Source: Health Products Regulatory Authority (ZA) Revision Year: 2022 Publisher: Strides Pharma SA (Pty) Ltd, 106 16th Road, Building 2, Midrand
VEIKIRIN is contraindicated in:
VEIKIRIN should at all times be kept out of reach of children as even small doses may be fatal to them.
Peripheral anticholinergic adverse events such as dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention may occur. Patients may also experience pupillary dilatation, blurred vision and changes in visual accommodation. When anticholinergic affects are severe, VEIKIRIN should be discontinued or the dosage should be reduced.
Drowsiness, excessive sedation, disorientation and agitation may be caused in certain patients. Insomnia and restlessness may also occur. Drowsiness is often experienced at the start of treatment with VEIKIRIN.
Special caution should be observed in patients suffering from cardiac disease, as tachycardia, cardiac dysrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension and other unwanted effects on blood pressure may occur. There may also be an increase in conduction disturbances and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Regular cardiological and electrocardiographic examination is advised.
Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to orthostatic hypotension.
There is an increased risk of ventricular dysrhythmias when VEIKIRIN is used with medicines which prolong the QT interval.
Endocrine effects include changes in libido, sexual dysfunction, gynaecomastia, breast enlargement and galactorrhoea.
Changes in blood sugar concentrations may also occur and less frequently, hyponatraemia which may be due to the inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Caution should be observed with patients suffering from manic depressive psychosis as a shift towards the manic phase may occur. Should the patient enter into a manic phase, amitriptyline should be discontinued.
Patients with a history of suicide-related events or those experiencing a significant degree of suicidal ideation prior to the start of treatment should receive careful monitoring during treatment, as they are known to be at greater risk of suicidal thoughts or attempts.
The pressor effects of the direct-acting sympathomimetic medicines, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) are potentiated by VEIKIRIN.
Anaesthetics containing these vasoconstrictors should be avoided as hypertensive reactions may occur. When possible, treatment should be discontinued several days before elective surgery. If emergency surgery is unavoidable, the anaesthetist should be informed that the patient is being treated with VEIKIRIN.
Tricyclic antidepressants may counteract the antihypertensive effects of centrally acting antihypertensives.
VEIKIRIN should be used with caution in patients suffering from acute forms of porphyria.
VEIKIRIN should be used with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy, impaired liver function, cardiovascular disease, urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism, constipation, paralytic ileus and narrow angled glaucoma as these conditions may be aggravated by amitriptyline.
VEIKIRIN should be withdrawn if allergic skin reactions appear.
VEIKIRIN may enhance the effects of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, and barbiturates and anticholinergic medicines. Concomitant use should be avoided.
Unless essential, it is not advisable combine VEIKIRIN and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Hyponatraemia may be due to inappropriate excretion of the antidiuretic hormone Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to these adverse events and treatment should be initiated at lower than standard doses.
VEIKIRIN contains lactose which may have an effect on the glycaemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.
After prolonged administration, abrupt cessation of treatment may produce withdrawal symptoms namely headache, malaise, insomnia or irritability.
Simultaneous administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls) and VEIKIRIN may cause serotonin syndrome (a combination of symptoms such as hyperthermia, convulsions, myoclonus, confusion, agitation). A minimum of 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of a MAOI and starting VEIKIRIN, which should be introduced cautiously and dosage increased gradually (see section 4.3).
VEIKIRIN may counteract the antihypertensive effects of debrisoquine, bethanidine and clonidine (see section 4.3).
There is an increased risk of hypertension on clonidine withdrawal. All antihypertensive therapy should be reviewed during treatment with VEIKIRIN.
Antibacterials: Concomitant use of VEIKIRIN and linezolid may result [I]in CNS excitation and hypertension (see section 4.3). Plasma concentrations of amitriptyline may be reduced by rifampicin which reduces the antidepressant effect.
Concomitant use VEIKIRIN and reboxetine should be used with caution.
The plasma concentrations of amitriptyline, found in VEIKIRIN, may be increased by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRls). Fluoxetine which is an SSRI, significantly inhibits cytochrome P450 II D6, which is involved in the metabolism of VEIKIRIN and therefore significantly decreases the metabolism of VEIKIRIN which results in increased plasma concentrations. Patients should be monitored for increased antidepressant plasma levels and toxicity when VEIKIRIN is used concurrently with fluoxetine. Dosage adjustments of VEIKIRIN and/or fluoxetine may be required.
