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Protriptyline

TCA • Brands: Vivactil

Last reviewed: 2025-09-27

General information

Indicated for: Depression; adjunct for narcolepsy-related somnolence.

Dosing & forms

  • Forms/strengths: —
  • Frequency: —
  • Food: —
  • Typical range: 15–60 mg/day (divided daytime doses)

Mechanism (brief)

Secondary amine TCA; increases norepinephrine with minimal sedation.

Metabolism & Half‑life

  • Metabolism: CYP2D6/CYP2C19 to active metabolites.
  • Half‑life: ~54 h.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

Recommended: Yes

Reference range: Therapeutic window 70–250 ng/mL.

View labelExact

Monitoring highlights

  • Blood pressure/heart rate (activating profile) — Baseline and each visit
  • Therapeutic levels and ECG — After steady state and if dose >40 mg/day

Sources