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

What is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It acts on chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression.

Manufactured By – Densa Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

Other variants and composition – 

Amitryptyline 10Mg Tablet – Amitriptyline 10 MG

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Uses of Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is used to cure:

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

Also Read: Acetaminophen Uses | Albuterol Uses

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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.

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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.

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Amitriptyline Price In India

Specifics	Amitriptyline Price
10 mg Strip of 10 Tablets	Rs 11.90
25 mg Strip of 25 Tablets	Rs 19.90

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Also read about other medicine: Januvia