Amitryptyline is a medication used to treat depression by balancing certain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, in your brain. It belongs to the class of drugs called tricylic antidepressants. Tell your doctor whether you suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes (elevated blood sugar levels) or trouble with urination as any of these can make amitriptyline less effective.
Effects on Your Heart
Amitriptyline can affect your heart rate and lead to tachycardia (fast heartbeats), palpitations (pounding heartbeats) or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), according to the National Library of Medicine. This medication can also affect your blood pressure, resulting in hypotension (low blood pressure), orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure with positional changes) or hypertension (high blood pressure). In severe cases, amitriptyline may cause a myocardial infarction (heart attack) or changes in your heart's electrical conductivity.
Effects on Your Psyche
Amitriptyline may cause new, or worsen existing, psychiatric symptoms. You may be anxious and develop panic attacks (anxiety accompanied with intense fear and physical symptoms), according to Drugs.com. In other instances, you can be impulsive, aggressive, irritable, restless or hyperactive. Severe depression may transform into suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Call your doctor if you experience these side effects.
Effects on Your Central Nervous System
Amitryptyline can contribute to seizures, lack of coordination, tremors and numbness or tingling of your extremities, states the National Library of Medicine. You may also have trouble speaking, have nightmares or feel fatigued.
Effects on Your Digestive System
According to the National Library of Medicine, amitriptyline can cause problems with your digestive system. You may experience nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, anorexia or diarrhea. A black tongue and swelling of your parotid (salivary glands) are also effects on your digestive system.
Other Physical Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, amitriptyline can also lead to dry mouth, dilated pupils and bone marrow depression--a condition where your body does not produce enough cells to fight infection and help in wound healing. Testicular swelling, gynecomastia (development of male breasts), changes in your sex drive and hair loss are other potential physical side effects.
Effects on Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Amitriptyline can pass into breast milk and harm your unborn baby, according to Drugs.com. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or want to breastfeed. Your doctor will find a safer medication to treat your symptoms.
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