Amitriptyline, oral tablet

Highlights for amitriptyline

1. Amitriptyline oral tablet is available as a generic drug. It’s not available as a brand-name drug.
2. Amitriptyline comes only as a tablet you take by mouth.
3. Amitriptyline oral tablet is used to help relieve symptoms of depression.

What is amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is a prescription drug. It comes as a tablet you take by mouth.

Amitriptyline oral tablet is not available as a brand-name drug. It’s only available as a generic drug. Generic drugs typically cost less than brand-name drugs.

Why it’s used

Amitriptyline is used to help relieve symptoms of depression.

How it works

Amitriptyline belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

Amitriptyline works on your central nervous system to increase the level of certain chemicals in your brain, which improves your depression.

Amitriptyline side effects

Amitriptyline can cause dizziness and drowsiness during the first few hours after you take it. If you notice drowsiness while you take this drug, your doctor may have you take your dose at bedtime.

Amitriptyline can also cause other side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of amitriptyline can include:

• confusion
• numbness and tingling in your arms and legs
• headache
• constipation or diarrhea
• blurred vision
• skin rash
• swelling of your face and tongue
• nausea
• unexpected weight gain or loss
• dizziness
• dry mouth

If these effects are mild, they may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Heart attack. Symptoms can include:
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • pain or pressure in your chest or upper body
• Stroke. Symptoms can include:
  • weakness in one part or side of your body
  • slurred speech
• Seizures
• Withdrawal (if you suddenly stop taking this drug). Symptoms can include:
  • headache
  • nausea
  • trouble sleeping
  • depression
  • mood swings
• Increases or decreases in blood sugar
• Suicidal thoughts or actions
• Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure when standing)

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Amitriptyline may interact with other medications

Amitriptyline oral tablet can interact with other medications, vitamins, or herbs you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.

To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with amitriptyline are listed below.

Drugs you should not take with amitriptyline

Taking certain drugs with amitriptyline may cause serious side effects. You should not take these drugs and amitriptyline at the same time. Examples of these drugs include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Examples of these drugs include:
  • phenelzine
  • tranylcypromine
  • selegiline

Using an MAOI with amitriptyline can lead to seizures or even death. Do not take an MAOI within two weeks of stopping amitriptyline, unless told to do so by your doctor. Also, do not start taking amitriptyline if you stopped taking a MAOI in the last two weeks, unless told to do so by your doctor. If you aren’t sure whether any of the drugs you take is an MAOI, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

• Quinidine. Taking this drug with amitriptyline could increase the amount of amitriptyline in your body. This could lead to dangerous side effects.

Drugs that cause more negative effects

Taking amitriptyline with certain drugs raises your risk of negative effects. Examples of these drugs include:

• Topiramate. Taking this drug with amitriptyline could increase the amount of amitriptyline in your body. This raises your risk of side effects. Your doctor may adjust your dosage of amitriptyline if you take it with topiramate.
• Sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. These drugs can increase the dangerous side effects of amitriptyline.
• Cimetidine. Taking this drug with amitriptyline could increase the amount of amitriptyline in your body. This raises your risk of side effects.
• Anticholinergic drugs. Examples include diphenhydramine, oxybutynin, solifenacin, and olanzapine. Taking these drugs with amitriptyline raises your risk of side effects such as fever, especially during hot weather.
• Neuroleptic drugs. Examples include clozapine, risperidone, and haloperidol. Taking these drugs with amitriptyline raises your risk of side effects such as fever, especially during hot weather.

How to take amitriptyline

All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• your age
• the condition being treated
• the severity of your condition
• other medical conditions you have
• how you react to the first dose

Forms and strengths

Generic: Amitriptyline

• Form: oral tablet
• Strengths: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg

Dosage for depression

Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)

• Typical starting dosage: 75 mg per day, usually in divided doses.
• Dosage increases: Your doctor will slowly increase your dosage if needed.
• Maximum dosage: 150 mg per day.
• Alternative dosage regimen: Start with 50 to 100 mg at bedtime. This may be increased by 25 or 50 mg as needed in the bedtime dose, for a total of 150 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 12–17 years)

Typical starting dosage: 10 mg three times a day with 20 mg at bedtime, for a total of 50 mg per day.

