Uses of Amitriptyline+Gabapentin

The combination of Amitriptyline+Gabapentin is used in the treatment of neuropathic pain in adults.

Therapeutic Category

Amitriptyline: Tricyclic Antidepressants

Gabapentin : Antiepileptics

How Amitriptyline+Gabapentin works

Amitriptyline+Gabapentin works effectively in reducing the neuropathic pain where Amitriptyline effects are related to its mood-altering activities which acts by increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine as these substances are found to be low in the anxiety patients and Gabapentin acts by blocking the pain signals travelling through the damaged nerves and the brain and hence prevents nerve pain.

Common side effects of Amitriptyline+Gabapentin

• Sleepiness/drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, tiredness
• Dizziness while standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
• Irregular or fast heartbeat, heart block
• Eating disorder characterized by low body weight, increased appetite
• Anger, nervousness, difficulty with thinking, confusion, mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Jerky movements, loss of memory, tremor, headache, sensitive skin, decreased sensation (numbness), unusual eye movement, increased, decreased or absent reflexes, difficulty with speaking and coordination, difficulty sleeping
• Blurred vision, double vision
• Feeling of spinning (vertigo)
• High blood pressure
• Difficulty in breathing, sore throat, cough, dry and congested nose
• Vomiting, nausea
• Problems with teeth, inflamed gums
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, flatulence, dry mouth or throat
• Facial swelling, bruises, rash, itching, acne
• Muscles and joint pain, back pain, muscle twitching
• Difficulties with erection (impotence) in male
• Swelling in the legs and arms, weakness, pain, feeling unwell, difficulty with walking
• Increase in weight
• Rhythmic shaking movements of body parts
• Excessive sweating (anxiety)
• Slurred or slow speech
• Agitation (anxiety)
• Sexual disturbances
• Disturbance in attention
• Altered taste sensation
• Dilated pupils

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Swelling of the skin, lips and face
• Rash and redness and/or hair loss
• Signs of acute pancreatitis such as nausea and vomiting, persistent stomach pain
• Breathing problems, swollen glands 
• Severe weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Frequent infections, muscle pain
• Hives (nettle rash), facial swelling due to allergies (Quincke’s oedema or angioedema), difficulty in breathing, severe dizziness with very fast heartbeat and sweating
• Blistering of the skin and rapid deterioration of general condition, peeling of skin (including slight bleeding) of eyes, nose, mouth/ lips or genitals (Stevens Johnson-Syndrome, Lyell-Syndrome, Erythema multiforme) and sensitivity to light
• Eye pain, intermittent blurred vision, rainbow vision
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or white of the eyes)
• Persistent sore throat and fever
• Suicidal thoughts

Health Tips for Amitriptyline+Gabapentin

• Take Amitriptyline+Gabapentin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not skip doses or stop taking it without consulting your doctor
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and getting regular exercise, reduce stress
• Attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress
• Avoid alcohol and smoking while taking Amitriptyline+Gabapentin, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects
• Drink an adequate amount of water daily to prevent dehydration
• Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies
• Amitriptyline+Gabapentin is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women