NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt of the tricyclic dibenzocycloheptadiene amitriptyline with
antidepressant and antinociceptive activities. Amitriptyline inhibits the re-uptake
of norepinephrine and serotonin by the presynaptic neuronal membrane in the central
nervous system (CNS), thereby increasing the synaptic concentration of norepinephrine
and serotonin. Due to constant stimulation to these receptors, amitriptyline may produce
a downregulation of adrenergic and serotonin receptors, which may contribute to the
antidepressant activity. In the CNS the antinociceptive activity of this agent may
involve high affinity binding to and inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors
and/or the enhancement of the action of serotonin at the spinal terminals of an opioid-mediated
intrinsic analgesia system.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: A drug that is used to treat depression and may be given to treat anxiety,
sleep disorders, and pain. It is also being studied in an oral or gel form in the
treatment of nerve pain caused by chemotherapy. Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a type
of tricyclic antidepressant.;