Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

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.