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Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a prescription drug licensed for the treatment of depression. Besides treating depression, the drug is also used "off-label" to treat a number of conditions, including ADHD, bulimia, and fibromyalgia. While it is not entirely clear how it works, it is known that the medication affects several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. Amitriptyline comes in tablet form and is available in six strengths, ranging from 10 mg to 150 mg.

 

What Is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression.
 
(Click Amitriptyline Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

The drug is manufactured by several manufacturers of generic medications. The brand-name version of amitriptyline, which was sold as Elavil, is no longer manufactured.
 

How Does It Work?

Amitriptyline belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It is not entirely clear how it works. It does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that maybe the medication allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with depression symptoms.
 

Effectiveness of Amitriptyline

Studies have shown that amitriptyline is effective for the treatment of depression.
 It may also be used "off-label" to help relieve chronic pain and to prevent migraine headaches. It can also help with bedwetting, ADHD, fibromyalgia, and bulimia. The medicine is also effective at helping people quit smoking.
 

When and How to Take the Medication

Some considerations for when and how to take it include:
 
  • Amitriptyline comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to three times daily.
     
  • You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Amitriptyline should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medication in your blood.
     
  • For it to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing

The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Amitriptyline Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes amitriptyline will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Dry mouth.
     
(Click Amitriptyline Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of the drug. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to:
 

Drug Interactions With Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline can potentially interact with a number of other medications.
 
(Click Amitriptyline Drug Interactions for more information about these possible interactions.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
  • Are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant (see Amitriptyline and Pregnancy)
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Drink alcohol regularly
  • Will be undergoing surgery.
     
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Amitriptyline Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take this medication.)
 

Overdose With Amitriptyline

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Very low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Seizures
  • Sleepiness or fainting
  • Confusion
  • Restlessness
  • Seeing things that are not really there (hallucinations)
  • Dilated (wide open) pupils
  • Agitation
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of life.
     
Overdosing on this medication can be very dangerous. If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Amitriptyline Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

The medication should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Amitriptyline tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your amitriptyline dose as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline tablets are available in six strengths:
 
  • Amitriptyline 10 mg
  • Amitriptyline 25 mg
  • Amitriptyline 50 mg
  • Amitriptyline 75 mg
  • Amitriptyline 100 mg
  • Amitriptyline 150 mg.
     

Generic Amitriptyline

There is currently a generic amitriptyline licensed for sale. Brand-name amitriptyline (Elavil) is no longer available.
 
(Click Generic Amitriptyline for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;