{"id":6113,"date":"2022-11-16T10:28:18","date_gmt":"2022-11-16T18:28:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/?p=6113"},"modified":"2023-12-20T11:53:10","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T19:53:10","slug":"amoxapine-vs-amitriptyline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.helloklarity.com\/post\/amoxapine-vs-amitriptyline\/","title":{"rendered":"Amoxapine vs. Amitriptyline\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Though amoxapine and amitriptyline have similar effects on the body and brain, one may work better for you depending on your depression symptoms, body chemistry, and contraindicated medications or conditions. The comparison guide below can help you have a more informed discussion with your healthcare provider when deciding if you should start antidepressants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in treating your depression with medication, schedule an appointment<\/a> on Klarity today. We\u2019ll match you with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your symptoms through online depression treatment<\/a> to determine if Amoxapine, Amitriptyline, or another form of antidepressant is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
<\/th>Amitriptyline<\/th>Amoxapine<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug Class<\/strong><\/td>Tricyclic antidepressant<\/td>Tricyclic antidepressant
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td>Generic (Brand name: Elavil)<\/td>Generic (Brand name: Asendin)
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td>\u2022 Tablets
\n\u2022 Yellow, fruit-flavored liquid suspension
\n<\/td>
Immediate-release color-coded tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td>Tablets:
\n\u2022 10mg
\n\u2022 25mg
\n\u2022 50mg
\n\u2022 75mg
\n\u2022 100mg
\n\u2022 150mg
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n<\/td>
Immediate-release color-coded tablets:
\r\n\u2022 25mg: white
\r\n\u2022 50mg: orange
\r\n\u2022 100mg: blue
\r\n\u2022 150mg: light orange
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n\u2022 Anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 OCD
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Chronic fibromyalgia pain
\n\u2022 Nerve pain
\n\u2022 Sleep disorders
\n\u2022 Bladder pain
\n\u2022 Irritable bowel syndrome
\n
\n<\/td>
FDA-approved:
\r\n\u2022 Depression with psychotic features
\r\n\u2022 Nerve pain
\r\n
\r\nOff-label:
\r\n\u2022 Difficulty sleeping
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>Generic form (amitriptyline):
\n\u2022 $140 to $300 for a 30-day supply
\n\u2022 $4 for a 30-day supply with insurance or coupon card
\n<\/td>
Generic (amoxapine):
\r\n\u2022 $20 to $36 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\nBrand name:
\r\n\u2022 Brand name formula not available for Rx
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Drowsiness, blurred vision
\n\u2022 Dry mouth, constipation
\n\u2022 Weight gain
\n\u2022 Difficulty urinating
\n\u2022 Persistent heartburn
\n\u2022 Easy bruising or bleeding
\n\u2022 Black stools
\n\u2022 Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
\n\u2022 Muscle spasms, shaking
\n\u2022 Severe abdominal pain
\n\u2022 Decreased libido
\n\u2022 Enlarged or painful breasts
\n\u2022 Severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, confusion
\n\u2022 Eye pain, redness or swelling, vision changes
\n\u2022 Sweating
\n<\/td>
Common side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Sedation or drowsiness
\r\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\r\n\u2022 Constipation, nausea
\r\n\u2022 Fatigue or weakness
\r\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\r\n\u2022 Anxiety or restlessness
\r\n\u2022 Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
\r\n\u2022 Confusion or altered consciousness
\r\n\u2022 Palpitations or changes in EKG patterns
\r\n\u2022 Tremors
\r\n\u2022 Increased appetite causing changes in weight over time
\r\n
\r\nSerious side effects
\r\n\u2022 Signs of Neuroleptic \u2022 Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
\r\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\r\n\u2022 Increased suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Quinidine
\n\u2022 Cimetidine
\n\u2022 Many other antidepressants: SSRIs
\n\u2022 Type 1C antiarrhythmics
\n\u2022 MAO inhibitors
\n\u2022 Thyroid medication
\n\u2022 Alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic drugs
\n<\/td>
Drug interactions
\r\n\u2022 Other anticholinergic medications
\r\n\u2022 Blood pressure medication
\r\n\u2022 Alcohol and barbiturates
\r\n\u2022 MAOIs
\r\n\u2022 SSRIs
\r\n\u2022 Thyroid supplements
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n

Amitriptyline and Amoxapine Are the Same Class of Drugs (Tricyclics)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are among the earliest antidepressants developed. Though many physicians opt for more modern antidepressants with fewer side effects, like SSRIs or SNRIs,  tricyclic medications are sometimes prescribed if other formulas prove ineffective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Tricyclics?