Amitriptyline



Apo-AmitriptylineŽ; LevateŽ; Novo-Triptyn; PMS-Amitriptyline







Amitriptyline

(a mee TRIP ti leen)

Canadian Brand Names
Apo-AmitriptylineŽ; LevateŽ; Novo-Triptyn; PMS-Amitriptyline
Pharmacologic Category
Antidepressant, Tricyclic (Tertiary Amine)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • The desire to harm yourself is a serious symptom of depression. It may last until your depression is completely treated. If you are planning on harming yourself, dial 911 right away.
  • Please read the medication guide given to you.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to amitriptyline or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have any of the following conditions: Asthma, bleeding problems, glaucoma, nasal polyps, recent heart attack, or rhinitis.
  • If you are taking cisapride.
  • If you have taken isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine) must be stopped 14 days before this medicine is started. Taking the two together could cause dangerously high blood pressure.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent bedwetting in children.
  • This medicine is used to prevent migraine headaches.
  • This medicine is used to relieve chronic pain conditions.
  • This medicine is used to treat addiction disorder.
  • This medicine is used to treat anxiety.
  • This medicine is used to treat depression.
  • This medicine is used to treat eating disorders.
  • This medicine is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • This medicine is used to treat panic attacks.
  • This medicine is used to treat premature ejaculation.
  • This medicine is used to treat premenstrual mood disorder.
How does it work?
  • Amitriptyline increases chemicals in the brain.
  • In depression, sleep and appetite may improve quickly. Other depressive symptoms may take up to 4-6 weeks to improve.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at bedtime if it causes sleepiness.
  • Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Tablet can be crushed and mixed with food or liquid.
  • A liquid (drops, suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Shake suspension well before use.
  • Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • If you have been taking this medicine for several weeks, talk with healthcare provider before stopping. You may want to gradually withdraw this medicine.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
  • Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
  • You may have a higher risk for cavities.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
  • Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
  • Change in color of urine to blue or green.
  • Fast heartbeat.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • If you are planning to harm yourself or the desire to harm yourself increases.
  • Severe dizziness or passing out.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Unable to pass urine.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store at room temperature.
  • Protect from light.
  • Protect tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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