Table 2.

2016 CPIC Dosing recommendations for tricyclic antidepressants based on CYP2D6 phenotype

PhenotypeImplicationTherapeutic recommendation
CYP2D6 ultrarapid metabolizerIncreased metabolism of TCAs to less active compounds compared to normal metabolizersAvoid tricyclic use due to potential lack of efficacy. Consider alternative drug not metabolized by CYP2D6
Lower plasma concentrations of active drugs will increase probability of pharmacotherapy failureIf a TCA is warranted, consider titrating to a higher target dose (compared to normal metabolizers)a. Utilize therapeutic drug monitoring to guide dose adjustments.
CYP2D6 normal metabolizerNormal metabolism of TCAsInitiate therapy with recommended starting doseb.
CYP2D6 intermediate metabolizerReduced metabolism of TCAs to less active compounds compared to normal metabolizersConsider a 25% reduction of recommended starting doseb. Utilize therapeutic drug monitoring to guide dose adjustmentsa.
Higher plasma concentrations of active drug will increase the probability of side effects
CYP2D6 poor metabolizerGreatly reduced metabolism of TCAs to less active compounds compared to normal metabolizersAvoid tricyclic use due to potential for side effects. Consider alternative drug not metabolized by CYP2D6
Higher plasma concentrations will increase the probability of side effectsIf a TCA is warranted, consider a 50% reduction of recommended starting doseb. Utilize therapeutic drug monitoring to guide dose adjustmentsa.

TCAs: Tricyclic Antidepressants

Dosing recommendations only apply to higher initial doses of TCAs for treatment of conditions such as depression.

The therapeutic recommendations for amitriptyline and nortriptyline are classified as “moderate” for intermediate CYP2D6 metabolizers, and “strong” for ultrarapid, normal, and poor CYP2D6 metabolizers. CPIC state that it may be reasonable to apply these recommendations to other TCAs also metabolized by CYP2D6, including clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, and trimipramine.

a

Titrate dose to observed clinical response with symptom improvement and minimal (if any) side effects.

b

Patients may receive an initial low dose of tricyclic, which is then increased over several days to the recommended steady-state dose. The starting dose in this guideline refers to the recommended steady-state dose.

Table has been adapted from Hicks J.K., Sangkuhl K., Swen J.J., Ellingrod V.L., Müller D.J., Shimoda K., Bishop J.R., Kharasch E.D., Skaar T.C., Gaedigk A., Dunnenberger H.M., Klein T.E., Caudle K.E. Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium Guideline (CPIC®) for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 Genotypes and Dosing of Tricyclic Antidepressants: 2016 Update. Clinical pharmacology and therapeutics. 2016 Dec 20 [Epub ahead of print] (2).

From: Imipramine Therapy and CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 Genotype

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