Amitriptyline: Drug Information

Brand Name: Celexa

Other names: Etrafon, Endep, Tryptizol, Elavil, Perphenazine, Amit, Amitone, Eliwel, Sarotena, Tadamit, Tryptomer, Kamitrin, Latilin

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Amitriptyline:

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat major depression, particularly associated with sleep disturbances. It is also used to treat anxiety associated with depression. In certain individuals, there is an imbalance that occurs due to over activity of neurotransmitters in the brain resulting in depression. Amitriptyline curbs this over activity in the brain by blocking the reuptake of adrenaline and serotonin and helps treat depression. This medicine is known to have a sedative action and individuals with endogenous depression respond to it far more than to any other medication.

How to take the medicine?

You must take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor who may gradually increase the dosage. You can take Amitriptyline with food before bedtime or late in the afternoon. This medicine is NOT recommended for children below the age of 12 years and caution is advised while administering it to the elderly.

Warning and Precaution:

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines or foods.

You must notify your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking Amitriptyline.

If you have a medical history of hypersensitivity, bipolar depression, conduction abnormalities, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, psychosis, asthma, enlarged prostrate, thyroid disorder, epilepsy, kidney disease, brain tumor or are recovering from MI, you need to tell your doctor.

Amitriptyline should NOT be given to patients on mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

DO NOT take alcohol with Amitriptyline as it increases drowsiness.

Drug Interactions:

Amitriptyline should NOT be given with Barbiturates as it reduces the serum level. Tell your doctor if you are on narcoleptics as taking the medicine with inhibit metabolism. Antiparkinson agents and antipsychotic drugs need to be avoided with Amitriptyline. The medicine should not be taken with MAOIs as it may result in convulsions, marked hyperplexia or coma.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of Amitriptyline include tachycardia, confusion, dizziness, postural hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, urinary retention, blurred vision, confusion, delirium, headache, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, tremors, constipation and weakness.