Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and, in different treatment plans, selected nerve-pain or headache conditions. It can be sedating and is dangerous in overdose.
Key points
- Uses, expected benefit and adverse effects differ between depression and pain treatment.
- Amitriptyline can affect alertness, bowel and bladder function, eyes, blood pressure and heart rhythm.
- Suspected overdose, suicidal intent, seizures or fainting is an emergency.
Listings are for comparison and general information; suitability and supply depend on diagnosis, clinician and pharmacy checks and prescription requirements.
Important safety checks
Heart disease, glaucoma, urinary retention, seizures, bipolar symptoms, pregnancy and interacting antidepressants or sedatives require review. Do not stop suddenly without a clinician’s plan.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency help for overdose, suicidal intent, collapse, seizures, a fast or irregular heartbeat, severe confusion, inability to urinate or agitation with fever and muscle stiffness.
Further reading
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