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclic medications are named for their chemical structure, which contains three rings. Both of these medications are tricyclic-class antidepressants that work by preventing norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake in the brain. This makes both of these neurotransmitters more available in the body and evens out chemical imbalances that cause major depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amoxapine and amitriptyline may be among the most commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressants. However, critical differences may make one a better choice for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amitriptyline and Amoxapine Are Both Used To Treat Major Depressive Disorder<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to MayoClinic<\/a>, major depressive disorder\u2014also called clinical depression\u2014is a pervasive feeling of sadness, numbness, or loss of interest in daily life. You may have difficulty caring for yourself or maintaining relationships, trouble sleeping, little to no appetite, or even angry outbursts fueled by frustration and fatigue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While depression often results from external events, tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline and amoxapine are most often prescribed to treat endogenous, or internalized, depression. This kind of depression happens when the brain doesn\u2019t produce enough serotonin and norepinephrine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclic medications are among the most effective at increasing these neurotransmitters in the brain and alleviating the symptoms of major depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Else Does Amitriptyline Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Amitriptyline, or its brand name Elavil, is also prescribed to treat insomnia and nerve pain. It\u2019s usually prescribed in much lower doses to treat these conditions, between 10mg and 25mg. However, those taking it for insomnia may experience daytime drowsiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Off-label Uses for Amitriptyline<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe medications off-label to treat conditions outside the FDA-approved use. This is a common practice, especially if other medications don\u2019t work or are contraindicated for certain individuals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amitriptyline can be prescribed off-label to treat: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Fibromyalgia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Migraines and chronic headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Bladder pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Irritable bowel syndrome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    What Else Does Amoxapine Treat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Amoxapine\u2014brand-name Asendin\u2014is only FDA-approved to treat clinical or major depression. All other uses are off-label. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Off-label Uses for Amoxapine<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Medical professionals may prescribe amoxapine off-label to treat: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Bipolar depressive phases<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Neuropathic (nerve) pain<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      What is Amoxapine?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Amoxapine is the generic name for Adensin, a tricyclic antidepressant frequently prescribed to treat depression caused by an internal chemical imbalance. Because of its high likelihood of side effects and contraindications, it\u2019s often used as a last resort for those resistant to other types of antidepressants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Doses, Dosage Form, and Side Effects of Amoxapine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Common Amoxapine Doses and Forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Amoxapine is available as tablets color-coded according to dosage, as follows: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • 25mg: white<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 50mg: orange<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 100mg: blue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • 150mg: light orange<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Dosage usually begins at 25mg. If the patient tolerates the medication well, the dosage is gradually increased to between 200 and 300mg. Some individuals may need up to 400mg, but no prescription should be higher than this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Common Amoxapine Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        The most common side effects of amoxapine include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Drowsiness or fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Dry mouth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Vision changes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Common Amoxapine Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Amoxapine can interact adversely with many drugs and supplements, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Certain asthma medications <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Blood pressure drugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Motion sickness medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Antipsychotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Other antidepressants<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Thyroid supplements<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Opioid-based prescriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Anxiety medications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Sleeping pills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Muscle relaxers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Antihistamines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            How Much Does Amoxapine Cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Since amoxapine is a generic medication, it\u2019s available at lower prices. Depending on your insurance coverage and available discounts, a one-month supply may cost between $71 and $20.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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