Brand name:
Amitriptyline
Pronounced: ELL-uh-vil
Generic name: Amitriptyline hydrochloride
Why is Amitriptyline prescribed?
Amitriptyline is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of mental depression.
It is a member of the group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.
Some doctors also prescribe Amitriptyline to treat bulimia (an eating disorder),
to control chronic pain, to prevent migraine headaches, and to treat
a pathological weeping and laughing syndrome associated with multiple
sclerosis.
Most important fact about Amitriptyline
You may need to take Amitriptyline regularly for several weeks before it
becomes fully effective. Do not skip doses, even if they seem to make
no difference or you feel you don't need them.
How should you take Amitriptyline?
Take Amitriptyline exactly as prescribed. You may experience side effects,
such as mild drowsiness, early in therapy. However, they usually disappear
after a few days. Beneficial effects may take as long as 30 days to
appear.
Amitriptyline may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or
melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at the same time.
If you take a single daily dose at bedtime, do not make up for it
in the morning. It may cause side effects during the day.
Storage instructions...
Keep Amitriptyline in a tightly closed container. Store at room temperature.
Protect from light and excessive heat.
Amitriptyline side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Amitriptyline.
Older adults are especially liable to certain side effects of Amitriptyline,
including rapid heartbeat, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision,
sedation, and confusion, and are in greater danger of sustaining a
fall.
* Side effects may include:
Blurred vision, bone marrow depression, bowel problems, breast enlargement
(in males and females), constipation, dry mouth, hair loss, heart attack,
high body temperature, problems urinating, rash, seizure, stroke, swelling
of the testicles, water retention
* Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal
from Amitriptyline include:
Headache, nausea, vague feeling of bodily discomfort
* Side effects due to gradual dosage reduction may include:
Dream and sleep disturbances, irritability, restlessness
These side effects do not signify an addiction to the drug.
Why should Amitriptyline not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Amitriptyline
or similar drugs such as Norpramin and Tofranil, you should not take
Amitriptyline. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have
experienced.
Do not take Amitriptyline while taking other drugs known as MAO inhibitors.
Drugs in this category include the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you are recovering from a heart attack.
Special warnings about Amitriptyline
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Amitriptyline or
any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Amitriptyline is not approved for treating children
less than 12 years old.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Amitriptyline and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
Do not stop taking Amitriptyline abruptly, especially if you have been taking
large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease
your dosage gradually. This will help prevent a possible relapse and
will reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.
Amitriptyline may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Try to stay
out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and apply a sun block.
Amitriptyline may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you
should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any
hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know
how Amitriptyline affects you.
While taking Amitriptyline, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually
faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting
up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.
Use Amitriptyline with caution if you have ever had seizures, urinary retention,
glaucoma or other chronic eye conditions, a heart or circulatory system
disorder, or liver problems. Be cautious, too, if you are receiving
thyroid medication. You should discuss all of your medical problems
with your doctor before starting Amitriptyline therapy.
Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure,
tell the doctor that you are taking Amitriptyline. Certain drugs used during
surgery, such as anesthetics and muscle relaxants, and drugs used in
certain diagnostic procedures may react badly with Amitriptyline.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol
while taking Amitriptyline.
If Amitriptyline is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
that you consult with your doctor before taking Amitriptyline in combination
with the following:
Airway-opening drugs such as Sudafed and Proventil
Antidepressants that raise serotonin levels, such as Paxil, Prozac,
and Zoloft
Other antidepressants, such as amoxapine
Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Certain blood pressure medicines such as Catapres
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Drugs that control spasms, such as Bentyl and Donnatal
Estrogen drugs such as Premarin and oral contraceptives
Ethchlorvynol (Placidyl)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate
Medications for irregular heartbeat, such as Tambocor and Rythmol
Painkillers such as Demerol and Percocet
Parkinsonism drugs such as Cogentin and Larodopa
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Seizure medications such as Tegretol and Dilantin
Sleep medicines such as Halcion and Dalmane
Thyroid hormones (Synthroid)
Tranquilizers such as Librium and Xanax
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Amitriptyline during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. This medication appears in breast milk. If Amitriptyline is essential
to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Amitriptyline
ADULTS
Overdosage
An overdose of Amitriptyline can prove fatal. If you suspect an overdose,
seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of Amitriptyline overdose may include:
Abnormally low blood pressure, confusion, convulsions, dilated pupils and other
eye problems, disturbed concentration, drowsiness, hallucinations, impaired
heart function, rapid or irregular heartbeat, reduced body temperature, stupor,
unresponsiveness or coma