Alpha2-adrenocepter stimulants: Concomitant used of apraclonidine and brimonidine with VEIKIRIN should be avoided.
Analgesics: The risk of central nervous system (CNS) toxicity with VEIKIRIN is increased with tramadol. There is a possibility of increased sedation with opioid analgesics.
Anaesthetics: Concomitant therapy with VEIKIRIN and anaesthetics may increase the risk of dysrhythmias and hypotension. If surgery is necessary, the anaesthetist should be informed that the patient is being treated with VEIKIRIN.
Antidysrhythmics: Medicines which prolong the QT interval such as amiodarone, disopyramide, procainamide, propafenone and quinidine may increase the likelihood of ventricular dysrhythmias when taken with tricyclic antidepressants. Concomitant use with VEIKIRIN should be avoided.
VEIKIRIN should not be given with sympathomimetic medicines such as epinephrine (adrenaline), isoprenaline, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), phenylephrine, and phenylpropanolamine due to hypertension and dysrhythmias.
Methylphenidate may inhibit the metabolism of amitriptyline contained in VEIKIRIN and therefore increase the antidepressant effect of VEIKIRIN.
VEIKIRIN may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates and other CNS depressants.
Concomitant use of disulfiram may inhibit the metabolism of amitriptyline.
Concomitant use of VEIKIRIN and antiepileptics may lead to a lower convulsive threshold and seizures. Dosage adjustments may be necessary.
Barbiturates and carbamazepine may reduce the antidepressant effect of VEIKIRIN.
Antifungals: Fluconazole may increase serum concentrations of amitriptyline found in VEIKIRIN.
Antihistamines: Increased sedative and anticholinergic effects may occur when antihistamines are used concurrently with VEIKIRIN.
Antivirals: The protease inhibiter, ritonavir, may increase the serum levels of amitriptyline, found in VEIKIRIN, whose metabolism is mediated through cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. Careful monitoring of therapeutic and adverse effects is recommended when these medicines are used concomitantly.
Antipsychotics: Concomitant use of amitriptyline, which is found in VEIKIRIN, with pimozide and thioridazine may lead to an increased risk of ventricular dysrhythmias. Avoid concomitant use with pimozide and thioridazine. Concomitant use with antipsychotics may increase the plasma levels of amitriptyline and increase the anticholinergic effects of phenothiazines and possibly clozapine.
Beta-blockers: There is an increased risk of ventricular dysrhythmias when VEIKIRIN is taken with sotalol.
Calcium channel blockers: Verapamil and diltiazem may increase plasma concentrations of amitriptyline found in VEIKIRIN.
Diuretics: There is an increased risk of postural hypotension.
Dopaminergics: Concomitant use of VEIKIRIN and entacapone should be avoided. CNS toxicity has been reported with selegiline.
Muscle relaxants: Concomitant use of baclofen enhances the muscle relaxant effect.
Nitrates: Reduced effect of sublingual nitrates (due to dry mouth).
Estrogens and progestogens: Oral contraceptives antagonise the antidepressant effect of VEIKIRIN but adverse effects may be increased due to increased plasma concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants as per VEIKIRIN.
Excessive anticholinergic effects may occur when VEIKIRIN is combined with anticholinergic medicines. Paralytic ileus, urinary retention or acute glaucoma may be precipitated in elderly patients.
Cimetidine may reduce the hepatic metabolism of VEIKIRIN which may lead to increased plasma levels of amitriptyline.
St. John’s Wort may reduce plasma concentrations of amitriptyline which is found in VEIKIRIN thus decreasing the antidepressant effect.
Patients taking thyroid preparations may show an accelerated response to VEIKIRIN. Concomitant use of VEIKIRIN with thyroid hormones may precipitate cardiac dysrhythmias.
Safety and efficacy of VEIKIRIN during pregnancy has not been established (see section 4.3). Only limited data are available regarding exposed pregnancies. Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicity.
Safety and efficacy of VEIKIRIN during lactation has not been established (see section 4.3). Mothers on VEIKIRIN should not breastfeed their babies (see section 4.3).
Amitriptyline reduced the pregnancy rate in rats. No data on the effects of amitriptyline on human fertility are available.
