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.
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Get A Second OpinionAmitriptyline 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
How 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
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to amitriptyline or any other medications.
- Your doctor will guide you when you should not take amitriptyline.
- Share with your doctor and pharmacist all vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use, especially antihistamines, mental illness, nausea, Parkinson's disease, seizures, ulcers, or urinary problems cimetidine, and other antidepressants.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you stopped taking fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem) in the last five weeks. They might change the dosage on your prescription or closely monitor any possible side effects.
- Inform your doctor if you've recently had a heart attack or if you consume alcohol regularly.
- Pregnant or planning for pregnancy? Inform your doctor, and avoid breastfeeding while taking amitriptyline.
- Older adults should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor, as this drug may not be as effective.
- Let your doctor know if you're scheduled for surgery, including dental procedures.
- Bear in mind that alcohol will add to the drowsiness this drug induces.
Dosage 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 |
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
To treat mental disorders such as depression, this drug is used. It can help boost the feelings of mood and well-being, increases anxiety and stress, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy level. This drug belongs to a class of medicines which is known as tricyclic antidepressants.
Yes, Amitriptyline is safe to take for a longer period of time. There do not seem to be any long-lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months or years.
Amitriptyline comes from a group of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. They are thought to function in your brain by growing a chemical called serotonin. This will make your mood better.
Amitriptyline may take several weeks to start alleviating migraine symptoms effectively, as it needs time to build up in the system. Patients often notice improvements in migraine frequency and severity after four to six weeks of consistent use, but individual responses may vary.
The maximum dose of Amitriptyline typically ranges from 150 to 300 milligrams per day, depending on the individual's condition and response to treatment. However, dosages may vary based on factors such as age, medical history, and other medications being taken, and should be determined by a healthcare professional.
