Amitriptyline: Uses and Side Effects

Amitriptyline is a medication primarily used to treat depression, but also prescribed for various other conditions such as migraine prevention and neuropathic pain.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available with a prescription from healthcare providers.
Applicable for
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Amitriptyline FAQ


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Can you take amitriptyline for pain?

Amitriptyline is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow. Amitriptyline is also used to treat depression. The doses used to treat pain are lower than the doses for depression. Taking amitriptyline for pain will not have the same effect as taking it for depression.

What is amitriptyline used for?

Amitriptyline is a medicine used for treating pain. You can take it: Amitriptyline is available on prescription. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you drink. Amitriptyline is also used to treat depression. Read about amitriptyline for depression. 2. Key facts It's best to take your amitriptyline in the evening or before you go to bed.

Is amitriptyline addictive?

Amitriptyline is not addictive or habit-forming, but it may cause sudden withdrawal symptoms if you stop treatment abruptly. Side effects from rapid withdrawal can include headache, nausea, trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, irritability, and restlessness. Talk to your doctor about the best way to stop treatment.

When did amitriptyline become an antidepressant?

Ayd treated 130 patients and, in 1960, reported that amitriptyline had antidepressant properties similar to another, and the only known at the time, tricyclic antidepressant imipramine. Following this, the US Food and Drug Administration approved amitriptyline for depression in 1961.

Is amitriptyline good for pain?

Amitriptyline (am-ee-trip-tuh-leen) is a type of drug called a tricyclic antidepressant. These drugs were first created to treat anxiety and depression. But when taken at a low dose, it’s also good for treating pain, especially pain caused by damage to your nerves.

Can amitriptyline be used to treat depression?

Amitriptyline is also used to treat depression. The doses used to treat pain are lower than the doses for depression. Taking amitriptyline for pain will not have the same effect as taking it for depression. It's best to take amitriptyline in the evening or before you go to bed. This is because it can make you feel sleepy.

Does amitriptyline cause side effects?

Like all medicines, amitriptyline can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Some of the common side effects of amitriptyline gradually improve as your body gets used to the medicine. Doses of amitriptyline for pain are lower than the doses for depression.

Amitriptyline References

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