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Amitriptyline - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Amitriptyline Medication Information

Learn everything you need to know about Amitriptyline-pronunciation, uses, dosage guidelines, indications, and when to take or avoid it.

Get up-to-date information on side effects, precautions, warnings, and proper storage to ensure safe usage.

Explore Amitriptyline brand names commonly used in India and internationally, along with detailed pricing information. Consult your healthcare provider for tailored medical advice.

Generic Name : Amitriptyline
Pronunciation : a mee trip' ti leen
ICD Code : Y49.0 Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics

Brand Names or Trade 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 warnings and precautions for Amitriptyline?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of irregular heartbeat, heart disease, chest pain, liver disease, prostate problems, overactive thyroid, urinary retention, suicidal thoughts, alcohol addiction, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, do not drive a car or operate machinery, get up slowly from bed while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• Patient may develop with involuntary muscle movements; if it so consult with your doctor immediately.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.

• It may cause heatstroke, protect from hot weather.

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.

Amitriptyline : Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Amitriptyline have a black-box warning?

A: Amitriptyline is labelled with a black-box warning in adolescents and young adults because it increases the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour(1 Trusted Source
Duty to Warn: Antidepressant Black Box Suicidality Warning Is Empirically Justified

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).

Q: When is the best time to take Amitriptyline?

A: Amitriptyline is available as a tablet to be taken orally one to four times a day. Take amitriptyline at the same time every day(2 Trusted Source
Amitriptyline

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).

Q: What happens if Amitriptyline is taken more than the recommended dose?

A: Amitriptyline toxicity can be severe, even fatal. Amitriptyline overdose may cause neurological (seizure, coma), cardiac (tachycardia, hypotension), and anticholinergic symptoms (dilated pupils, dry mouth, urinary retention)(3 Trusted Source
Amitriptyline

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).

Q: Does Amitriptyline cause weight gain?

A: Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of amitriptyline. Antidepressants can increase appetite, stimulate carbohydrate cravings causing weight gain(4 Trusted Source
Psychotropic drug induced weight gain: mechanisms and management

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).

Q: Who should avoid taking Amitriptyline?

A: Amitriptyline is not recommended for patients who have a history of arrhythmias, a recent myocardial infarction, or heart failure, and should be used with caution in those who have angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, or seizures(3 Trusted Source
Amitriptyline

Go to source
).


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