Amitriptyline: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Amitriptyline is a prescription antidepressant of the tricyclic group, used to relieve the symptoms of depression. It usually takes some weeks to work. It can cause drowsiness, dry mouth and heart rhythm effects. It must not be stopped suddenly, and young people need close watching for mood changes early in treatment.
Also known as: Amitriptyline hydrochloride, Amitriptyline tablets, Amitriptyline 10 mg
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Amitriptyline work?
Amitriptyline is thought to block nerve cells from taking back the chemical messengers serotonin and noradrenaline, so more of them stay available in the brain. The exact way it works is not fully known.
How to take Amitriptyline
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. Doctors usually start with a low dose and raise it slowly. Your doctor decides the dose and how long you need it.
Side effects of Amitriptyline
Many side effects are mild, but amitriptyline can affect the heart and some effects need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Drowsiness, tiredness or dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty passing urine
- Weight or appetite changes
- Fast heartbeat or sweating
Rare but serious: get medical help
- New or worse low mood, or thoughts of harming yourself. Get help at once
- Chest pain, fainting, or a fast or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures, confusion or hallucinations
- Eye pain or vision changes
- Yellow skin or eyes, unusual bleeding or bruising
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a severe rash
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking amitriptyline, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Taking an MAOI antidepressant, or within 14 days of stopping one
- Taking cisapride
- In the recovery period soon after a heart attack
- Allergy to amitriptyline or any ingredient
- Children, teenagers and young adults: antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviour. The label says amitriptyline is not approved for use in children. Tell the doctor at once about new or worse mood or agitation
- Do not stop suddenly: this can cause nausea, headache and feeling unwell. Your doctor lowers the dose gradually
- Heart disease, or a recent heart attack
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Glaucoma, an enlarged prostate or trouble passing urine
- Bipolar disorder or past mania
- Liver disease or an overactive thyroid
- Older adults: more sensitive to dizziness, falls and confusion
- It can cause drowsiness: be careful driving or using machines. Alcohol adds to this
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before use
Medicines and things that interact with Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline can affect other medicines, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies and cold or allergy medicines.
- MAOI antidepressants: must not be combined; a gap of at least 14 days is needed after stopping an MAOI
- Other medicines that raise serotonin (SSRIs, tramadol, triptans, lithium): risk of serotonin syndrome
- Some SSRIs (such as fluoxetine or paroxetine), cimetidine and quinidine: they can raise amitriptyline levels
- Alcohol, sleeping tablets and other sedatives: more drowsiness
- Cisapride and other medicines affecting heart rhythm: must not be combined with cisapride
If someone takes too much
An overdose can be fatal and can seriously affect the heart, cause seizures and loss of consciousness. If someone has taken too much, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital at once and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. The schedule should be confirmed on the pack. Combination products contain other medicines too, so check the ingredient list on the pack.
Type of medicine
Amitriptyline belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Amitriptyline
These medicines sold in India contain Amitriptyline. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Tryptomer 10 · 10 mg tablet
What is Amitriptyline used for?
Medicines that contain Amitriptyline are used for these conditions.
Common questions
What is amitriptyline used for?
The label uses it to relieve the symptoms of depression. A doctor decides whether it suits you and for how long. It is a prescription medicine.
How long does amitriptyline take to work?
Full benefit can take several weeks, so keep taking it as prescribed even if you feel no change at first. Tell your doctor about side effects or worries rather than stopping.
Can I stop amitriptyline suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can cause nausea, headache and low energy. A doctor lowers the dose gradually. Do not stop on your own, even if you feel better.
Why is there a warning for young people?
Antidepressant labels warn of more suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, mostly early in treatment or after dose changes. Families should watch for new or worsening mood changes and contact the doctor promptly.
Is Tryptomer 10 the same as amitriptyline?
Tryptomer is a brand name for medicines containing amitriptyline. Check the strength on the pack and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Amitriptyline hydrochloride tablet, film coated: prescribing information (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine
- Amitriptyline. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine