Amitriptyline

Depression is a serious condition. Antidepressant drugs, such as amitriptyline, work to elevate the mood of patients by increasing the neurotransmitter level in the brain tissue.

Patient suffering from depression experience persistent and all-embracing feeling of gloom and extreme sadness. Some patients diagnosed with this condition may be caused by the abnormal levels of neurotransmitters or brain chemicals. Amitriptyline medication addresses depression by raising neurotransmitter levels in the brain.

Amitriptyline is also used as a sedative, and is prescribed among depressed patients as treatment for their nervousness, restlessness, and insomnia. Moreover, this particular drug is known to be effective in addressing fibromyalgia and other symptoms associated with chronic pain.

Amitriptyline is available in 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 mg tablets. Amitriptyline tablets may be taken before or after meals. Since the liver metabolizes the drug, patients suffering from liver problems should take this medication exactly according to how it is prescribed.

The use of amitriptyline and monoamine oxidase inhibiting medications should be avoided. Complications, such as convulsions, very high fever, ad even death can happen when the said drugs are taken together. Epinephrine and amitriptyline used together can lead to extremely high levels of blood pressure. Schizophrenic patients may experience aggravated symptoms of paranoia when taking this drug. Overdose of the medication can result in deadly heart rhythms.

Although the effect of amitriptyline in pregnant women and unborn babies has not been established, the presence of the drug in breast milk is known to cause potential hazards to nursing infants.

Patients who are taking this medication won’t likely feel better until about 4 weeks of taking the drug. However, even if effects are felt, the medication should not be ceased unless recommended by the doctor. Engaging in activities, such as operating machinery or driving, should be done with great caution as the medication is likely to make patients dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol may only induce drowsiness, so intake should be minimal.

Before patients are prescribed this medication, the doctor should know about the patient’s medical condition, if any, such as: kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, glaucoma, asthma, heart disease or hypertension, thyroid disease, enlarged prostate, intestinal or stomach problems, difficulty in urinating, had previous heart attack up to 6 weeks back.

Amitriptyline should be taken exactly as prescribed or instructed by the health care professional. Each tablet should be taken with a glass of water. A single daily dose or several doses may be ingested in one day. However, the doctor’s prescription should be strictly followed.
A missed dose of amitriptyline should be taken right after the patient remembers it. If it’s almost the schedule for the next regular dose, the missed dose may be skipped and regular schedule of dosages should then be followed. Double doses should not be taken so as to make up for any missed dose.

Amitriptyline side effects may be experienced by some patients. The minor ones include: constipation, drowsiness, sweating, dry eyes and mouth, weakness, headache, mild tremor, loss of appetite and weight, mild agitation, nausea, and ringing inside the ears.

More serious complications may come with the use of amitriptyline, some of which are: seizures, fever, allergic reactions, heart attack, difficulty in urinating, irregular heartbeat, and high blood pressure.

Some patients may experience other side effects than those listed above. If unusual or particularly bothersome symptoms occur, the doctor should be consulted right away. Patients, who want to know more about amitriptyline, its benefits, and potential complications, should talk to their doctors. The genuine understanding of the health condition, the medication, and the possible results of treatment can actually help patients deal with their health issues better.