Applies to: trimipramine, Abilify
(aripiprazole)
MONITOR: Agents with anticholinergic
properties (e.g., sedating antihistamines; antispasmodics; neuroleptics; phenothiazines; skeletal muscle relaxants;
tricyclic antidepressants; disopyramide) may have additive effects when used in
combination. Excessive parasympatholytic effects may result in paralytic ileus,
hyperthermia, heat stroke, and the anticholinergic intoxication syndrome.
Peripheral symptoms of intoxication commonly include mydriasis, blurred vision,
flushed face, fever, dry skin and mucous membranes, tachycardia, urinary retention,
and constipation. Central symptoms may include memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, hallucinations, psychosis, delirium, hyperactivity, twitching or jerking movements, stereotypy, and seizures.
Central nervous system-depressant effects may also be additively or synergistically increased when these agents are combined, especially in elderly or debilitated patients.
Use of neuroleptics in combination with other neuroleptics or anticholinergic agents may increase the risk of tardive dyskinesia.
MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when agents with anticholinergic properties are
combined, particularly in the elderly and those with underlying organic brain disease, who tend to be more sensitive to the central
anticholinergic effects of these drugs and in whom toxicity symptoms may be easily
overlooked. Patients should be advised to notify their physician promptly if they experience potential symptoms of
anticholinergic intoxication such as abdominal pain, fever, heat intolerance, blurred vision, confusion, and/or
hallucinations. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid activities requiring
mental alertness until they know how these
agents affect them. A reduction in
anticholinergic dosages may be necessary if
excessive adverse effects develop.