What it is used for
- Treating depression in adults
- Relieving neuropathic pain
- Preventing migraine or chronic tension-type headache
- Treating persistent bedwetting in selected children under specialist care
How it is used
- Take it only as prescribed; your doctor sets the dose for the condition and increases it gradually if needed
- Swallow tablets with water and measure oral liquid with the device supplied
- It can cause drowsiness; follow your doctor's instructions about when to take it
- Do not stop it suddenly; your doctor reduces it gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms
Possible side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness or headache
- Dry mouth, constipation or nausea
- Blurred vision or difficulty passing urine
- Increased sweating or changes in appetite and weight
- Palpitations or a fall in blood pressure on standing
Who should not use it
- Allergy to amitriptyline or any ingredient in the product
- A recent heart attack, important heart-rhythm or conduction disorder, or severe coronary artery disease
- Current or recent use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
- Severe liver disease
Before and while using it
- Thoughts of self-harm can increase when depression treatment starts or the dose changes; seek help immediately if these thoughts occur
- It can affect heart rhythm; tell the doctor about heart disease, fainting, a slow pulse or an electrolyte disturbance
- Tell the doctor if you have epilepsy, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, diabetes or an overactive thyroid
- It can cause sleepiness and confusion; do not drive until you know its effect and avoid alcohol
- Overdose is dangerous and can rapidly affect the heart and brain; seek emergency help immediately and keep it away from children
- Tell the anaesthetist or dentist that you take it before any procedure
Medicine interactions
- Do not use it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors because of the risk of severe serotonin syndrome
- Other antidepressants, tramadol and some opioids can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or seizures
- Sedatives, alcohol and drowsy antihistamines can increase sleepiness and breathing problems
- Heart-rhythm medicines, some antibiotics, antifungals and other medicines can raise its level or increase heart-rhythm problems
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy; they balance benefits and risks, and you must not stop it yourself
- A small amount enters breast milk; the doctor decides whether it is suitable and monitors the baby for sleepiness or poor feeding
How to store it
- Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture, out of the sight and reach of children
- Keep the liquid in its original container and follow the leaflet's in-use period after opening
Get medical help straight away if
- Your face, lips or tongue swell, or you find it hard to breathe.
- You get a severe rash, blistering or peeling skin.
- A side effect worries you or doesn’t go away: contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions about this medicine?
Talk to a doctor by video, or send your question by text.
Source: Standard international medicine references
This guide is general information and doesn’t replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without asking them, and always read the leaflet in the pack.