Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used primarily to treat depression. It enhances neurotransmitters in the brain, alleviating symptoms like mood swings, loss of interest, and suicidal thoughts. It’s also effective in managing chronic pain conditions such as neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, and preventing migraines. Available in various dosages, amitriptyline offers benefits like improved sleep and appetite, making it a versatile and cost-effective treatment option, though it comes with potential side effects like nausea and dizziness.

Product Overview

Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is employed extensively in the treatment of depression. It operates by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps elevate mood and alleviate symptoms associated with depression, including feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts. 

Beyond its primary use, amitriptyline is recognized for its effectiveness in treating several types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and certain types of headaches. This makes it particularly beneficial for patients whose depression is accompanied by chronic pain. 

Additionally, amitriptyline is known to enhance sleep quality and duration, which can be significantly disrupted by both depression and chronic pain. Available in both immediate and extended-release forms. However, patients must be monitored closely due to potential side effects such as dizziness, weight changes, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

What Is Amitriptyline Mainly Used For?

• It is used to help in relieving the symptoms of depression.

What Are the Benefits of Amitriptyline?

• Effectively treats depression by increasing the availability of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Can help alleviate symptoms of depression such as depressed mood, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.
• May also be beneficial for the management of certain types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, and headaches.
• Can improve sleep quality and duration in individuals with depression or certain pain conditions.
• May have a positive effect on appetite regulation, potentially leading to weight gain in some patients.
• Shown to be effective for the prevention of migraine and tension-type headaches.
• Can be used off-label for the treatment of enuresis (bedwetting) in children.
• Relatively inexpensive compared to some newer antidepressant medications.
• Available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations to suit individual patient needs.
• Has a long history of use and is considered a well-established treatment option for depression and certain pain conditions.

What Are the Side Effects of Amitriptyline?

Common Amitriptyline side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Skin rash
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Unexpected weight gain or loss
• Headache
• Swelling of your face and tongue
• Numbness and tingling in your arms and legs
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Dry mouth

[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]

What Are the Forms & Strengths of Amitriptyline?

It comes in the oral tablet form and is available in the following strengths:

• 10 mg
• 25 mg
• 50 mg
• 75 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg

What Is the Typical Dosage of Amitriptyline?

Dosage of Amitriptyline for Adults (18–64 years)

• Starting Dosage: 75 mg per day in divided doses.
• Dosage Increase: May be increased slowly if necessary.
• Maximum Dosage: Up to 150 mg per day.
• Alternative Regimen: Start with 50-100 mg at bedtime, can increase by 25 or 50 mg as needed up to 150 mg per day.

Dosage of Amitriptyline for Children (12–17 years)

• Typical Dosage: 10 mg three times a day plus 20 mg at bedtime, totaling 50 mg per day.

Dosage of Amitriptyline for Children (under 12 years)

• Usage: Not confirmed as safe and effective for this age group.

Dosage of Amitriptyline for Seniors (65 years and older)

• Adjusted Dosage: May start with a lower dose or different schedule due to slower drug processing, which increases the risk of side effects. 

How to Take Amitriptyline Capsules?

• Amitriptyline must be taken exactly as your doctor prescribes. Follow every instruction on your prescription label and read any guides or instruction sheets provided. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time.
• It might take up to four weeks before you feel better. Continue taking the medication as instructed and inform your doctor if there’s no improvement.
• If you’re scheduled for surgery, inform your surgeon that you’re using amitriptyline as you may need to stop temporarily.
• Do not abruptly stop taking amitriptyline as it could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to safely discontinue it.

What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Amitriptyline?

To work properly, amitriptyline needs to be present in your body at all times. If you miss a dose and it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for the missed dose as this can cause harmful effects.

[Note: Do not take two doses of Amitriptyline at the same time to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]

What Happens When You Overdose on Amitriptyline?

An overdose of amitriptyline can be dangerous, leading to symptoms like irregular heartbeat, extremely low heart rate, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, and stiff muscles. If you suspect an overdose, call your doctor or the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222, or use their online tool. In severe cases, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]

How Does Amitriptyline Work?

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant. This type of medication helps treat depression by increasing levels of certain chemicals in your brain to improve your mood. These drugs are designed to affect the central nervous system and are commonly used for similar conditions.

What Are the Important Safety Precautions of Amitriptyline?

• FDA Black Box Warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. Monitor closely for behavioral changes and worsening depression.
• Depression Worsening: Initial use may worsen depression or suicidal thoughts until effective.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Avoid sudden cessation; taper off gradually under doctor’s guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms like nausea and headache.
• Allergy Warning: Can cause severe allergic reactions (rash, breathing difficulties, facial swelling). Seek emergency help for symptoms; fatal if re-exposed after an allergic reaction.
• Alcohol Interaction: Increases risk of severe drowsiness and other side effects.
• Health Condition Warnings:
  • Heart disorders: Risk of heart problems; avoid if recently had a heart attack.
  • Bipolar disorder: Assess for bipolar risk; avoid use in bipolar disorder.
  • Seizure history: Increases seizure risk; monitor closely.
  • Glaucoma or eye pressure: Can increase eye pressure; monitor closely.
  • Schizophrenia: May worsen symptoms.
  • Urinary retention: Can exacerbate conditions.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Potential risk to fetus; use only if benefits outweigh risks. Passes into breast milk; discuss risks with doctor.
• Seniors: Slower processing by kidneys can increase risk of side effects like fast heart rate and vision issues.
• Children: Safety and efficacy not established in children under 12. Use cautiously.

How Do You Store Amitriptyline?

• Keep amitriptyline at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).
• Protect the medication from light.
• Avoid storing amitriptyline in wet or damp places.

What Drugs Interact with Amitriptyline?

• Drugs that cause more negative effects:

• • • Neuroleptic drugs: Like risperidone, haloperidol, and clozapine.
    • Fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine
    • Topiramate
    • Anticholinergic drugs: Like oxybutynin, diphenhydramine, solifenacin, and olanzapine
    • Cimetidine

• Drugs you should not take with amitriptyline:

• • Quinidine
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These drugs include:
    • Tranylcypromine 
    • Phenelzine 
    • Selegiline 

[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions or supplements.]

What Are the Amitriptyline Alternatives?

• Remeron (mirtazapine)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Lyrica (pregabalin)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Effexor (venlafaxine)
• Pamelor (nortriptyline)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Savella (milnacipran)
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Elavil (amitriptyline)

[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Amitriptyline alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]

Amitriptyline Cost & Coupons

Amitriptyline, a medication used for depression, can be costly in the U.S. Save significantly by opting to buy Amitriptyline online from Canada through Arctic Meds. We provide U.S. residents with access to more affordable options for their healthcare. Use the Amitriptyline coupon code ARCTIC10 for an extra 10% off your first order. Additionally, participating in our referral program could lead to savings of up to $200 on your medication expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why shouldn’t you take amitriptyline after 8pm?

Amitriptyline has sedative effects and can make you drowsy, so it’s best taken an hour or two before bedtime to aid sleep but not later than 8pm to avoid excessive morning drowsiness.

Should you avoid the sun while taking amitriptyline?

Yes, amitriptyline may increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself.

Does caffeine interact with amitriptyline?

Caffeine and amitriptyline may counteract each other. While amitriptyline can increase sedation, caffeine stimulates alertness, potentially reducing the effectiveness of amitriptyline’s sedative properties. Discuss caffeine intake with your healthcare provider if you’re taking amitriptyline.

What should you not drink with amitriptyline?

Avoid alcohol while taking amitriptyline, especially when starting treatment or changing doses. Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of amitriptyline, increasing drowsiness and dizziness.

Can I just stop taking amitriptyline?

Stopping amitriptyline suddenly is not recommended, especially if you have been on it for a long time or are on a high dose. Abruptly discontinuing can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It’s safer to gradually reduce the dose under medical supervision.

Our Guarantee

At Arctic Meds, we guarantee that you will find the most competitive prices to buy Amitriptyline online to treat depression, through our platform. As the best Canadian online pharmacy, we are committed to delivering only the highest quality products. Each order is fulfilled through a reputable and licensed Canada pharmacy online, ensuring that every product we ship meets stringent standards of quality and authenticity. Our reliable service ships your medications directly from Canada right to your doorstep. To seamlessly buy Amitriptyline online from Canada at a low price contact us.