This medication is used for short-term treatment of various forms of depression and for chronic neuropathic pain (nerve pain) or to prevent migraine headaches. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well. Top of page
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.
Take this medicine as directed by your physician. Amitriptyline is taken orally and can be taken with or without food. Dosing varies widely with this medicine depending on the condition that it is being prescribed for. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor. Top of page
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Top of page
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Top of page
Possible Side Effects
Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur.
An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Top of page
Drug Interactions
Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
Possible drug interactions may occur with this medicine and:
For women, it should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. As with other medications, if you suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to you physician or pharmacist before using this medication. Top of page
More Information
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if the treatment is not for a mental condition. Tell your doctor immediatley if you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. Top of page
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.
Last reviewed:
On 8 Aug 2006
By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
Registered: April 2004 Location: Milky Way galaxy Posts: 4567
Review Date: Fri September 8, 2006
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
Pros:
makes a good adjunct to a newer antidepressant
Cons:
too dangerous if you're suicidal
I read in a book by a psychiatrist (who should have known better) the exact amount of desipramine it takes to kill you. Every night thereafter, I had to stare at the bottle and fight that knowledge. The dry mouth and constipation would make it nearly intolerable, but it was the only thing that kickstarted the Effexor and made it work again.
eskielover Just Me
Registered: October 2004 Location: Kentucky, USA Posts: 7607
Review Date: Thu September 14, 2006
Would you recommend the product? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
Pros:
Cons:
added to anxiety level
I was given the generic name for norpramin which is desipramine. This med caused my anxiety level to go higher & higher. I felt like I was bouncing off the walls & couldn't sleep. This effect lasted so long that it ended up that I couldn't tolerate the mediation.
buzzie Newly Joined
Registered: March 2006 Location: Southern CA
Review Date: Thu August 2, 2007
Would you recommend the product? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
Pros:
none for me
Cons:
Made me feel crazy
This med was the very first anti-depressant I was put on when I first suffered with panic and anxiety attacks. This med drove me crazy. I was thinking really weird thoghts with this med. Doctor took me off then put me on a family related drug to this drug called imipramine and that did the same thing. Doctor didn't want to believe me so went off med and got new doctor.
sway Newly Joined
Registered: April 2008
Review Date: Tue April 22, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3
Pros:
helped my headaches
Cons:
tiredness, insomnia, and twitches
I really hate this med! The dr prescribed it for headaches and I have to admit it helps, but I am so tired even on a low dose that I'd prefer the headaches. Also, both this and nortriptylin made my face twitch constantly on the left side. Very distracting! Mr dr said he never heard of this side effect, though, so perhaps it is unusual.
Emma43t78 Newly Joined
Registered: April 2012 Posts: 34
Review Date: Sun April 15, 2012
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Pros:
Cons:
I can recommend a reputable pharmacy - http://alltabstore.com/?a=7093 I received the order and it was on time and the pills work great.