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amitriptyline Drug information
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Generic Name: amitriptyline (a mee TRIP ti leen)
Brand Names:
Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip
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What is the most important information I should know about
amitriptyline?
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While you are taking amitriptyline you may need to be
monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal
thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This
concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or
behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger
and are taking amitriptyline. In patients younger than 18 years,
the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when
doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the
following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks,
difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity,
severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical
hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the
development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal
thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you
develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms
during treatment with amitriptyline. Do not stop taking
amitriptyline. |
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It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better, but
do not stop taking amitriptyline without first talking to your
doctor. |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Amitriptyline may cause drowsiness
or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness,
avoid these activities. |
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Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or
lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible
fall. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while you are taking amitriptyline. |
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Amitriptyline is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.
Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may become
unbalanced and cause depression. |
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Amitriptyline is used to relieve symptoms of depression such
as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of
interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness;
sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Amitriptyline is also sometimes used to treat certain types of
pain. |
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Amitriptyline may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before
taking amitriptyline?
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Do not take amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil),
or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days. |
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Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor if you have |
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stomach or intestinal problems; |
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high blood pressure or heart disease; |
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had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks; |
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an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or |
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You may not be able to take amitriptyline, or you may require
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if
you have any of the conditions listed above. |
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• |
While you are taking amitriptyline you may need to be
monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal
thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This
concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or
behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger
and are taking amitriptyline. In patients younger than 18 years,
the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when
doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the
following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping,
irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and
mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms
may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of
depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your
healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental
health symptoms during treatment with amitriptyline. Do not stop
taking amitriptyline. |
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Amitriptyline may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take
amitriptyline without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant
or could become pregnant during treatment. |
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Amitriptyline passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing
baby. Do not take amitriptyline without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
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If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to
experience side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness,
unsteadiness, feeling uncoordinated, and low blood pressure.
Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication. |
How should I take amitriptyline?
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Take amitriptyline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse,
or doctor to explain them to you. |
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Take each dose with a full glass (8 oz) of water. |
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Amitriptyline may be taken several times a day or in one daily
dose (usually at bedtime). Follow your doctor's instructions. |
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Do not stop taking amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause
symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise. |
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It may be 4 weeks or more before you start to feel better, but
do not stop taking amitriptyline without first talking to your
doctor. |
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Store amitriptyline at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose?
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double
dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. |
What happens if I overdose?
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of an amitriptyline overdose include seizures,
confusion, drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, and low blood
pressure (dizziness, fatigue, fainting). |
What should I avoid while taking amitriptyline?
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Amitriptyline may cause drowsiness
or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid
these activities. |
|
• |
Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or
lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible
fall. |
|
• |
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and
dizziness while you are taking amitriptyline. |
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• |
Do not stop taking amitriptyline suddenly. This could cause
symptoms such as nausea, headache, and malaise. |
What are the possible side effects of amitriptyline?
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking amitriptyline and contact your doctor immediately or
seek emergency medical treatment: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the
throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives); |
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a fast or irregular heartbeat; |
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high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache); |
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difficulty urinating; or |
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fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness, or severe
muscle weakness. |
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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take amitriptyline and talk to your doctor if you
experience |
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drowsiness or dizziness; |
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mild agitation, weakness, or headache; |
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loss of weight or appetite. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk
to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect amitriptyline?
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Do not take amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil),
or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the last 14 days. |
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Amitriptyline may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your
doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take
any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines without
first talking to your doctor. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
amitriptyline. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal
products. |
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about amitriptyline
written for health professionals that you may read. |
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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach
of children, never share your medicines with others, and use
this medication only for the indication prescribed. |
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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that
effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive.
Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare
practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore
Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States
are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose
patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an
informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare
practitioners in caring for their patients and/ or to serve
consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a
substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of
healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given
drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to
indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any
responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with
the aid of information Multum provides. The information
contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses,
directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic
reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the
drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or
pharmacist. |
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