Amitriptyline

About amitriptyline

Amitriptyline works by preventing certain chemicals (serotonin and noradrenaline) from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of these chemicals, and so helps relieve depression.
In addition, amitriptyline blocks certain receptors in the wall of the bladder, and prevents a chemical (acetylcholine) from acting on these receptors. Acetylcholine normally causes the bladder to empty, so by stopping this action, amitriptyline reduces the need to pass urine.

Before taking amitriptyline

Before taking amitriptyline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have ever taken an antidepressant known as a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor.
• If you take medication for thyroid problems.
• If you have recently suffered a heart attack, or have experienced any other heart trouble.
• If you suffer from mood swings.
• If you receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
• If you suffer from liver problems.
• If you suffer from phaeochromocytoma (tumour that secretes catecholamines).
• If you suffer from porphyria (group of diseases in which there is a disturbance in the levels of chemicals known as porphyrins).
• If you suffer from epilepsy.
• If you have experienced difficulty passing water, or had prostate trouble.
• If you suffer from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• If you are due to have surgery in the near future.

How to take amitriptyline

• Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor.
• The dose is best taken at night as it may cause drowsiness.
• When used to treat depression, the starting dose is usually low, and increased gradually as your body gets used to the medicine.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It can take a few weeks for the antidepressant action to become apparent- don't stop taking amitriptyline in the belief that it is not working.
• Your doctor may ask you to carry on taking amitriptyline after you feel better- this is to avoid you experiencing a relapse.
• Eating regularly and avoiding or cutting down on alcohol can help you to feel better.
• Try and tell people who are close to you how you feel. It is not weak to cry or admit that you are struggling.
• When taken for night-time bed-wetting, amitriptyline is taken for up to 3 months only.

Can amitriptyline cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other possible side effects include feeling sick, sweating, shaking, rash, sexual problems, enlarged breasts, pins and needles, changes in taste, ringing in the ears, fever. If you notice any behavioural changes or any other problems which you think may be due to this medicine speak to your doctor.

Important: If you notice yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: Suicidal thoughts have been associated with medicines that are used to treat depression (such as amitriptyline) particularly early in treatment or soon after stopping. Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself.

How to store amitriptyline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines