Recodep

Approved Indications:

• Moderate to Severe Depression with Anxiety:
  Indicated for the treatment of patients suffering from moderate to severe depression accompanied by significant anxiety or agitation.
• Depressive Neurosis:
  Useful in treating anxiety-depression in patients with neurotic tendencies or chronic somatization.
• Mixed Anxiety and Depressive Disorders:
  Used for patients presenting with overlapping symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly when insomnia is present.

Clinically Accepted Off-Label Uses:

• Psychosomatic Disorders with Anxiety and Depression:
  Utilized in patients with chronic pain, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome), or cardiac neurosis where anxiety and depressive symptoms co-exist.
• Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome:
  Occasionally prescribed in alcohol-dependent patients for short-term management of withdrawal-related anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Adults:

• Initial Dose:
  1 to 2 tablets per day (typically one tablet in the evening or at bedtime).
• Maintenance Dose:
  2 to 3 tablets daily in divided doses or as directed based on response.
• Maximum Dose:
  Should not exceed 150 mg of amitriptyline and 20 mg of chlordiazepoxide per day (combined strength limits).

Elderly and Debilitated Patients:

• Start with the lowest effective dose (e.g., 1 tablet at bedtime).
• Titrate slowly with close monitoring for sedation, hypotension, or confusion.

Pediatrics:

• Not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years due to safety concerns and risk of suicidal ideation.

Renal Impairment:

• Use cautiously; dose adjustment may not be necessary for mild to moderate renal dysfunction, but close monitoring is advised.

Hepatic Impairment:

• Use with caution; chlordiazepoxide is extensively metabolized by the liver. Start at lower doses and monitor hepatic function.

Administration:

• Oral tablets should be swallowed whole with water, preferably at bedtime or as directed by a physician.
• May be taken with or without food.

Duration:

• Duration of therapy is individualized based on clinical response. Re-evaluate long-term use periodically.

This combination works through a dual mechanism involving both the tricyclic antidepressant and anxiolytic pathways:

• Amitriptyline Hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the presynaptic terminals, enhancing their levels in the synaptic cleft. It also has sedative and anticholinergic properties, which help reduce insomnia and agitation.
• Chlordiazepoxide is a long-acting benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, leading to anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.

Together, the combination provides synergistic relief from both depressive and anxiety symptoms, especially in patients with comorbid insomnia or psychomotor agitation.

Amitriptyline:

• Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Bioavailability: ~30–60% (due to first-pass metabolism).
• Onset of Action: Antidepressant effects may take 2–3 weeks.
• Distribution: Highly protein-bound (~95%).
• Metabolism: Extensively hepatic (CYP2D6) to active metabolite nortriptyline.
• Half-Life: 10–28 hours (parent), ~30 hours (nortriptyline).
• Excretion: Mainly via urine as metabolites.

Chlordiazepoxide:

• Absorption: Well absorbed orally.
• Bioavailability: ~80–90%.
• Distribution: Widely distributed; crosses blood-brain barrier.
• Metabolism: Hepatic via CYP3A4 to active metabolites (e.g., desmethyldiazepam).
• Half-Life: 5–30 hours (parent); active metabolites may have longer half-lives (up to 100 hours).
• Excretion: Renally as metabolites.

• Pregnancy:
  Both drugs are classified under Category D (risk to fetus). Amitriptyline may be associated with neonatal withdrawal or respiratory depression. Chlordiazepoxide may cause fetal malformations or withdrawal symptoms. Use only if no safer alternative is available and benefits outweigh risks.
• Lactation:
  Both drugs are excreted into breast milk. May cause sedation, poor feeding, or respiratory depression in the infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during therapy.

• Primary Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant + Benzodiazepine
• Subclasses:
• Amitriptyline: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) – tertiary amine
• Chlordiazepoxide: Anxiolytic – Long-acting Benzodiazepine

• Known hypersensitivity to amitriptyline, chlordiazepoxide, or other TCAs/benzodiazepines
• Severe liver impairment
• Glaucoma (especially angle-closure)
• History of recent myocardial infarction
• Use of MAO inhibitors within 14 days
• Pregnancy and lactation (unless absolutely necessary)
• Severe respiratory insufficiency
• Porphyria

• Suicidal Ideation: Increased risk in adolescents and young adults during early treatment phase.
• CNS Depression: Caution when operating machinery or driving.
• Drug Dependence and Withdrawal: Prolonged use of chlordiazepoxide may cause physical dependence.
• Elderly: Increased risk of falls, confusion, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension.
• Seizure Risk: Amitriptyline may lower seizure threshold.
• Anticholinergic Effects: Monitor for urinary retention, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision.
• Alcohol Interaction: Additive CNS depressant effects. Avoid alcohol.
• QT Prolongation: Risk of arrhythmias; ECG monitoring advised in high-risk patients.
• Tapering Required: Discontinuation should be gradual to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Common Side Effects:

• CNS: Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, headache, confusion (especially in elderly)
• Gastrointestinal: Dry mouth, constipation, nausea, appetite changes
• Cardiovascular: Orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia
• Genitourinary: Urinary retention, sexual dysfunction
• Others: Weight gain, fatigue, blurred vision

Serious or Rare Side Effects:

• Seizures
• Hepatotoxicity
• Agranulocytosis or blood dyscrasias
• Worsening depression or emergence of suicidal thoughts
• Withdrawal symptoms on abrupt discontinuation
• Respiratory depression (especially with benzodiazepine overdose)

• MAO Inhibitors: Contraindicated; risk of hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome.
• SSRIs or SNRIs: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• CNS Depressants (alcohol, opioids, antihistamines): Potentiation of sedative effects.
• Anticholinergics: Enhanced anticholinergic toxicity.
• CYP Inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, cimetidine): May increase plasma levels of amitriptyline.
• Enzyme Inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): May decrease efficacy of both agents.
• QT-Prolonging Drugs: Additive cardiac risk.

• Safety Labeling (2023–2024):
• Updated warnings regarding increased risk of falls and fractures in elderly patients.
• Reinforcement of depression monitoring and suicide risk in adolescents.
• Benzodiazepine-related dependence risk emphasized—recommended for short-term use only when possible.
• Guideline Note: Combination therapy is typically reserved for moderate to severe cases where monotherapy fails or dual pathology exists (e.g., depression + anxiety).

• Storage Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F)
• Humidity Protection: Keep in a dry place; protect from moisture
• Light Sensitivity: Protect from light; store in original blister packaging
• Handling: Keep out of reach of children. Do not crush or split unless scored.
• Shelf Life: Follow expiry date printed on packaging. Dispose unused medication safely.