotiline Hydrochloride

Dosage of Maprotiline Hydrochloride must be individualized according to the severity of illness, patient response, and tolerability. Treatment is usually started at a lower dose and increased gradually.

Indication/PopulationRecommended Dosage
Mild to moderate depression, outpatient adultsInitial 25 mg to 75 mg per day (single or divided doses); may increase gradually as needed and tolerated, usually to a maintenance range of 75-150 mg/day
Severe/hospitalized depression, adultsInitial dose similar to above; may be titrated upward more cautiously under close medical supervision, not usually exceeding 225 mg/day
Elderly patientsLower initial doses (e.g. 25 mg/day) are recommended due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic and cardiovascular effects; increase more slowly
Maintenance therapyLowest effective dose, generally continued for several months after response, then tapered gradually

Maprotiline Hydrochloride should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician. Do not increase, decrease, stop, or share this medicine with others without medical advice. Full antidepressant effect may take 2 to 3 weeks to become apparent, and treatment should not be discontinued abruptly (see Duration of Treatment).

Side Effects of Maprotiline Hydrochloride

Side effects of Maprotiline Hydrochloride are generally dose-related and most pronounced early in treatment or with dose increases.

  • Very common/common: Drowsiness/sedation, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, weight gain, tremor, sweating.
  • Less common: Orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention/hesitancy, nausea, skin rash, increased appetite.
  • Serious (require prompt medical attention): Seizures (dose-dependent risk), cardiac conduction abnormalities/arrhythmia, allergic skin reactions, and worsening depression or emergence of suicidal thoughts (see Precautions and Warnings).

Patients should report any unusual or severe symptoms to their physician promptly.

Contraindications of Maprotiline Hydrochloride

Maprotiline Hydrochloride is contraindicated in the following situations:

  • Known hypersensitivity to Maprotiline Hydrochloride or to other tetracyclic/tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Concurrent use with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or use within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI, due to the risk of serious, potentially fatal reactions.
  • Acute recovery phase following a myocardial infarction.

Frequently Asked Questions about Maprotiline Hydrochloride

What is Maprotiline Hydrochloride used for?

Maprotiline Hydrochloride is a tetracyclic antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder, including depression associated with anxiety, in adults.

How long does it take for Maprotiline Hydrochloride to work?

Most patients notice an improvement in mood within 2 to 3 weeks of starting Maprotiline Hydrochloride, although some may take longer. It is important to continue taking the medicine as prescribed even if improvement is not immediate.

Can I stop taking Maprotiline Hydrochloride suddenly?

No. Maprotiline Hydrochloride should not be stopped abruptly, especially after prolonged use, as this may cause withdrawal-type symptoms. Your physician will advise a gradual tapering schedule when treatment is to be discontinued.

Can Maprotiline Hydrochloride be taken with other antidepressants such as MAOIs?

No. Maprotiline Hydrochloride must not be taken together with, or within 14 days of stopping, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), as this combination can cause a serious, potentially life-threatening reaction.

Is Maprotiline Hydrochloride safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Maprotiline Hydrochloride should be used in pregnancy only if clearly needed, when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus, and only under medical supervision. It also passes into breast milk, so a physician should be consulted about whether to continue breastfeeding or the medicine.

What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much Maprotiline Hydrochloride?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up. If an overdose is suspected, this is a medical emergency - seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services/poison control right away.

Disclaimer

The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.

DoctorBlogArticles