This medicine is used for the following purposes:
- anxiety
- depression
- disorder of digestion
- eating disorders
- prevent migraine headaches
- pain
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- drowsiness due to sleep disorder
Brand Name(s): Elavil
Generic Name: Amitriptyline
Instructions
Take the medicine with 250 mL (1 cup) of water.
To relieve dry mouth, chew gum, suck on hard candy/ice chips, drink extra water, or use a saliva substitute.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
To reduce constipation, eat high fiber foods, drink plenty of water and exercise.
This medicine can make you sensitive to the sun. Use sunscreen or protective clothing when in sun.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.
Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Check with your doctor before stopping.
This medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before changing the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
This medicine is associated with an increased risk of serious heart problems, heart attack, and stroke. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.
Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Call your doctor right away if you notice slow or shallow breathing.
If you have had a heart attack within the past 6 months, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- constipation
- dizziness or drowsiness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
- irritability
- problems with sexual functions or desire
- stomach upset or abdominal pain
- sweating
- unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
- difficulty or discomfort urinating
- blurring or changes of vision
- weight gain
If you have any of the following side effects, you may be getting too much medicine. Please contact your doctor to let them know about these side effects.
- difficulty concentrating
- confusion
- high fever
- hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- muscle pain or weakness
- shakiness
- cold, moist skin
- slurred speech
- stiffness of the arms or legs
- unsteadiness while walking
- vomiting
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- decreased awareness or responsiveness
- shallow, irregular breathing
- fast or irregular heart beats
- uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
- muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
- muscle trembling
- seizures
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about AMITRIPTYLINE - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.