What is Amitriptyline ?
Amitriptyline is a drug primarily used to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders,
- Amitriptyline, marketed as Elavil, is primarily used to treat psychiatric disorders.
- It is prescribed for major depressive and anxiety disorders.
- Additionally, it may be used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder, though these are less common indications.
Amitriptyline Uses
- Belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants.
- Treats mood disorders like depression.
- Alters the balance of natural brain chemicals, enhancing well-being, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and boosting energy levels.
- Works by modifying the equilibrium of certain natural chemicals in the brain, including neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Side effects of Amitriptyline
If you experience serious symptoms, contact your doctor promptly. If you have any negative side effects with Amitriptyline, stay away from it.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sleeplessness
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Nightmares
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Struggling to urinate
- Blurred vision
- Discomfort, burning, or tingling in your hands or feet
- Alterations of sex drive or capacity
- Sweating heavily
- Shifts in weight or appetite
- Uncertainty
- Unsteadiness
There are several very dangerous side effects. If any of the above symptoms apply to you, give your doctor a call right once.
- Slow or challenging speech
- Faintness or dizziness
- Weakness or numbness
- Chest Pain, Crushing
- Heartbeat, rapid, pounding, or irregular
- Extreme rash or hives on the skin
- Swelling of the tongue and face
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
- Spasms of the jaw, spine, and back muscles
- Uncontrollable shaking of a body part
- Uncommon hemorrhages or bruising
- Convulsions
- Hallucinating
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Get A Second OpinionHow is this drug meant to be used?
Take amitriptyline orally, one to four times daily, at consistent times. Follow your doctor's instructions precisely and consult them or your pharmacist for clarification if needed. Typically, starting with a low dose, your doctor will gradually increase it. It may take a few weeks to feel the full benefits, so continue even if you feel well. Do not stop abruptly without consulting your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Amitriptyline hydrochloride is prescribed for
- The management of adult major depressive disorder
- The management of adult neuropathic pain
- Prophylactic treatment of adult CTTH (Chronic Tension Type Headache)
- Migraine prophylactic therapy in adults
- Treatment for nocturnal enuresis in children aged 6 and above should be considered only after excluding organic pathology and trying other therapies without success.
- Prescription of this medication should be limited to experienced healthcare providers in managing chronic enuresis.
Precautions when Taking Amitriptyline
Allergies:
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to amitriptyline or any other medications.
Medication Guidance:
- Your doctor will guide you on when you should not take amitriptyline.
Other Medications:
- Share with your doctor and pharmacist all vitamins, supplements and herbal products you use.
- Especially mention if you are taking:
- Antihistamines
- Medications for mental illness, nausea, Parkinson's disease, seizures, ulcers or urinary problems
- Cimetidine
- Other antidepressants
Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem):
- Inform your doctor if you stopped taking fluoxetine in the last five weeks.
- Your doctor might adjust your dosage or closely monitor for possible side effects.
Heart and Alcohol:
- Inform your doctor if you've recently had a heart attack or if you consume alcohol regularly.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor.
- Avoid breastfeeding while taking amitriptyline.
Older Adults:
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, as this drug may not be as effective in older adults.
Surgery:
- Let your doctor know if you're scheduled for surgery, including dental procedures.
Alcohol Consumption:
- Bear in mind that alcohol will increase the drowsiness caused by this drug.
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Book an AppointmentDosage of Amitriptyline
- Overdose : Overdosing on this drug can be harmful, leading to severe symptoms like passing out or respiratory issues.
- Missed Dose: If you miss a dose of this product and use it daily, take it as soon as you remember. If it's near the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Storage of Amitriptyline
Store this medication at room temperature and away from moisture. Do not flush it down the sink or dispose of it in household waste. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal instructions, especially when it has expired or is no longer needed.
Important Guidelines for Using Amitriptyline
- Keep all your doctor and lab appointments to monitor your body's response to amitriptyline.
- Do not share this medication with others, and consult your pharmacist if you have questions about refilling your prescription.
- Maintain a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any dietary supplements, and bring it with you to all medical appointments or in case of emergencies.
Interactions of Amitriptyline
- Interactions may occur with drugs like arbutamine, disulfiram, thyroid supplements, certain bleeding/bruising medications (including NSAIDs and blood thinners), anticholinergic drugs, and certain high blood pressure medications like clonidine and guanabenz.
- MAO inhibitors should not be taken with amitriptyline, as it can cause a potentially fatal drug interaction. Patients should stop MAO inhibitors two weeks before and after using amitriptyline. Consult your doctor for guidance.
- Amitriptyline can interact with other drugs like amiodarone, cisapride, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, and macrolide antibiotics, affecting heart rhythm (QT prolongation). Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before using amitriptyline.
- Drug interactions can alter how your medications function or raise the risk of severe side effects. Keep track of all products you use and inform your doctor and pharmacist. Do not adjust medication doses without consulting your doctor.
Amitriptyline vs Gabapentin
| Amitriptyline | Gabapentin |
|---|---|
| Molar mass: 277.403 g/mol | Molar mass: 171.237 g/mol |
| Elavil | Neurontin |
| treat a number of mental illnesses | used to treat pains of neuropathic and partial seizures. |
| Formula: C20H23N | molecular formula of C9H17NO2 |
