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Brand names - Amitid, Amitril, Elavil, Emitrip, Endep, Enovil,
Vanatrip
Medication type - Tricyclic antidepressant
Common side effects - Drowsiness, dizziness, or
lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth or unpleasant taste, fatigue,
heightened sensitivity to light, unusual weight gain, increased
appetite, nausea.
Rare side effects - Heartburn, insomnia, diarrhoea,
increased sweating, vomiting
Serious side effects - Confusion, heartbeat irregularities,
hallucinations, seizures, extreme fatigue or drowsiness, blurred
or altered vision, breathing difficulty, constipation, impaired
concentration, difficult urination, fever, extreme and persistent
restlessness, loss of coordination and balance, difficulty swallowing
or speaking, dilated pupils, eye pain, fainting. Also trembling,
shaking, weakness, and stiffness in the extremities; shuffling gait.
Call your doctor immediately.
Uses - To relieve symptoms of major depression and
chronic pain.
Other notes - Can take 1-6 weeks to take effect.
Take with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset, unless your
doctor instructs otherwise. Increase intake of fiber and fluids.
Avoid alcohol. Amitriptyline passes into breast milk; do not use
it while nursing. This is a potentially dangerous drug, especially
if taken in excess. Tricyclic antidepressants should not be within
easy reach of suicidal patients. If dry mouth occurs, use sugarless
gum or candy.
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