Amitriptyline is a prescription medication used to treat depression. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at amitriptyline, including information on the drug's possible side effects, available strengths, and overdose symptoms.
Common amitriptyline side effects can include confusion, constipation, and dry mouth. This eMedTV Web page also lists possible withdrawal side effects with amitriptyline (such as nausea) and side effects to report to your doctor (such as seizures).
As this section of the eMedTV library explains, it's difficult to tell whether there's a relationship between amitriptyline and weight gain. If you do notice weight during treatment with amitriptyline, you should talk with your healthcare provider.
Sexual side effects like impotence or a decreased sex drive may occur in some people taking amitriptyline. This eMedTV segment explains that if during treatment with amitriptyline, sexual side effects occur, you should talk with your doctor.
It isn't known whether there is a relationship between amitriptyline and hair loss. But as this portion of the eMedTV archives explains, you should talk with your healthcare provider if you do experience hair loss while taking amitriptyline.
As this part of the eMedTV archives explains, amitriptyline is licensed to treat depression. This page also explores several off-label amitriptyline uses, such as treating bedwetting, helping people quit smoking, and preventing migraines.
This eMedTV segment explains that the starting amitriptyline dosage for people with depression is 75 mg daily, divided into smaller doses, or 50 mg to 100 mg once daily at bedtime. This page also covers some tips for taking your amitriptyline dose.
This eMedTV resource explores how amitriptyline drug interactions can raise the risk of side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or suicidal thoughts. Barbiturates and alcohol are among the drugs that can potentially interact with amitriptyline.
This eMedTV page covers amitriptyline warnings and precautions, such as potential drug interactions; the safety of taking amitriptyline if you have a history of seizures, bladder problems, or glaucoma; and people who shouldn't take the drug at all.
It's difficult to know for sure if there's a link between using amitriptyline and suicide. This eMedTV page lists possible signs of suicidal behavior to report to your healthcare provider right away (such as thoughts about death or committing suicide).
If you're on amitriptyline and pregnancy occurs, tell your doctor. As this eMedTV page explains, the drug caused birth defects in animal studies; and there have also been a few reports of birth defects in the babies of women who took it while pregnant.
This part of the eMedTV archives explains that you should seek medical attention immediately if you believe you may have overdosed on amitriptyline. Symptoms of an amitriptyline overdose can include fever, vomiting, agitation, and even loss of life.
This eMedTV page explains that amitriptyline is available only as a generic; Elavil, the brand name version of the drug that was originally manufactured, is no longer made. However, the FDA considers generic amitriptyline to be equivalent to Elavil.
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