Moderate
Amitriptyline × Enalapril
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)×Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)
Mechanism
Additive orthostatic hypotension. Enalapril (ACE-I) dilates vessels; amitriptyline blocks α1-adrenoceptors and reduces compensatory response. Older patients: fall and delirium risk.
Symptoms
Postural dizziness, syncope, fatigue. Older patients: fall and fracture risk.
Management
In older patients, check standing and sitting blood pressure 1–2 weeks after starting amitriptyline. For neuropathic pain, alternative: gabapentin or pregabalin (no α1-blockade).