Elavil® (Amitrip® / Amitriptyline) - 25mg (100 Tablets)

Amitrip® (Amitriptyline) Use

This medicines is a tricyclic medicine that was once widely used as an antidepressant before being replaced by newer antidepressant medications with better side effect profiles. Other uses of it include the treatment of insomnia, enuresis and chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia.

Amitrip® (Amitriptyline) Dosage

Patients are usually started on a low dose of 5-10mg daily, taken at night to minimise side effects. This is gradually increased to a maximum daily dose of 50-150 mg, depending on the response and tolerability of side effects by the patient.

Amitrip® (Amitriptyline) Side effects

The side effects of this include sedation, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficultly urinating, dizziness, weight gain, heart rhythm disturbances. These effects may occur in up to 50% of patients and elderly patients are at greater risk. Intolerance of these effects often leads to discontinuation of the drug.

Precautions

It may be dangerous to take this medicines with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant medication or within 14 days of discontinuing a MAOI. This may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor if you have had any of the following health problems: Heart disease, Seizures/epilepsy, Glaucoma, Urinary retention, Overactive thyroid gland, Drug-related hyperpyrexia. This medicines is dangerous in overdose.