Brand names Domical, Elavil, Lentizol, Tryptizol
Used in the following combined preparations None
General Information
Amitriptyline belongs to the class of antidepressant drugs known as the tricyclics. The drug is used mainly in the long-term treatment of depression. It elevates mood, increases physical activity, improves appetite, and restores interest in everyday activities.
More sedating than similar drugs, amitriptyline is useful when depression is accompanied by anxiety or insomnia. Taken at night, the drug encourages sleep and helps to eliminate the need for additional sleeping drugs. This drug is sometimes used to treat nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in children.
In overdose, amitriptyline may cause coma, fits, and dangerously abnormal heart rhythms.
Information For Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.
How taken
Tablets, SR-capsules, liquid, injection.
Frequency and timing of doses
1-4 x daily, often as a single dose at night.
Adult dosage range
50-150mg daily.
Onset of effect
Sedation can appear within hours, although full antidepressant effect may not be felt for 2-4 weeks.
Duration of action
Antidepressant effect may last for 6 weeks; adverse effects, only a few days.
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 3 hours, take a
single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
An abrupt stop can cause withdrawal symptoms and a recurrence of the original
trouble. Consult your doctor, who may supervise a gradual reduction in dosage.
Overdose Action
Seek immediate medical advice in all cases. Take emergency action if palpitations are noted or consciousness is lost.
See Drug poisoning emergency guide.
Possible Adverse Effects
The possible adverse effects of this drug are mainly the result of its
anticholinergic action and its blocking action on the transmission of signals through the heart.
Interactions
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
In the rare cases where these drugs are given with amitriptyline, there is a possibility of serious interactions.
Sedatives
All drugs that have sedative effects intensify those of amitriptyline.
Quick Reference
Drug group Tricyclic antidepressant drug
Overdose danger rating High
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic Yes
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have heart problems. You have had epileptic fits.
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have had glaucoma.
You have prostate trouble.
You have thyroid disease.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk and may affect the baby. Discuss with your
doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended under 16 years for depression, or under 6 years for enuresis.
Over 60
Reduced dose may be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how amitriptyline affects you
because the drug may cause blurred vision and reduced alertness.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this drug.
Surgery and general anaesthetics
Amitriptyline treatment may need to be stopped before you have a general
anaesthetic. Discuss this with your doctor or dentist before any operation.
Prolonged Use
No problems expected.
