Amitriptyline Warnings, Dosage, Side Effects, and Uses

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat changes in mood and symptoms of depression. It can be taken as a tablet or liquid. In this article we discuss amitriiptyline warningsm the uses of amitriptyline, and amitriptyline dosage, and answer the questions what is amitriptyline, what are the uses of amitriptyline, how does amitriptyline work, what are the side effects of amitriptyline.

Amitriptyline Warnings

Amitriptyline can cause suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, and feelings of aggression. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Mood or behavior changes
Suicidal thoughts
Panic attacks
Trouble sleeping
Feelings of aggression
Restlessness
Hyperactivity

What is Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is a medication used to treat mental and mood problems and symptoms of depression. It belongs to the classification of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

What Are The Uses of Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant used to treat mental and mood problems, including depression. It can be used to improve mood and sleep, relieve tension and anxiety, and increase energy levels.

How Does Amitriptyline Work?

Amitriptyline works by attaching itself to alpha-adrenergic, histaminic, and muscarinic receptors inside the brain. It then works to increase the levels of hormones such as serotonin and norepinephrine within the brain.

Amitriptyline Dosage

Amitriptyline dosage can depend on a variety of factors including age, weight, strength of dosage and time between dosage. Amitriptyline is available as a tablet or as a liquid. It should be taken between one and four times a day, depending on medical condition and response to treatment. The recommended dosage for amitriptyline ranges from 10mg to 200mg per day depending on age and body weight.

As a tablet, amitriptyline comes in strengths of 10mg, 25mg, or 50mg. In liquid form, amitriptyline comes in a 5ml spoonful at three different levels: 10mg, 25mg, or 50mg.

Amitriptyline Dosage For Depression

Adults: At first 75mg per day, divided into separate doses. Dosage should not exceed 150mg per day.

Teenagers And Older Adults: 10mg three times a day and then 20 mg at bed time.

Amitriptyline Dosage For Anxiety

Adults: At first, 75mg per day, divided into separate doses. Dosage should not exceed 150mg per day.

What Are The Side Effects of Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline does have some potential side effects–some more common and serious than others.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of amitriptyline include:

Nausea
Headaches
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Blurred vision
Difficulty urinating
Excessive sweating
Confusion
Unsteadiness
Weight gain
Changes in appetite
Changes in vision

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of amitriptyline may include:

Crushing chest pain
Severe rash
Swelling of the face or tongue
Yellowing of the skin or eyes
Jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
Uncontrollable shaking
Fainting
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Seizures
Hallucinations

Disclaimer: Here at Manifest Pharmacy, our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history.

Amitriptyline Interactions

Amitriptyline can interact with a class of antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors. Taking MAO inhibitors in conjunction with amitriptyilne can result in negative side effects, including increased heart rate, agitation, and high blood pressure.