Amitriptyline

About amitriptyline

Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants. It has been traditionally prescribed for the treatment of depression, although it is rarely used for this nowadays.

Amitriptyline is commonly prescribed to help ease certain types of nerve pain, and also to help prevent migraines. It can also be used to help children with bedwetting problems (nocturnal enuresis).

Before taking amitriptyline

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking amitriptyline it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have an overactive thyroid gland.

• If you have a problem with the way your liver works.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have high blood sugar levels (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have had problems with constipation.

• If you have any difficulties passing urine, or if you have had prostate trouble.

• If you have a heart disorder or blood vessel disease.

• If you have ever had a mental health problem (in particular, bipolar disorder or psychosis).

• If you have increased pressure in your eyes, a condition called glaucoma.

• If you have been told you have a tumour on your adrenal gland, called phaeochromocytoma.

• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.

• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. This is especially important if you have recently taken a medicine for depression, known as a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take amitriptyline

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about amitriptyline and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take amitriptyline exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually prescribed as a single dose to be taken at bedtime, although your dose may differ from this. The directions for taking it will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you what the doctor has said to you. If you have any questions about what dose to take, ask your pharmacist for advice.

• Your doctor is likely to prescribe you a small dose when you first start taking it, and then increase your dose gradually as your body gets used to it.

• Many people find if helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take amitriptyline before or after food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then take your next dose when it is due but leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you are taking amitriptyline for depression, you may feel that it is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two for the effect to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. It is important that you do not stop taking it thinking it is not helping. Also, while you feel depressed, you may have distressing thoughts, and think about harming yourself or ending your life. If this happens, it is very important that you tell your doctor about it straightaway. There are several types of antidepressants - each type works in a slightly different way and can have different side-effects. If you find that amitriptyline does not suit you, then let your doctor know, as another antidepressant may be found that does.

• Your doctor will recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on amitriptyline. This is because alcohol increases the risk that you will experience side-effects.

• Some people who take amitriptyline find that their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Try to avoid strong sunlight until you know how your skin reacts, or use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor. Do not use sunbeds.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. This is because a number of medicines can increase the risk of side-effects from amitriptyline, including some strong painkillers, flu remedies and antihistamines which can be bought from pharmacies.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently. This is because amitriptyline can alter the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• If you are due to have any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking amitriptyline as it can interfere with some anaesthetics.

• Continue to take amitriptyline unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually when this becomes necessary.

Can amitriptyline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with amitriptyline. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to amitriptyline, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store amitriptyline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines