Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline

Psychiatric Prescription only ATC code: N06AA09

What it is

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline while also blocking histamine, muscarinic and alpha-adrenergic receptors. That broad receptor activity explains both its sedating effect and its dry-mouth side effects. It is used for depression, neuropathic pain, migraine prevention and sleep problems, with the pain and sleep uses relying on smaller amounts than the psychiatric ones.

Typical dose
10–75 mg
1× a day
Times
Any time
At bedtime

Used for

  • Depression
  • Neuropathy
  • Migraine
  • Insomnia

What to know while taking it

It is taken at bedtime because drowsiness is expected, and that drowsiness can carry into the next morning, so driving and machine work call for caution until the effect is known. Food makes no difference to timing. Dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision come from the anticholinergic action and usually ease over weeks. Fluconazole and terbinafine slow its breakdown in the liver and push blood levels up, while tramadol adds serotonin effects and lowers the seizure threshold. The drug can prolong the QT interval on the ECG, which matters more when other QT-prolonging medicines are in use, and it should not be stopped abruptly.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor for fainting, palpitations or an irregular heartbeat, for confusion or difficulty passing urine, and for agitation with fever, shivering or muscle twitching.

Worth knowing

  • Causes drowsiness
  • Care when driving
  • Dry mouth is common
  • Can prolong the QT interval
  • Do not stop abruptly

Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.