What is "protriptyline"

n. A particular tricyclic antidepressant, also used to treat ADHD.

n. tricyclic antidepressant used to treat clinical depression

Protriptyline (Vivactil) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), specifically a secondary amine, indicated for the treatment of depression and ADHD. Unique among the TCAs, protriptyline tends to be energizing instead of sedating, and is sometimes used for narcolepsy to achieve a wakefulness-promoting effect.

TCAs including protriptyline are also used to reduce the incidence of recurring headaches such as migraine, and for other types of chronic pain. This drug can also be used for sleep apnea treatment along with a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor.

Its sale was discontinued in the UK, Australia, and Republic of Ireland in 2000.