1. Amitriptyline is used to treat several conditions, most commonly depression
and some types of pain.
2. This medicine takes some time to work fully. You may need to take it for
two to four weeks before you feel any better.
3. The tablets can make you feel drowsy. If you feel drowsy do not drive. Alcohol
can make drowsiness worse and is best avoided.
4. Do not stop taking the tablets even if you feel better. If you do want to
stop, speak to your doctor first. You may need to reduce the dose slowly.
5. Like all medicines, amitriptyline can have some unwanted effects. Dry mouth
and eyes, sweating, constipation, difficulty passing water and blurred vision
may occur, but often go away after the first week or so. If the tablets make
you feel dizzy or faint when you get up, try to stand up more slowly and count
to 20 before walking. If these or any other side effects are persistent or troublesome,
tell your doctor.
6. Problems can occur if amitriptyline is taken with some other medicines. Are
you taking any other prescribed medicines or medicines you have bought?
This series of "advice tips" on commonly used drugs is written by
pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended
as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed
medicines. The list is not intended to be comprehensive but to cover some important
points.
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone
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