1. Amitriptyline for Many Ailments
Amitriptyline is a tricylic antidepressant drug primarily prescribed for depression. However, it has other uses for which your doctor may prescribe it, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, some types of pain, prevention of migraines, eating disorders and insomnia. The dosage varies depending on the reason your doctor prescribes it. Tricylic antidepressant drugs work by making more serotonin and norepinephrine available to receptors in the brain.
2. Warning About Antidepressant Drugs
The Federal Drug Administration, doctors and pharmaceutical companies have become concerned about the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions by those taking antidepressant drugs. Teenagers and young adults are of particular concern. You and your doctor should talk about these risks and weigh them against the benefits, as well as discuss alternatives. If you or someone in your care is taking an antidepressant, call your doctor immediately if you notice irritability, anxiety, increased depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, aggression, impulsive behavior, insomnia or any other changes in mood or behavior. Pay close attention if the dosage is changed or when a person first begins taking amitriptyline.
3. Other Amitriptyline Side Effects
Most amitriptyline side effects aren't cause for alarm, as long as they don't get worse and go away as the body adjusts to the medication. These include rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty urinating and changes in appetite. Contact your pharmacist if you have any symptoms that concern you. Severe side effects are unlikely, but include irregular heartbeat, weakness in one leg or arm, loss of coordination, skin rash, chest pain, swelling of the face or tongue, yellowing of the eyes or skin, fainting, unusual bruising or bleeding, shakiness and muscle spasms. Contact your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
4. Not as Simple as Swallowing a Pill
Besides following your doctor's dosage instructions, you should be aware of other considerations when taking amitriptyline. Read the patient information provided by your pharmacist and ask questions if you have any concerns. Because it takes a few weeks for amitriptyline to reach its full effectiveness, your doctor may adjust the dosage over the first few weeks. Take your medication at the same time daily with or without food. If your doctor prescribes only one dose per day, take it at bedtime when drowsiness won't be a problem. Don't stop taking this medication suddenly or without your doctor's approval.
5. Be Careful About Mixing Meds
Discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor before beginning treatment with amitriptyline. Some medications don't mix with this antidepressant drug, including MAO inhibitors, arbutimine, sibutramine, iomeprol and lumefantrine. Also inform your doctor and pharmacist of any over-the-counter medications or herbals you are taking so they can alert you to anything that might cause a bad interaction.
