Amitriptyline - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Information about Amitriptyline

Generic Name : Amitriptyline
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Amitriptyline are provided here.

Pronunciation : a mee trip' ti leen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Amitriptyline, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y49.0 Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Amitriptyline

India :

International :

Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip

Why is Amitriptyline Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a tricyclic antidepressant, prescribed for depression. It is also prescribed for migraine and nerve pain. It corrects the imbalance of chemical substances acting on the nervous system.

When should Amitriptyline not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients who are taking antihistamines, or who have taken MAOIs within the last 14days and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Amitriptyline?

Adult: PO- Depression- Initial:50-75 mg/day; up to 150 mg/day if needed. Max: 300 mg/day in severe cases.
Neuropathic pain- Initial: 10-25 mg/day at night, up to 75 mg/day if needed.
Migraine prophylaxis- Initial: 10 mg/day at night. Maintenance: 50-75 mg/day at night.

How should Amitriptyline be taken?

It comes as a tablet, to take by mouth, with or without food.

What are the side effects of Amitriptyline?

Body as a Whole- Lupus-like syndrome.
Liver- Liver failure.
Heart - Heart attack, stroke, nonspecific ECG changes, heart block, irregular heartbeat, low/high blood pressure, fainting, fast heart rate and palpitations.
Central Nervous System - Coma, seizures, hallucinations, delusions, confusion, disorientation, in coordination, unsteadiness, tremors, nerve disease, numbness, tingling, involuntary movements, poor concentration, excitement, anxiety, sleeplessness, restlessness, abnormal dreams, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and headache.
Allergic - Skin rash, hives, photosensitivity, swelling of the face and tongue.
Blood - Bone marrow depression including decreased blood cell counts and bruising.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, mouth ulcer, peculiar taste and diarrhea.
Eye and ENT - Blurred vision, dim vision, increased eye pressure, dilatation of pupil and dry mouth.
Genitourinary - Testicular swelling and breast enlargement in males, spontaneous flow of milk from the nipple in females, increased or decreased sexual drive, impotence, urinary retention and lowered blood sugar levels.
Miscellaneous - Hair loss, weight gain or loss, urinary frequency and increased sweating.

What are the other precautions for Amitriptyline?

This medication may develop with increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers; watch them carefully.
Monitor blood sugar level regularly while taking this medication.

What are the storage conditions for Amitriptyline?

Store it at room temperature, and in an airtight container. Keep away from children.

Schedule : H
Prescription drugs - Drugs to be sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.