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 Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.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.
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
PROS:
Very effective on depression
CONS:
Drowsyness
took this after prozac which had no effect. This stuff works a treat! much better
graydove New Member
Registered: January 2007 Location: Oregon Posts: 2
Fri January 5, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
PROS:
helps with nerve pain, depression and sleep
CONS:
dry cotton mouth
I have not been on this med for long. I went to my PCP because I thought I had an ear infection. I was having sharp shooting pains that seem to be starting in my inner ear, then migrating into a cluster HA. He put me on Amitriptyline 75mg po QHS along with Naproxen 375mg po TID, this has helped greatly. I still have to stay on it though because the HA will return with in 3 days if I go off. It does help with sleep I've noticed. I work odd hours sometimes 1400-0600, 1800-0600, or 2200-0600. So by taking it in the morning ater I get home I have no problem getting the sleep needed for adequite rest. Besides I know it is helping with my depression. Blessings Graydove
mama2ak New Member
Registered: December 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4
Sat December 30, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $5.00| Rating: 7
PROS:
helps sleep, dissipated irritable bowel symptoms
CONS:
foggy feeling in the morning
I took this along with Paxil 20 mg to help irritable bowel and agoraphobia symptoms and with talk therapy, was practically cured of my symptoms. If I ever fall into those problems again, these two drugs are my first line of defense.
Perzephone Veteran Member
Registered: May 2005 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 350
Tue September 19, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
PROS:
I'm able to sleep through the REM stage & dream
CONS:
No side effects to date
I've been on Elavil on & off over the past 7 years for insomnia. I was having a problem where I could only sleep 3 or 4 hours, and once awake I could not return to sleep. I finally went to a sleep study - my doctor thought I had sleep apnea, which I don't - but I would wake up slightly every time I entered the REM stage. I tried Ambien twice - the second time I was saying some strange (er, scary) things to my husband as the drug would take effect. I tried the new sleep aid Rozerem, but it made me dizzy and nauseous, so I went back to Elavil. A big plus for me is that it eliminates tooth pain from a filling that should have been a root canal!
eskielover just me wantng to be free
Registered: October 2004 Location: Kentucky, USA Posts: 9051
Thu September 14, 2006
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
PROS:
CONS:
only bad effect was migraine headache pain
Because my migraine pain was becoming uncontrollable, I wasn't able to take any medication causing migraine pain. Because this one added to the pain level, it was stopped immediately.
DizzyLizzy Junior Member
Registered: August 2006 Location: New England Posts: 13
Mon September 11, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
PROS:
it helped
CONS:
caused too much fatigue
I was originally placed on Elavil as a treatment for Fibromyalgia pain. It did help the pain a bit, but it also helped reduce some of my anxiety, and it helped to keep the Seasonal depression (winter blues) away.I stopped using it because it was causing a bit too much fatigue. I took it at bedtime, but the fatigue carried over to the morning, and I felt tired and sluggish all day long.
