Question

question 75

a pharmacy technician is filling a prescription for amitriptyline (elavil) for a patient. the technician should recognize that which of the following is an adverse reaction to the medication?

• weight loss
• insomnia
• suicidal thoughts
• diarrhea

Explanation:

Identify drug class and mechanism

Using the Adverse Drug Reactions knowledge point
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that inhibits norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, while also blocking cholinergic, histaminergic, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors.

Analyze options against side effect profile

Using the Adverse Drug Reactions knowledge point

• TCAs cause weight gain (not weight loss) due to antihistaminic effects.
• TCAs cause sedation/drowsiness (not insomnia) due to antihistaminic properties.
• TCAs cause anticholinergic effects like constipation (not diarrhea).
• Antidepressants carry a black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Answer:

• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Suicidal thoughts (Correct answer)
• Diarrhea