Maprotiline and seizures

Abstract

Maprotiline has been reported to be less likely to cause epileptic seizures than the tricyclic antidepressants. The authors describe two cases in which patients suffered their first epileptic attacks while on therapeutic doses of maprotiline. They recommend that the newer antidepressants, as well as the tricyclics, should not be used with the aliphatic neuroleptics because of a possible additive or synergistic epileptic effect. If patients are to be withdrawn from C.N.S. depressants, then this should be accomplished prior to initiation of antidepressant therapy. Patients who are predisposed to seizures should have lower initial doses of antidepressants.