What is this medication for?
Amitriptyline belongs to a family of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat depression. It works in the central nervous system (CNS) to elevate the mood of people with depression. It is believed to work by keeping the balance of natural chemicals called neurotransmitters in the body, namely serotonin and norepinephrine.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Amitriptyline by Teva is is no longer being manufactured for sale in the USA.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose of amitriptyline for depression in adults is 25 mg to 50 mg per day. The dose of amitriptyline is usually started low and increased slowly as prescribed by the doctor until the medication is at a dose that is appropriate and effective.
The usual maintenance dose of amitriptyline for adults ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg per day in divided doses. For some people, the daily dose can be taken as a single dose, preferably at bedtime.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Amitriptyline should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to amitriptyline or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken one in the past 2 weeks
- has a history of an allergic reaction to any of the antidepressants from the tricyclic antidepressant family (e.g., nortriptyline, desimpramine, imipramine)
- has acute congestive heart failure
- has recently had a heart attack