Amitriptyline: Uses, Dosage, Price, Side Effects, Precautions & More

• Major depression
• OCD
• peripheral neuropathy
• chronic pain
• migraine prophylaxis
• Nocturnal enuresis

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How does Amitriptyline work?

• TCAs inhibit 5-HT and NE reuptake.
• TCAs block reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin by the inhibition of norepinephrine and serotonin transporters.

How to take Amitriptyline?

• Amitriptyline is taken as tablets or syrup every day.
• Since it has sedative effects, you should take it one or two hours before bedtime.

Amitriptyline Price In India

Common Dosage for Amitriptyline

• A single dose during bedtime because of the sedative effect.
• Usually, lower doses, 5-10 mg a day is advised gradually increasing to up to 20 mg.
• It takes at least 4 months to see improvement
• Do not stop the medication in between as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

When to avoid Amitriptyline?

• TCAs should not be given concurrently with MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline etc.)
• SSR inhibitor such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft) should also be avoided because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Precautions when taking Amitriptyline

• Before taking Amitriptyline, tell your doctor if you have any heart problem or any other issue.
• Do let your doctor know about the other medications, if any.
• Let your doctor know if you experience any change in mood or behavior after starting the medication.

Side Effects of Amitriptyline

Some reported side effects of Amitriptyline are:

• significant sedation
• atropine-like side effects (tachycardia, urinary retention, dry mouth)
• 3 TCAs (amitriptyline) have more anticholinergic effects than 2 TCAs (nortriptyline)
• Convulsions, Coma, Cardiotoxicity (arrhythmia due to Na+ channel inhibition)
• respiratory depression
• hyperpyrexia
• Confusion and hallucinations in the elderly due to anticholinergic side effects (nortriptyline better tolerated in the elderly)

Also Read: Baclofen Side Effect | Bupropion Side Effect | Cialis Side Effect

Effects on organs

• Heart- Myocardial infarction, stroke, nonspecific ECG changes, heart block, arrhythmias, hypotension, particularly orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, palpitation.
• CNS and Neuromuscular- Coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusion, disorientation, ataxia, tremors, peripheral neuropathy, dysarthria.
• Digestive- Hepatic failure, ageusia.
• Endocrine- Testicular swelling and gynecomastia in the male, breast enlargement in the female, elevation and lowering of blood sugar levels.

Storage Requirement about Amitriptyline

• Keep it in a dry, air tight container.
• Keep Amitriptyline away from direct heat or moisture.
• Keep it out of reach of the children.

Pro Tips When Consuming Amitriptyline

• Amitriptyline is not approved to be given to children below 12 years of age.
• You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Amitriptyline makes you sunburn easily.

FAQs

Is Amitriptyline addictive?

Amitriptyline is not addictive but a withdrawal of this may cause a headache for a few people.

Can I have Amitriptyline with alcohol?

No. The combination can cause severe health problems.

Any particular food item to be avoided?

Avoid grape juice and chocolate(high amount).

Can I have Amitriptyline when pregnant?

No. Amitriptyline is a category C drug which may cause harm.

Can I have Amitriptyline when feeding a baby?

No. Amitriptyline passes through milk and can harm the development of the baby.

Can I drive after taking Amitriptyline?

No, as Amitriptyline may impair your thinking.

What happens if I overdose on Amitriptyline?

Patients who overdose on TCAs can develop arrhythmias, have decreased reflexes, respiratory depression, and ultimately become hypotensive and comatose.

What happens if I eat expired Amitriptyline?

It is advised to not take expired medicines.

What happens if I miss a dose of Amitriptyline?

Take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take more than the dose for a missed one.

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