AMITRIPTYLINE (am-ee-TRIP-till-een)

Other Names for this Medication

Elavil, Tryptizol, Laroxyl, Sarotex, Apo-amitriptyline, Bio-amitriptyline, Dom-amitriptyline, PMS-amitriptyline, Novo-triptyn (Brand Names)

Appearance

Tablets: Small blue (10 mg), yellow (25 mg), brown (50 mg), or orange (75 mg) tablets (Apotex brand). Other brands may have different appearances.

Why this Medication is Used

This medication may be used for depression, anxiety or to help you fall asleep. Amitriptyline may also be used to relieve nerve pain.

How do you take this Medication

Depending on what you are using the medication for, you may start with a low dose; it may be increased gradually to give the best response. Tablets should be swallowed with a full glass of water.

Precautions

• This medication may be taken with food to lessen stomach upset.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

• Older people are more likely to be more sensitive to the adverse effects of the medication.

• Tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, such as: asthma, seizures, difficulty in urination, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, mental illness, kidney disease, liver disease, stomach problems or an overactive thyroid. Any of these conditions could affect therapy with this medication.

• Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: warfarin, cimetidine, clonidine, fluoxetine, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Tell your doctor if you ever had an unusual reaction to any other antidepressant medication.

• For the treatment of depression, you may have to take amitriptyline for at least 4 weeks before you notice any effect.

• DO NOT drink alcoholic beverages while taking amitriptyline.

• Store in a cool dry place. Keep out of the reach of children

For more information on this medication, please call your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

SIDE EFFECTS

PREVENTION

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

MORE COMMON:
• Dizziness, drowsiness

• Dry mouth, unpleasant taste

• Increased appetite (craving for sweets); weight gain

• Nausea, tiredness or weakness

 • Take your tablet(s) at bedtime (if you take your dose only once daily)

• Suck on ice chips or sugarless hard candy or chewing gum

 • Get up slowly. Get plenty of rest. If these become troublesome contact your doctor or nurse.

• Tell your doctor or nurse if it becomes a

problem

• Tell your doctor or nurse if it becomes a

problem

LESS COMMON:
• Diarrhea, heart burn, increased sweating, vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Confusion

• Eye pain

• Fainting

• Constipation (especially in elderly)

• Fast or irregular heart beat

• Loss of balance

• Problems in control of urination

• Trembling

 • Tell your doctor or nurse if these symptoms bother you

• Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible
RARE:
• Anxiety

• Skin rash

• Itching

• Yellow eyes or skin

• Hair loss

• Breast enlargement (both male and female)

• Inappropriate breast milk secretion

• Loss of interest in and/or ability to have sex

• Increased sensitivity to sun

• Swelling of testicles

 • Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible, if you experience any of these effects

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