This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Amitriptyline treats depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. How tricyclic antidepressants improve depression symptoms is not fully understood. They are thought to increase the activity of certain chemicals in the brain (norepinephrine, serotonin), which help improve mood.

How to Take

Amitriptyline is approved most commonly for the treatment of depression (clinical/endogenous depression, involutional melancholia). Adult typical dosages are 25 to 150 mg daily, with half this initially for elderly or adolescents. It may also be used to treat nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting). Children between the ages of 7 to 10 years having a dose of 10 to 20 mg, older children 25 to 50 mg at night. It should be gradually withdrawn at the end of the course, which overall should be of no more than 3 months.

Warning and Precautions

Before taking Amitriptyline make sure to tell your doctor if you’ve recently had heart problems, like if you’ve ever had glaucoma, hyperthyroidism or kidney disease also Amitriptyline is metabolized by the liver and should be used with caution in patients with liver dysfunction.

While on therapy with Amitriptyline, patients should be advised as to the possible impairment of mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Amitriptyline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdose

The central nervous system and heart are the two main systems that are affected. Initial or mild symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, a dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. More severe complications include hypotension, cardiac rhythm disturbances, hallucinations, and seizures.

If you suspect an overdose contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Storage

Amitriptyline should be stored at room temperature in a tight, light resistant container. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

The common side effects are: vomiting, weakness, headaches, dry mouth, constipation, change in sex drive and pain in the hands and feet. If you have chest pain, rapid heart beat, a bad rash, numbness in your limbs, uncontrollable shaking, seizures or hallucination you should inform your doctor immediately.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Amitriptyline. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.