What is Amitriptyline
 Amitriptyline
is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline
affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced
and cause depression.
Amitriptyline
is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings
of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily
activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much;
insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Amitriptyline
is also sometimes used to treat certain types of pain.
Amitriptyline
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Amitriptyline
It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel
better, but do not stop taking Amitriptyline without first
talking to your doctor.
Use caution when driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Amitriptyline
may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is
likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position.
Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while you are taking Amitriptyline.
What you should find out before taking
Amitriptyline
Do not take Amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14
days.
Before taking Amitriptyline, tell your doctor if you have:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- asthma;
- thyroid disease;
- diabetes;
- stomach or intestinal problems;
- high blood
pressure or heart disease;
- had a heart attack in
the last 6 weeks;
- an enlarged prostate or difficulty
urinating; or
- glaucoma.
You may not be able
to take Amitriptyline, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
Amitriptyline may be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Amitriptyline without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
Amitriptyline passes
into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take
Amitriptyline without first talking to your doctor if you
are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years
of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
such as drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, feeling uncoordinated,
and low blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a lower
dose of this medication.
How should take Amitriptyline Take Amitriptyline exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each
dose with a full glass (8 oz) of water.
Amitriptyline
may be taken several times a day or in one daily dose (usually
at bedtime). Follow your doctor's instructions.
Do
not stop taking Amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause
symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise.
It
may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better,
but do not stop taking Amitriptyline without first talking
to your doctor.
Store Amitriptyline at room temperature
away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If
it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose,
skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise
directed by your doctor.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of an Amitriptyline overdose include seizures, confusion,
drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, and low blood pressure
(dizziness, fatigue, fainting).
Avoid while taking Amitriptyline Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Amitriptyline may
cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Dizziness is
likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position.
Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
and dizziness while you are taking Amitriptyline.
Do not stop taking Amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause
symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise.
Possible side effects of Amitriptyline If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop taking Amitriptyline and contact your doctor
immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);
- seizures;
- a fast or irregular heartbeat;
- a heart attack;
- high blood pressure (blurred
vision, headache);
- difficulty urinating; or
-
fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness, or severe
muscle weakness.
Other, less serious side effects
may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Amitriptyline
and talk to your doctor if you experience
- drowsiness
or dizziness;
- dry mouth and eyes;
- constipation;
- mild tremor;
- sweating;
- mild agitation,
weakness, or headache;
- ringing in the ears;
-
nausea; or
- loss of weight or appetite.
Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Amitriptyline Do not take Amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14
days.
Amitriptyline may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Amitriptyline.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products. |
