About amitriptyline hydrochloride
Tricyclic antidepressant
Used for
- Depression
- Nerve pain
- Migraine prevention
- Some chronic pain conditions
Usual adult dose
Depression: usually 25–50 mg daily to start, adjusted gradually. Nerve pain or migraine prevention: often 10–25 mg at bedtime, adjusted as needed.
Usual dose in children
Depression: specialist-supervised dosing, usually starting at 10–25 mg daily. Not routinely used for pain or migraine prevention in children.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision
- Difficulty urinating
- Weight gain
Important warnings
- Can cause heart rhythm problems, especially after overdose.
- May increase suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger people starting treatment.
- Do not stop suddenly after regular use; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- Use caution with glaucoma, urinary retention, seizures, or heart disease.
Pregnancy
Use only after weighing benefits and risks with a clinician; untreated depression also carries risks.
Breastfeeding
Small amounts enter breast milk; infant sleepiness or poor feeding may occur. Seek clinical guidance.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous reactions; avoid concurrent use.
- Other sedatives, alcohol, and opioids can increase drowsiness.
- Serotonergic medicines may raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Some medicines that affect heart rhythm can increase cardiac risk.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.