Amitriptyline belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants.
It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
Dosage and administration
Read the Medication Guide before starting amitriptyline and with each refill.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 4 times daily.
If taken once daily, take it at bedtime to reduce daytime sleepiness.
Dosage is based on medical condition and response to treatment.
To lower risk of side effects, start at a low dose and increase gradually.
Take regularly at the same time(s) each day for maximum benefit.
Do not increase dose or use more often or longer than prescribed.
Condition won’t improve faster by doing so, but risk of side effects increases.
Keep taking even if feeling well, do not stop without consulting doctor.
Some conditions may worsen if stopped suddenly; consult doctor for tapering.
Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
Medication may take up to 4 weeks for full effect.
Inform doctor if condition persists or worsens, including worsening sadness or suicidal thoughts.
Side effects
Possible side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, or trouble urinating.
Notify your doctor or pharmacist if these effects persist or worsen.
To reduce the risk of dizziness, rise slowly from sitting or lying.
To relieve dry mouth, try sucking on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute.
Prevent constipation by consuming dietary fiber, adequate water, and exercise; a laxative may be needed.
Remember the benefit of this medication outweighs the risk of side effects, as judged by your doctor.
Inform your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like persistent heartburn, easy bleeding/bruising, shaking, muscle spasms, severe abdominal pain, or changes in sexual ability/desire.
Seek immediate medical help for very serious side effects such as black stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, or vision changes.
Rarely, this medication may cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome; seek medical help if you experience symptoms like fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, or fast/irregular heartbeat.
A severe allergic reaction to this drug is rare but requires immediate medical attention; symptoms may include rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
This list may not cover all possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other effects.
Precautions
Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you are allergic to amitriptyline or other tricyclic antidepressants, or if you have any allergies.
This medication may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have bleeding problems, breathing problems, liver problems, recent heart attack, problems urinating, overactive thyroid, personal or family history of glaucoma or mental/mood conditions, family history of suicide, seizures, or conditions that may increase your risk of seizures.
Amitriptyline may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm, which can be serious or fatal. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms such as fast/irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause it. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you are taking and any relevant medical conditions.
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may increase your risk of QT prolongation. Discuss this with your doctor if you are using amitriptyline.
This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid activities that require alertness or clear vision until you can do them safely. Alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects.
Inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you use before having surgery.
Limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing while outdoors. Inform your doctor if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels regularly as this drug may affect control. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, and QT prolongation. Falling risk may increase due to dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.
Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy, as well as if you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as this medication passes into breast milk and the effects on a nursing infant are unknown.
Additional information
Brand Name:
Elavil
Scientific Name:
Amitriptyline
Other Names:
Amitriptyline, Elavil
Strength(s):
10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg
Quantities Available:
100
Formulation:
Film Coated Tablet, Tablet
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Elavil
Amitriptyline