At the time of initiation of therapy, patients should be advised not to drive a motor vehicle, climb dangerous heights or operate dangerous machinery for at least several days. In these situations, impaired decision making could lead to accidents.
Since adverse reactions such as drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision have been reported in patients receiving VEIKIRIN, patients should not drive, use machinery or perform any tasks that require concentration, until they are certain that VEIKIRIN does not adversely affect their ability to do so (see section 4.8).
VEIKIRIN may induce adverse events similar to other tricyclic antidepressants. Some of the below mentioned adverse events e.g. headache, tremor, disturbance in attention, constipation and decreased libido may also be symptoms of depression and usually attenuate when the depressive state improves.
| MedDRA system organ class | Frequency | Adverse reactions |
|---|---|---|
| Blood and lymphatic system disorders | Less frequent | Bone marrow depression including agranulocytosis, eosinophilia, leucopoenia, thrombocytopenia and purpura |
| Immune system disorders | Less frequent | Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rash, urticaria, photosensitization, oedema of face and tongue, angioedema |
| Endocrine disorders | Less frequent | Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH), hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | Less frequent | Increased appetite, weight gain, weight loss, anorexia |
| Psychiatric disorders | Less frequent | Confusional state, disorientation, agitation, insomnia, nightmares, delusions, hallucinations, mania or hypomania, excitement, anxiety, restlessness, disturbed concentration, behavioural changes, suicidal thoughts or behaviour |
| Nervous system disorders | Frequent | Drowsiness or excessive sedation |
| Less frequent | Dizziness, headache, peripheral neuropathy, numbness, paraesthesia, ataxia, tremors, coma, convulsions, altered EEG, extrapyramidal disorder including dysarthria (speech disorder), tardive dyskinesia and abnormal involuntary movements | |
| Eye disorders | Frequent | Accommodation disorder, blurred vision, increased intra-ocular pressure |
| Less frequent | Mydriasis | |
| Ear and labyrinth disorders | Less frequent | Tinnitus |
| Cardiac disorders | Less frequent | Tachycardia, palpitations, myocardial infarction, heart block, dysrhythmias, changes in atrioventricular conduction, nonspecific ECG changes |
| Vascular disorders | Less frequent | Hypotension, hypertension, postural hypotension, syncope, stroke |
| Gastrointestinal disorders | Frequent | Dry mouth, constipation |
| Less frequent | Diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, paralytic ileus, epigastric distress, dysgeusia, metallic taste, stomatitis, parotid swelling, black tongue | |
| Hepato-biliary disorders | Less frequent | Hepatitis (including hepatic impairment and cholestatic jaundice) |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders | Less frequent | Rash, alopecia |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | Less frequent | Increased risk of bone fractures |
| Renal and urinary disorders | Frequent | Urinary retention |
| Less frequent | Urinary frequency, urinary tract dilation | |
| Reproductive system and breast disorders | Less frequent Gynaecomastia, breast enlargement, galactorrhoea, testicular swelling, changes in libido, impotence, sexual dysfunction | |
| General disorders and administration site conditions | Frequent | Hyperthermia |
| Less frequent | Fatigue, weakness, increased perspiration |
VEIKIRIN should be used with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy, impaired liver function, urinary retention, prostatic hypertrophy, hyperthyroidism and narrow angled glaucoma as these conditions may be aggravated by VEIKIRIN.
Peripheral anticholinergic adverse events notably dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and pupillary dilatation with blurred vision and changes in visual accommodation, have been reported. When anticholinergic affects are severe, VEIKIRIN should be discontinued or reduced.
Simultaneous administration of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls) and VEIKIRIN may cause serotonin syndrome (a combination of symptoms such as hyperthermia, convulsions, myoclonus, confusion, agitation). A minimum of 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of a MAOI and starting VEIKIRIN, which should be introduced cautiously and dosage increased gradually (see section 4.3).
Caution should be observed with patients suffering from manic depressive psychosis as a shift towards the manic phase may occur. Should the patient enter into a manic phase, amitriptyline should be discontinued.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicine is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicine. Health care providers are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to SAHPRA via the “6.04 Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Form”, found online under SAHPRA’s publications: https://www.sahpra.org.za/Publications/Index/8
Not applicable.
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