Amitriptyline Hydrochloride

Amitriptyline Hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant that increases synaptic concentration of norepinephrine and serotonin in the CNS by blocking neuronal reuptake. It helps regulate mood, treat depression, and relieve neuropathic pain by stopping pain signal transmission from nerves to the brain. It is usually taken at bedtime as it causes drowsiness.

Depression; neuropathic pain (chronic nerve-related pain); migraine prevention; tension-type headache; nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in children 6 years and older.

Tricyclic Antidepressant

Dibenzocycloheptadine Tricyclic Antidepressant

Amitriptyline Hydrochloride is a dibenzocycloheptadine tricyclic antidepressant. It blocks neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the CNS, increasing their synaptic concentration. This improves mood and treats depression. It also relieves neuropathic pain by stopping pain signal transmission from nerves to the brain.

Amitriptyline Hydrochloride increases norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and stops pain signal transmission from nerves to the brain to relieve neuropathic pain.

Adults (Depression): Initial 25-50 mg at night (single dose) or divided doses; gradually increase to 150-200 mg/day (up to 300 mg/day in hospital). Elderly & debilitated: 10-25 mg at night; increase gradually. Children (6-10 years, enuresis): 10-20 mg/day (at night); 11-16 years: 25-50 mg/day (at night); max 3 months. Neuropathic pain/Migraine prevention: 10-25 mg at night; gradually increase to 50-75 mg/day.

May be taken with or without food (take at bedtime as it causes drowsiness). Take at the same time each day. Swallow tablet whole; do not chew.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common side effects: Dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, difficulty in urination, increased heart rate, orthostatic hypotension, weight gain, blurred vision, nasal congestion, increased sweating, fatigue, increased appetite. Rare: Aggressive behavior, agitation, confusion, memory impairment, sexual dysfunction.

It may take 4-6 weeks to start working; continue as prescribed. Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor (withdrawal symptoms may occur). Caution while driving (drowsiness). Avoid alcohol completely (excessive drowsiness). Monitor weight and appetite (weight gain may occur). Inform doctor if you experience suicidal thoughts or mood changes. Caution in liver disease. Caution during pregnancy and lactation.

Hypersensitivity to amitriptyline; use of MAO inhibitors within 14 days; acute recovery phase post-MI; concurrent use with cisapride.

MAO inhibitors: Contraindicated within 14 days. Cisapride: May prolong QT interval. Alcohol, opioid analgesics: Increased sedation. Cimetidine, disulfiram: May increase amitriptyline levels. Anticholinergics: Increased anticholinergic effects. Guanethidine: Blocks antihypertensive effect.

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited (increases sedation).

Pregnancy Category: C. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the fetus; human studies are limited. Use only if clearly needed with medical advice.

Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.

Amitriptyline is excreted in breast milk; do not use during breastfeeding (AAP states effect is unknown but may be of concern).

Children 6-10 years (enuresis): 10-20 mg/day (at night); 11-16 years: 25-50 mg/day (at night); max 3 months. Adolescents (depression): 25-50 mg/day (at night) or divided doses.

Elderly and debilitated patients: Start with 10-25 mg at night; increase gradually.

Renal impairment: Probably safe; dose adjustment may not be needed. Hepatic impairment: Caution required; dose adjustment may be needed. Not recommended in severe liver disease.

Overdose symptoms: cardiac arrhythmias, severe hypotension, seizures, coma, confusion, diminished reflexes. Treatment: symptomatic and supportive measures, ECG monitoring.

Store below 30C in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

C20H23N·HCl (Molecular weight: 313.86 g/mol)