Amitriptyline: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

Although the current trend is towards the majority use of reuptake inhibitor antidepressants serotonin (SSRI) to the detriment of tricyclic antidepressants, there are still some of the latter that enjoy great popularity.

One of these drugs is amitriptyline., an antidepressant widely used in cases of major depression, and with a wide variety of uses both in the treatment and in the prevention of certain physical and psychological disorders.

• Related article: "Types of psychoactive drugs: uses and side effects"

What is amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline, known commercially under some names such as Elavil, Sarotex or Tryptizol, It is an antidepressant drug. Specifically, amitriptyline is categorized within tricyclic antidepressants. This type of antidepressant medication is distinguished by inhibiting, in the same amounts, the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Therefore, by inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, the levels of these increase. Thus, amitriptyline facilitates the maintenance of an emotional balance, which is diminished in depressive disorders, among many others.

Unlike other tricyclic antidepressants, amitriptyline is virtually as effective as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which is why it has become one of the most widely used antidepressants within its category.

• Related article: "Tricyclic Antidepressants: Uses and Side Effects"

In what conditions is it used?

Like its many other antidepressant counterparts, amitriptyline It is administered for the treatment of a wide variety of mental disorders..

One of the main foci of administration is the treatment of the symptoms of major depressive disorder. This emotional disorder is characterized by causing deep feelings of anguish and sadness, together with a low self-esteem and that remain in the long term, causing great interference in the daily life of the person.

In addition, it also has proven efficacy in the treatment of some anxiety disorders such as specific phobias o panic disorders and in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder o Bipolar disorder in those patients who do not present improvements with traditional treatments for these conditions.

To a much lesser extent, this tricyclic antidepressant is administered in some cases of eating disorders and postherpetic neuralgia, a disease caused by certain types of herpes and that causes great sensations of pain in the person who suffers from it.

Much research has shown that amitriptyline may be particularly helpful in preventing certain ailments or conditions. Some of them include:

• migraines.
• Tension headaches.
• Neuropathic pain for fibromyalgia.
• Diabetic neuropathy.
• nocturnal enuresis.
• Insomnia.
• Some symptoms of psychosis such as schizophrenia or psychotic depression.

How is it administered?

At the moment, amitriptyline only is available in tablets for oral consumption. Although it is usually recommended to administer it in four daily doses and approximately always at the same time, the relevant doctor can indicate the way of consumption that he deems most convenient for each patient in concrete.

Below, we describe a series of generic indications that, although they can be used as a guide for their consumption, it is always more It is convenient to follow the instructions of the doctor or, failing that, go to him in the event of any doubt about the treatment.

As a general rule, and as occurs with most psychiatric medication, it is advisable to start treatment with amitriptyline progressively, starting with smaller and more spaced doses that are increased with the progress of the treatment. treatment.

It is necessary to emphasize that, even if at first the patient does not experience the expected effects, he should never alter or modify the recommended doses, either by excess or by default. This means that In no case can the patient take the liberty of taking more or less medication. of the recommended

In those cases in which the patient decides to alter the dose or stop taking amitriptyline, he may experience symptoms typical of withdrawal symptoms, as well as severe and sudden changes in mood or sleep problems between much others.

What side effects can this drug cause?

Due to its effects as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor tricyclic antidepressant and norepinephrine, amitriptyline can cause a wide variety of side effects in the patient. Despite this, he should not stop consuming it on his own, but it is recommended that, given the Frequent or prolonged occurrence of these report to the prescribing physician, in order to adjust or change the treatment.

In the list of most frequent but not very serious side effects are:

• feeling of weakness, lack of energy or tiredness.
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea.
• vomiting.
• Headaches.
• Sleep disturbances and/or nightmares.
• feeling confused.
• dry mouth
• Vision problems or blurred vision.
• gastric alterations with or without constipation.
• Urination problems.
• Sensation of pain or numbness in the hands or feet.
• hyperhidrosis or increased sweating.
• Alterations in desire and/or sexual performance.
• Alterations in appetite and changes in weight.

Although not usual, amitriptyline also can cause a number of serious side effects, which can compromise the health status of the person. If any of them appear, the patient should contact the doctor immediately. These include:

• dizziness and fainting.
• Slow speech or speech difficulties.
• Weakness or numbness of an entire arm or leg.
• Strong chest pain or pressure.
• Heart rhythm disturbances or instability.
• Skin changes such as rashes or hives.
• Skin coloration with a yellowish hue.
• uncontrollable tremors.
• Jaw, neck or back spasms.
• Spills or cardinals without apparent cause.
• seizures.
• hallucinations.

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

Before starting treatment with amitriptyline, the patient must report any special health condition in which you are, especially if it is related to any type of heart condition.

In addition, it should also be communicated if the patient has any type of allergy, as well as the consumption of any other type of medication, dietary or vitamin supplement. Finally, there are some compounds made from natural herbs, such as St. John's wort, which can also interfere with treatment.

In those pregnant patients with expected pregnancy or while breastfeeding, they should also inform the doctor of their condition, since amitriptyline can cause fetal alterations or once the baby is born.

Regarding the precautions that must be taken due to the sedative effects of amitriptyline, those patients whose daily routine involves driving or operating heavy machinery must pay special attention to the effects of this and even avoid this type of task or activities.