Treats depression. This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant
Brand Names:
Elavil, Vanatrip
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or to related medicine such as Asendin®, Anafranil®, Sinequan®, maprotiline (Ludiomil®), or trazodone (Desyrel®). You should not use this medicine if you are also taking cisapride (Propulsid®)
Uses:
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine may be taken on an empty or full stomach.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
If you take only one dose at bedtime and you miss the dose, do not take the medicine in the morning. Wait until the next night and skip the missed dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, a history of heart disease, glaucoma, epilepsy, or stomach or intestinal disease.
You may need to take this medicine for several weeks before you start to feel better.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to take less and less before stopping it completely.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Confusion, agitation, hallucinations
Diarrhea, fever, sweating, trembling or shaking
Fainting
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Muscle stiffness
Skin rash or hives
Changes in vision such as trouble focusing
Constipation or diarrhea
Drowsiness or dizziness
Dry mouth, nausea, or weight changes
Loss of interest in sex or loss of ability to have sex (impotence)
