This article looks at amitriptyline and why it may be prescribed.
It also discusses precautions, dosage, warnings, and side effects.
What Is Amitriptyline Used For?
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Amitriptyline is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating symptoms ofdepression.
This medication is meant to be taken every day for the prevention of depressive symptoms.
People usually have to take it for four to six weeks before seeing improvement.
Specifically, amitriptyline prevents the termination of the action of these neurotransmitters by preventing their uptake into membrane receptors.
Amitriptyline for Anxiety
Amitriptyline is sometimes prescribed off-label for generalized anxiety disorder.
Amitriptyline isn’t usually a first-line treatment for anxiety.
Your healthcare provider will probably want to try other medications before prescribing amitriptyline.
It may take weeks for symptoms to begin to improve.
Precautions and Contraindications
Amitriptyline can cause sleepiness.
Amitriptyline is not FDA-approved for children under age 12.
It also may increase suicide ideation and suicidality of people up to age 24.
People of all ages who start antidepressant medication should be monitored for suicidality and unusual changes in behavior.
Amitriptyline can interact with a number of prescription medications.
This medication is especially dangerous when combined with other antidepressants, such as other tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs.
Combining the two may make side effects more severe.
Modifications
According to the package label, hospitalized patients may require 100 mg a day initially.
This can be increased gradually to 200 mg or 300 mg per day if necessary.
If you have liver disease, your healthcare provider may prescribe a lower dose of amitriptyline for you.
If needed, this dose can be slowly increased under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
The amitriptyline dosage for anxiety may also be modified in light of amitriptyline drug interactions.
Sometimes amitriptyline is used when you have depression and pain.
Amitriptyline should be stored in the original container at 68 to 77 degrees.
Rarely, side effects emerge after months or even years of using this drug without side effects.
Some side effects are dose-related and might improve if your healthcare provider reduces your dose.
Severe
Amitriptyline may cause severe adverse effects.
If you experience serious side effects, your healthcare provider will likely give you instructions to discontinue taking amitriptyline.
Rare Side Effects
Amitriptyline has also been associated with severe side effects that occur very infrequently.
It is also prescribed off-label to treat many other conditions, including anxiety and chronic pain.
Amitriptyline can cause drug interactions and side effects, some of them severe.
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