A migraine headache is a common neurological condition characterized by painful and throbbing headaches. Some people also experience a change in perception. The symptoms of a migraine can be stressful and debilitating, as they last for hours or days. Amitriptyline may be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms of a migraine headache.
Migraine Headaches
People with migraines often describe their headaches as painful and pulsating. Some individuals with migraines experience unusual visions or smells that signal the onset of a migraine. Other symptoms of migraine headaches include vomiting, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to sound or light. Migraine headaches usually affect one side of the head and can last for a few hours to days. About 12 in 100 people suffer from migraine headaches, as reported by a study in the Jan. 30, 2007, issue of "Neurology."
Amitriptyline
Elavil -- amitriptyline is the generic name -- is a type of drug called a tricyclic antidepressant and is usually prescribed for depression. However, amitriptyline is also used to help prevent and treat migraine headaches, according to the Sept. 26, 2000, issue of "Neurology."
Side Effects
As described in the "Physician's Desk Reference," common side effects of amitriptyline include quickened heart rate, dizziness, vision difficulties, nausea, constipation, dry mouth and weight changes. Death may result from an overdose of amitryipline. Some people who start taking amitriptyline may experience increased suicidal thinking. Headache, nausea or dizziness may occur if a person suddenly stops taking amitriptyline. Irritability, restlessness and sleep difficulties sometimes occur with a reduced dose.
Drug Interactions
As noted in the "Physician's Desk Reference," the combination of amitriptyline and epinephrine may increase blood pressure. Amitriptyline should not be administered to people who recently took a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAOI, which is a type of antidepressant. MAOIs include isocarboxozid, or the brand name Marplan; tranylcypromine, or Parnate; and pheneizine, or Nardil. The side effects of amitriptyline may increase if the anti-heartburn drug Tagamet, generic cimetidine, is also taken.
Contraindicators
Amitriptyline is not advised for people who recently had a heart attack, as the drug may affect the heart, according to the "Physician's Desk Reference." People who experience seizures may have an increased risk of seizures when taking amitriptyline. Amitriptyline may contribute to increased eye pressure in some individuals with glaucoma.
References
- "Neurology"; How Common are the "Common" Neurological Disorders; Deborah Hirtz, MD, David Thurman, MD, Katrina Gwinn-Hardy, MD, Maha Mohamed, Asish Chaudhuri, PhD, and R. Zalutsky, PhD; Jan. 30, 2007
- "Neurology"; Practice Parameter: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Migraine Headache, An Evidence-Based Review: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee; Stephen Silberstein, MD; Sept. 26, 2000
- "Physician's Desk Reference"; PDR Network; 2010.
