Amitriptyline treatment of agitation associated with anoxic encephalopathy.

A 43-year-old man exhibited agitation and nondirected aggression related to anoxic encephalopathy after a myocardial infarction. These symptoms abated upon treatment with amitriptyline, only to return upon its inadvertent discontinuation. The drug was well tolerated, in contrast to neuroleptics, which are frequently associated with serious side effects in this population. Although further experience is needed, amitriptyline may be an effective treatment option in agitation associated with anoxic encephalopathy.