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Uses
Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, is used to treat depression.
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How to use
Take exactly as prescribed by your health care professional.
Contact your paediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children.
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Side effects
If you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which seem severe/persistent contact your doctor immediately.
yellowing of the skin or eyes
weakness or tiredness
upset stomach
slow or difficult speech
skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
shuffling walk
severe skin rash
persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
nightmares
jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
irregular heartbeat
insomnia
frequent urination
fever
excitement or anxiety
excessive sweating
dry mouth
drowsiness
difficulty urinating
difficulty breathing or swallowing
constipation
changes in sex drive or ability
changes in appetite or weight
blurred vision
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Interaction
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to the formulation of this medication or any other medication in any other form.
warfarin
valproic acid
thyroid medicines
terbinafine
streptogramins
ssris
pimozide
phenothiazines
mibefradil
maois - because they can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening, reactions.
macrolides
ketolides
guanfacine
guanethidine
fluconazole
droperidol
do not take mao inhibitors with, or within 2 weeks of taking, elavil
clonidine
cisapride
cimetidine
carbamazepine
bupropion
antihistamines
anticholinergics
amitriptyline
Inform your doctor about any other medication you may be taking in any other form.
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Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
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Notes
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions:
if you have a history of mental illness (eg, bipolar disorder, mania, manic-depression), or have considered or attempted suicide
if you have alcoholism or regularly consume 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day
if you have glaucoma, an irregular heartbeat, heart disease, chest pain, liver disease, prostate problems, thyroid disease, or are unable to urinate (urinary retention)
if you have a history of seizures, epilepsy, or porphyria
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Missed Dose
Do not double doses to make up for a missed dose. Consult your health care professional about your missed dose.
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Other uses
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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Storage
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
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Precaution
Do NOT use Amitriptyline if you are recovering from a heart attack.
If you conceive whilst on a course with this medication inform your doctor immediately.
If you need to undergo any kind of surgery, inform your doctor you are taking this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive.
Avoid alcohol and alcohol containing beverages whilst on a course with this medication.