Australia. The total quantity of high-dose tricyclic antidepressants that can be obtained by patients at risk of suicide is a concern, reports the ADRAC. Due to concerns regarding the risk of suicide by tricyclic antidepressant overdose, the approved indications in Australia for the 50 and 75 mg preparations of dosulepin (Prothiaden; Dothep), doxepin (Deptran), amitriptyline (Endep) and trimipramine (Surmontil) have been limited to maintenance treatment. These agents remain available for the treatment of major depression, but highdose tricyclic antidepressants should be limited to patients who are not acutely depressed or suicidal.

Reference:

Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin, Vol. 23, No.5, October 2004. Available on the Internet at www.tga.gov.au