Amitriptyline

(Amitril, Elavil, Emitrip, Endep, Enovil, Etrafon, Etrafon-A,
Etrafon-Forte, PMS-Levazine, SK-Amitriptyline, Dohme, Sharpe)

In Canada (Apo-Amitriptyline, Elavil Plus [CD], Levate, Triavil

Amitriptyline is a heterocyclic drug used to treat spontaneous endogenous depression and is extremely sedating. This drug may also be helpful in the treatment of agitation, anorexia, adjunctive treatment of neurogenic pain, bulimia associated with depression,  chronic hiccups, insomnia, major depression, or in a patient with chronic pain and other pain syndromes: Ciguatera, posttherpetic neuralgia, neuropathic, and vulvodynia.

Class: Tertiary Tricyclic.
Generic name: Amitriptyline Hydrochloride.
Type: Antidepressant.

Strengths:

Injection:
10 mg / ml.

Oral:
10mg /5 ml.

Tablets:
10mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg.

Dosages:
Actual dosage must be determined by the physician.

Injection:
20 to 30 mg 4 times daily.

Oral:
Start: 25 mg 2 to 4 times daily.
Increases: 10 to 25 mg daily in 1 week intervals.
Maintenance: 50 to 100 mg in 24 hours.
Maximum: 150 mg in 24 hours.

Normal dosage:

If under 12 years of age,  Only use if under the guidance of a child psychiatrist.
18 to 60 years of age, 75 mg a day.
Over 60 years of age, Low dose and increased cautiously.

Problems with:

Liver Function: Lower dosage, as needed.
Kidney Function:Lower dosage, as needed.

Test:

Before taking: Electrocardiogram
While taking: None

Take With: May be taken without food.

Full Benefits In: In a few days to a few weeks.  If any unpleasant side effects, they should appear right away.

Missed Dose(s): If you take this drug at bedtime and dosage is missed, do not take it in morning.  If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly.

Overdose symptoms include: Change in body temperature, convulsions, coma,  congestive heart failure, or vomiting.
Can be fatal!
Warning signs: Agitation, high body temperature, excessive movement, flushing, or stiff muscles.

Warnings

The habit-forming potential is none. This drug if beneficial should be taken about 6 months, up to a year.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant try some non-drug alternatives.

Do not take this drug if planing to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not give this drug to anyone under the age of twelve. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with close monitoring of it’s side effects. (e.g. Blood pressure lowering, confusion)

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any drug of this type in the pass.

Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to any drug or any drug of this type in the pass.  If you have epilepsy. If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drug. If you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be under-going any medical tests.

Amitriptyline ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common: Blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sensitivity to sun, low blood pressure, increase in sweating, sleepiness, or weight gain.

Rare: Confusion, increased appetite, insomnia, racing heartbeat /palpitations, seizures,  sexual problems, or skin rashes /allergies.

See physician always: Low blood pressure, confusion, seizures, sexual problems, or skin rashes /allergies.

See physician if severe: Blurred vision, constipation, drowsiness, dry mouth, racing heartbeat /palpitations, insomnia, increased sensitivity to sun, increase in sweating,  sleepiness, weight gain, or increased appetite.

See physician NOW: Confusion or skin rashes /allergies.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Seizures