You are here: PharmacyArticlesMental HealthTreating Depression with Amitriptyline Antidepressants Read more articles on: Mental Health Published on: April 3, 2021 Last Updated On: April 3, 2021 Free Delivery: Your medication is delivered directly to you at no added cost. We even offer same-day delivery in selected locations. Discreet Packaging: Your privacy is important. That's why we send your medication inside a plain delivery box so no one will know what's inside. Treating Depression with Amitriptyline Antidepressants Amitriptyline belongs to the group of drugs tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and is mainly used to manage depression. It can also help treat bipolar disorder, insomnia, and chronic pain.The newer antidepressants are more commonly used as they have fewer side effects, but TCAs still play a significant role in managing these disorders. They are named so as the molecule consists of three rings of atoms.It is a prescription medicine and available as a liquid and tablets.Let’s understand more about Amitriptyline, how it can help treat depression, and its use, dosage, precautions, interactions, and side effects.Table of Contents Amitriptyline and Treating DepressionPrescription and UseUseDoseSymptoms of OverdosePrecautionsInteractionsProgress of TreatmentCommon Side Effects to ExpectFinal ThoughtsAmitriptyline and Treating DepressionDepression is caused by a chemical imbalance that results in abnormal communications between nerve cells in the brain. The chemical delivering these messages are known as neurotransmitters.The neurotransmitters pass a message from one cell to the other. How you feel and react to the message depends on the type of neurotransmitter.When the brain cells pass signals to one another, they also release the chemicals to deliver the message. They have to take back the chemical so that they can pass the next message. This process of taking the chemical back is known as “reuptake.”Amitriptyline prevents the reabsorption of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin mainly regulates your mood, and norepinephrine aids in the fight-or-flight reaction.By preventing reuptake, Amitriptyline increases the levels of these chemicals, improving the symptoms of depression.Along with depression, Amitriptyline can also help manage the following conditions:InsomniaChronic painMigrainePost-traumatic stress disorderAnxietyExcessive saliva productionIrritable bowel syndromeShingle’s painInterstitial cystitisPrescription and UseUseRead the patient information leaflet carefully and follow all the instructions given by your doctor.Here are some instructions on its use:Take it once a day before bedtime as it may cause sleepiness. If you feel it makes you drowsy in the morning, try taking it in the evening.It may be possible that your doctor may advise taking low doses twice or thrice a day to avoid the risk of side effects.It usually does not upset digestion, and thus you can take it with or without food.The tablet is to be taken orally with water.Try and take medicine at the same time every day.If you happen to miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed dose. ALSO READ Citalopram 20 Mg and How It Helps in Treating Depression?DoseAmitriptyline tablets are available in the strengths of 10mg, 25mg, or 50mg.Amitriptyline liquid is available in different strengths containing 10mg, 25mg, or 50mg of Amitriptyline.The usual dose of Amitriptyline for depression in adults is 50mg to 100mg a day. In some cases, it can go up to 150mg to 200mg a day.In children between the age of 16-17, the usual dose is 25 mg to 50 mg a day.Symptoms of OverdoseHere are some common symptoms:SeizuresConfusionHallucinationsDrowsinessVomitingCold body temperatureIrregular heartbeatDifficulty in concentrationRigid musclesFeverPrecautionsAmitriptyline is safe for use in most adults and children aged 16 to 17 years.Inform your physician if you have the following conditions before starting Amitriptyline:Heart disordersPorphyriaSevere liver or kidney disordersEpilepsySuicidal thoughtsThoughts of harming yourselfDiabetesTalk to your doctor before taking Amitriptyline if:You are taking any other medication, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy. You are allergic to Amitriptyline or any of its ingredients or have any other allergies.You are allergic to any other medication.You are taking any other drugs, over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, or nutritional supplements.InteractionsBesides, certain medicines may interfere with its working and thus might not be safe to take them together. Some of them are:DisulfiramArbutamineCimetidineTerbinafineNSAIDs such as ibuprofenAntiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrelBlood thinners such as warfarinHigh blood pressure medicines such as clonidine, guanabenzAnticholinergic drugs such as belladonna alkaloidsMAO inhibitors such as linezolid, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, procarbazine, methylene blue, rasagiline, tranylcypromine, safinamide, selegilineMedications to treat irregular heart rate such as quinidine, flecainide, propafenoneOther antidepressants such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamineThis may not be a comprehensive list, and other drugs may interact with Amitriptyline. Please inform your doctor if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.ALSO READ What Is SSRI Medication? Treating Depression, Side EffectsProgress of TreatmentThe doctor will increase or decrease the dose based on your condition.It is important to taper its dose gradually to prevent discontinuation symptoms.Some common symptoms include:HeadacheNauseaGeneral discomfortThis tapering schedule is not fixed and the doctor will decide it based on your response to the dose. Each person has a different reaction.Common Side Effects to ExpectLike all other medications, Amitriptyline may cause side effects, although it is unlikely to happen to everyone. However, it is important that you are aware of what could be the possible side effects.Common side effectsDizzinessFeeling sleepyFatigueHeadachesDryness of mouthConstipationDifficulty peeingExcessive sweatingChange in sex driveChange in weight and appetiteNightmaresSerious side effectsIrregular or fast heartbeatSigns of liver problem such as yellow sclera and skinLong-lasting confusionConstant headachesFrequent muscle crampsSuicidal thoughts or thoughts of ending your lifeChange in your eyesight, eye pain, redness, or swelling in or around the eyeSevere abdominal pain and constipationInability to peeBlurred eyesightLoss of balanceWeakness of one side of your bodySevere allergic reaction with symptoms such as itching, blister, peeling of skinWheezing or tightness of chestTrouble breathing or talkingSwelling of face, tongue, throat, mouth, or lipsHere is what you can do to manage side effects:Dizziness: It is mainly caused by low blood pressure. To manage this, consume enough water or other non-alcoholic fluids. Also, avoid stranding quickly from sleeping or standing position.Constipation: Include high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals. You can also increase the consumption of water and exercise daily.Dryness of mouth: You can chew sugar-free sweets or sugar-free gum.Difficulty peeing: Try and relax while peeing and not force the flow of urine. Try this again. However, if you are not able to pee at all, consult your doctor immediately. Headaches: Have enough fluids and get adequate rest. Avoid excess consumption of alcohol. If the headaches are severe or last longer than a week, consult your physician. Fatigue: Cut down the amount of alcohol you consume and take Amitriptyline in the evening. Also, avoid operating machines or driving if you are feeling sleepy.ALSO READ Depression Medication Bupropion: Use & Side EffectsFinal ThoughtsAmitriptyline belongs to the group of drugs tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and doctors usually prescribe it to manage depression. However, it can also help manage IBS, anxiety, and chronic pain.People on this medicine may usually experience side effects such as headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness. But these effects usually subside in a few days.If you are on Amitriptyline, it is recommended to monitor your symptoms and remain watchful for worsening symptoms. This is especially true if you get thoughts of harming yourself or suicidal thoughts. Consult your doctor immediately if this is the case.Lastly, some drugs can interact with this medicine. So, carefully discuss all the medications you are taking, including supplements and herbs. We're Here for You: Our pharmacists are happy to answer your questions. 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