Protriptyline hydrochloride

5-HT Receptor|||Cholinesterase (ChE)

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Protriptyline Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of protriptyline, a tricyclic secondary amine with an antidepressant property. Protriptyline hydrochloride (Protriptyline HCl) blocks the re-uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve terminals, thereby increasing available norepinephrine and serotonin. In addition, this agent exhibits anticholinergic activity.

Protriptyline hydrochloride is a dibenzocycloheptene-derivative tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). TCAs are structurally similar to phenothiazines. They contain a tricyclic ring system with an alkyl amine substituent on the central ring. In non-depressed individuals, protriptyline does not affect mood or arousal, but may cause sedation. In depressed individuals, protriptyline exerts a positive effect on mood. TCAs are potent inhibitors of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake. In addition, TCAs down-regulate cerebral cortical beta-adrenergic receptors and sensitize post-synaptic serotonergic receptors with chronic use. The antidepressant effects of TCAs are thought to be due to an overall increase in serotonergic neurotransmission. TCAs also block histamine H1 receptors, alpha1-adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors, which accounts for their sedative, hypotensive and anticholinergic effects (e.g. blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention), respectively. See toxicity section below for a complete listing of side effects. Protriptyline may be used for the treatment of depression.