Amitriptyline is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Amitriptyline is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Amitriptyline is also sometimes used to treat certain types of pain. Click link for brand name Amitripyline: Elavil. |  |
|
Usage:Amitriptyline is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Amitriptyline is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Amitriptyline is also sometimes used to treat certain types of pain.
Directions: Take Amitriptyline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass (8 oz) of water. Amitriptyline may be taken several times a day or in one daily dose (usually at bedtime). Follow your doctor's instructions. It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better, but do not stop taking Amitriptyline without first talking to your doctor.
Side Effects:If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Amitriptyline and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; difficulty breathing); seizures; a fast or irregular heartbeat; a heart attack; high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache); difficulty urinating; or fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness, or severe muscle weakness. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Amitriptyline and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; dry mouth and eyes; constipation; mild tremor; sweating; mild agitation, weakness, or headache; ringing in the ears; nausea; or loss of weight or appetite. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Amitriptyline may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Amitriptyline. Do not stop taking Amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise.
Drug Interactions: Do not take Amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days. Amitriptyline may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without first talking to your doctor. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Amitriptyline. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
If You Take Too Much:Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an Amitriptyline overdose include seizures, confusion, drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, and low blood pressure (dizziness, fatigue, fainting).
Missed Dose:Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage:Store Amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
|
|
 |
|
