Uses of Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is used to treat depression. It is also used to treat neuropathic pain and prevents chronic headache and migraine.

Therapeutic Category

Amitriptyline: Antidepressants

How Amitriptyline works

Amitriptyline prevents the reuptake and hence the inactivation of neurotransmitters noradrenaline and serotonin, that are present at the nerve terminals in our brain. Reuptake prevention of these monoamine neurotransmitters potentiate their action in the brain. This appears to be associated with the antidepressant activity and helps in regulating the mood. It also stops the transmission of pain signals from nerves to the brain thereby relieving neuropathic pain due to damaged nerves.

Common side effects of Amitriptyline

• Sleepiness  
• Shakiness of hands or other parts of the body
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Irregular, hard or rapid heartbeat
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Weight gain
• Slurred or slow speech
• Aggression
• Problem with ability of the eye to change its focus from distant to near objects (and vice versa)
• Congested nose
• Confusion
• Sexual disturbances (problems with erection, decreased sex-drive)
• Changes in taste
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or arms
• Signs of low sodium concentration in blood such as nausea, vomiting, headache and confusion
• Urination disorder
• Feeling thirsty
• Agitation
• Disturbed coordination
• Dilated pupils

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• Signs of a severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• Signs of acute glaucoma (eye disorder) such as attacks of intermittent blurring of vision, rainbow vision and eye pain
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Signs of paralyzed intestine such as bad constipation, a swollen stomach, fever and vomiting
• Yellowing of the skin and the white in the eyes
• Signs of blood or bone marrow being affected with symptoms such as bruising, bleeding, pallor or persistent sore throat and fever
• Self-harming thoughts
• In case of accidental overdose or ingestion

Health Tips for Amitriptyline

• Adequate hydration is important for your overall health and can also help reduce certain side effects of amitriptyline, such as dry mouth. Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of amitriptyline and increase the risk of side effects. It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking this medication
• Amitriptyline is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women