Child dosage (ages 0–11 years)

It hasn’t been confirmed that amitriptyline is safe and effective for use in children younger than 17 years.

Senior dosage (ages 65 years and older)

The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects.

Your doctor may start you on a lowered dose or a different dosing schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

Warnings

Worsening depression warning

You might experience an initial worsening of your depression, thoughts of suicide, and behavioral changes when you first start taking amitriptyline. This risk may last until the drug starts working for you.

Withdrawal symptoms warning

If you’ve been taking this medication for a long time, you should not stop taking it suddenly. Stopping it suddenly may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, and tiredness. Do not stop taking this drug without talking with your doctor. They will tell you how to slowly lower your dosage over time.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• skin rash or hives
• trouble breathing
• swelling of your face or tongue

If you develop these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction warning

The use of drinks that contain alcohol while taking amitriptyline raises your risk of serious side effects, including extreme drowsiness.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with heart disorders: Taking this drug could cause heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, and stroke. Do not take this drug if you’re recovering from a recent heart attack.

For people with bipolar disorder: Before starting you on treatment with antidepressants such as amitriptyline, it’s important for your doctor to check your risk of bipolar disorder. Your doctor should do this because a major depressive episode is usually the first symptom noticed in people with bipolar disorder. This drug should not be used in people with bipolar disorder.

For people with a history of seizures: Taking this drug raises your risk of seizures. If you have a history of seizures, your doctor will monitor you closely while you’re taking this drug. If you have a seizure while taking this drug, stop taking it and call your doctor right away.

For people with a history of glaucoma or increased eye pressure: Taking this drug could increase the pressure in your eyes. If you have a history of glaucoma or increased eye pressure, your doctor will monitor you closely while you’re taking this drug.

For people who have schizophrenia: This drug can worsen certain symptoms of schizophrenia. If you have this condition, let your doctor know before starting this drug.

For people who have urinary retention (difficulty emptying your bladder completely): Taking this drug can worsen urinary retention. If you have this condition, let your doctor know before starting this drug.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant women: Talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects to the fetus when the mother takes the drug. There haven’t been enough studies done in humans to be certain how the drug might affect the fetus. This drug should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk

For women who are breastfeeding: Amitriptyline passes into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk of side effects. These side effects include fast heart rate, difficulty urinating, constipation, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

For children: It has not been confirmed that this drug is safe and effective for use in children younger than 12 years. Use of this drug in children must balance the potential risks with the clinical need.

Take as directed

Amitriptyline oral tablet is used for long-term treatment. It comes with risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: If you don’t take amitriptyline, your depression may worsen. If you stop taking this medication suddenly you may have withdrawal side effects such as nausea, headache, and tiredness.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• irregular heart rhythm
• severely low heart rate
• convulsions
• hallucinations
• confusion
• stiff muscles

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222 or through their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: Over time you should notice an improvement in your symptoms of depression. This can take more than a month.

Important considerations for taking amitriptyline

Keep these considerations in mind if your doctor prescribes amitriptyline for you.

General

• You can take amitriptyline with or without food.
• You can cut or crush the tablet.

Storage

• Store amitriptyline at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). It can be kept for brief periods between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C).
• Keep this drug away from light.
• Don’t store this drug in moist or damp areas, such as bathrooms.

Refills

A prescription for this medication is refillable. You should not need a new prescription for this medication to be refilled. Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription.

Travel

When traveling with your medication:

• Always carry your medication with you. When flying, never put it into a checked bag. Keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Don’t worry about airport X-ray machines. They can’t hurt your medication.
• You may need to show airport staff the pharmacy label for your medication. Always carry the original prescription-labeled container with you.
• Don’t put this medication in your car’s glove compartment or leave it in the car. Be sure to avoid doing this when the weather is very hot or very cold.

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor will monitor your mental health while you take this drug. Be sure to tell your doctor about any unusual changes in your behavior and mood.

Are there any alternatives?

There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you than others. Talk with your doctor about other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.