Amitriptyline: uses, side effects and precautions

This tricyclic Antidepressant has proven to be very effective in combating various disorders.

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

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

What is amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline, known commercially under some names such as Elavil, Sarotex or Tryptizol, is a drug with antidepressant action.. Specifically, amitriptyline is categorized within the 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 neurotransmitters increase. In this way, amitriptyline facilitates the maintenance of emotional balancewhich is diminished in depressive disorders, among many others.

Unlike other tricyclic antidepressants, amitriptyline has practically the same efficacy as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which is why it has become one of the most widely used antidepressants in its category.

In what conditions is it used?

Like many of its antidepressant counterparts, amitriptyline is used to treat a wide variety of mental disorders. is administered for the treatment of a wide variety of mental disorders..

One of the main focuses of administration is the treatment of symptoms of major depressive disorder. This emotional disorder is characterized by profound feelings of anguish and sadness, coupled with low self-esteem, which remain in the long term, causing great interference in the person's daily life.

In addition, it also presents a proven efficacy in the treatment of some anxiety disorders such as specific phobias or panic disorders and in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or bipolar disorder in those patients who do not show improvement 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 shingles and causing great pain sensations in the sufferer.a disease caused by certain types of shingles that causes great pain sensations in the sufferer.

Much research has shown that amitriptyline may be particularly useful in the prevention of certain ailments or conditions. Some of these include:

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

How is it administered?

At the moment, amitriptyline is only available in tablets for oral is available in tablet form for oral administration.. Although it is usually recommended to administer it in four daily intakes and approximately always at the same time, the relevant physician can indicate the most convenient way of consumption for each particular patient.

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

As a general rule, and as with most psychiatric medication, it is advisable to start treatment with amitriptyline progressively, starting with smaller and more distant doses that increase as the treatment progresses.

It is necessary to emphasize that, even if at first the patient does not experience the expected effects, he/she should never alter or modify the recommended doses, neither by excess nor by defect. This means that in no case can the patient take the liberty of taking more or less medication than recommended. than recommended.

In those cases in which the patient decides to alter the dosage or stop taking amitriptyline, he/she may experience withdrawal symptoms, as well as severe and abrupt changes in mood or sleep problems among many others.

What side effects can this drug cause?

Due to its effects as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline may cause a wide variety of side effects in the patient. In spite of this, the patient should not stop taking it on his own, but it is advisable to inform the prescribing physician in case of frequent or prolonged side effects, in order to adjust or change the treatment.

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

• Feeling of weaknessLack of energy or tiredness.
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• headaches
• Sleep disturbances and/or nightmares.
• Feeling of confusion.
• Dry mouth.
• Vision problems or blurred vision.
• Gastric alterations with or without constipation.
• Problems of urination.
• Sensation of pain or numbness in hands or feet.
• Hyperhidrosis or increased sweating.
• Alterations in sexual desire and/or performance.
• Alterations in appetite and changes in weight.

Although uncommon, amitriptyline can also cause a number of serious side effects. can also cause a number of serious side effectswhich can compromise the health status of the person. If any of these appear, the patient should contact the physician immediately. These include:

• Dizziness and fainting.
• Slow speech or speech difficulties.
• Weakness or numbness of an entire arm or leg.
• Severe chest pain or pressure.
• Heart rhythm disturbances or instability..
• Skin changes such as rashes or hives.
• Yellowish skin coloration.
• Uncontrollable tremors.
• Spasms in the jaw, neck or back.
• Spills or cardinals without apparent cause.
• Convulsions.
• Hallucinations.

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

Before starting treatment with amitriptyline, the patient should inform of any special health condition in which he/she is especially if it is related to any type of heart condition.

In addition, it should also be reported 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 with natural herbs, such as St. John's wort, which may also interfere with the treatment.

In those pregnant patients who are expected to become pregnant or breastfeeding, should also inform the physician of their condition, since amitriptyline may cause fetal alterations or alterations once the baby is born.

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