Can I take Amitriptyline and Tizanidine together?

Why this happens

Both drugs have a 'depressing' effect on the central nervous system (brain and nerves). When used together, these effects are added together (additive effect). Additionally, both medications can lower blood pressure and slow down your heart rate.

What you should do

You should speak to your doctor before taking these two medicines together. If your doctor prescribes both, they may start you on a lower dose and monitor you closely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this combination affects you. Seek medical help immediately if you feel very faint, confused, or have a very slow heartbeat.

Important precautions

Suicidal thoughts and mood changes

Amitriptyline can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, particularly when first starting treatment or changing doses. Seek immediate medical help if your mood changes or you feel depressed.

Drowsiness and coordination

Both medicines cause significant drowsiness and slow your reactions. Taking them together greatly increases this effect, making it dangerous to drive, use tools, or operate machinery until you know how they affect you.

Liver or kidney problems

You must not take tizanidine if you have severe liver problems. If you have kidney issues, your doctor must start you on a very low dose, as the medicine can build up to dangerous levels in your body.

Heart conditions

Do not take amitriptyline if you have recently had a heart attack or have certain heart rhythm disorders (such as heart block), as it can affect the electrical signals in your heart.

Food and drink warnings

Alcohol

You must avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking these medicines. Both amitriptyline and tizanidine cause drowsiness and dizziness; alcohol significantly increases these effects, which can lead to dangerous levels of sedation, impaired coordination, and breathing difficulties.

Caffeine (Coffee, Tea, Energy Drinks)

Caffeine can interfere with how your body breaks down tizanidine. This can lead to higher levels of the medicine in your blood, increasing the risk of side effects like very low blood pressure, a slow heart rate, or extreme drowsiness.

Using other medicines

Taking multiple medicines? Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check whether your prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements are safe to take together. Simply search for your medicines to see potential interactions and what to do about them.

Disclaimer

This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your medications. Individual circumstances may vary, and only a healthcare professional who knows your medical history can provide personalised guidance.