Amitriptyline Hcl
Amitriptyline (a mee TRIP ti leen) is a generic medication prescribed for depression in adults and some children. Amitriptyline belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.
Amitriptyline (a mee TRIP ti leen) is a generic medication prescribed for depression in adults and some children. Amitriptyline belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 25mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Melissa Badowski, PharmD, MPH, FCCP
Updated on June 20, 2023
This article describes amitriptyline’s uses, side effects, and more. You’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of amitriptyline.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Amitriptyline oral tablet has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for amitriptyline” section.
Uses of amitriptyline
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as amitriptyline for certain conditions. Approved uses for amitriptyline are described below.
Use for depression
Doctors may prescribe amitriptyline oral tablet for treating depression. It’s used for this purpose in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With depression, people experience changes in the way they think, feel, or act. Common symptoms of depression include:
- appetite loss
- feeling hopeless, worthless, useless, or sad
- loss of interest in activities
- low energy
- sleep problems or excessive sleep
Doctors may not prescribe amitriptyline oral tablet in certain situations, such as when people are recovering from a heart attack or taking certain other drugs.
Side effects of amitriptyline
Amitriptyline may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of amitriptyline and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about amitriptyline’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for amitriptyline listed in the “Article resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with amitriptyline are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about amitriptyline’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for amitriptyline listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Amitriptyline oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- constipation
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for amitriptyline” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of amitriptyline are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about amitriptyline’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for amitriptyline listed in the “Article resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, amitriptyline’s serious side effects include:
- mania (periods of very high energy that can interfere with daily life)
- changes in blood sugar level
- heart problems, including heart attack and abnormal heart rhythm
- high blood pressure
- increased body temperature
- liver problems, including hepatitis
- low levels of white blood cells or platelets (blood cells that help with clotting)
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare reaction that can be life threatening)
- orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up), which may cause fainting
- paralytic ileus (short-term loss of movement in the intestines)
- seizures
- serotonin syndrome (too much of the chemical serotonin in the body, which can be life threatening)
- sexual side effects, including changes in sex drive and erectile dysfunction
- stroke
- tardive dyskinesia (movements of the body that you can’t control)
- urinary retention (being unable to empty your bladder)
- withdrawal symptoms*
- boxed warning: risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors†
- severe allergic reaction†
* This side effect can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. Drug dependence means the body needs the drug in order to function like usual.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for amitriptyline” section.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Common questions about amitriptyline
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about amitriptyline.
Is there a brand-name version of amitriptyline available?
No, amitriptyline is only available as a generic drug. It’s based on a brand-name medication called Elavil, but Elavil is no longer on the market.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a drug work.) A generic is considered to be just as safe and effective as the brand-name version on which it’s based.
If you’d like to know more about how generic drugs compare with brand-name versions, see this article. Your doctor or pharmacist can also discuss this topic with you.
Is it safe to take amitriptyline with methylcobalamin or pantoprazole?
Yes, it’s safe to take amitriptyline with methylcobalamin or pantoprazole if approved by your doctor. Neither is reported to interact with amitriptyline. (For more about interactions and amitriptyline, see the “Interactions and warnings for amitriptyline” section.)
Methylcobalamin is a supplement for vitamin B12 deficiency. Pantoprazole (Protonix) is a medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving a high level of stomach acid.
To learn whether any medications or supplements you take are safe with amitriptyline, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does amitriptyline work? And how long does it take to start working?
The way amitriptyline works isn’t clear. It’s thought to help improve mood by balancing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.
In general, antidepressants such as amitriptyline start to relieve some symptoms of depression within the first couple of weeks. But it can take about 6–8 weeks to experience the full effects of the drug.
If you’d like to know more about how amitriptyline works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Interactions and warnings for amitriptyline
Below, you’ll find information about amitriptyline’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of amitriptyline
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take amitriptyline, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for amitriptyline” section just below.
Warnings for amitriptyline
Some people should not take amitriptyline, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Amitriptyline has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
With antidepressants such as amitriptyline, there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in people ages 24 years and younger. The risk is highest in the first few months of treatment and during dosage changes.
Doctors will monitor people younger than age 25 years who take amitriptyline for new or worsening mental health symptoms. These symptoms may include changes in the way a person feels, thinks, or behaves.
If you have thoughts about dying or harming yourself, immediately contact your doctor or call 911.
Other warnings
Amitriptyline could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether amitriptyline is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for amitriptyline, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Amitriptyline can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe amitriptyline. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to amitriptyline, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of amitriptyline
If you take amitriptyline, you should not take more of this medication than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much amitriptyline, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and amitriptyline
Information about amitriptyline and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Amitriptyline and pregnancy
It’s not known whether amitriptyline should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
If you take amitriptyline during pregnancy, your doctor may suggest enrolling in the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants. This registry monitors outcomes of taking amitriptyline during pregnancy. To learn more, call 866-961-2388 or visit the registry website.
Amitriptyline and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether amitriptyline should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes amitriptyline’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about amitriptyline or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How does amitriptyline compare with other drugs that could treat my condition?
- Am I at higher risk of side effects than other people?
- Is there a best time of day to take amitriptyline?
Article resources
- Amitriptyline HCL 25mg tablets. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/f780d3c0-1247-5ad2-e053-6394a90a4454/spl-doc
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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