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Amitriptyline Amitriptyline

Product Name : Amitrip (Sold under the brand name Elavil in the US)
Product Type : Amitriptyline hydrochloride
Packaging and Product :
10mg Tablets in Packets of 100 Tablets or
25mg Tablets in Packets of 100 Tablets or
50mg Tablets in Packets of 100 Tablets
Manufacturer : Generic Brand

Amitrip: Manufacturers Information Sheet

** We are no longer supplying this product.

Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline)

Generic name: Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline)tyline hydrochloride

Why is this drug prescribed?

Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of mental depression. It is a member of the group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Some doctors also prescribe Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) to treat bulimia (an eating disorder), to control chronic pain, to prevent migraine headaches, and to treat a pathological weeping and laughing syndrome associated with multiple sclerosis.

Most important fact about this drug

You may need to take Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) regularly for several weeks before it becomes fully effective. Do not skip doses, even if they seem to make no difference or you feel you don't need them.

How should you take this medication?

Take Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) exactly as prescribed. You may experience side effects, such as mild drowsiness, early in therapy. However, they usually disappear after a few days. Beneficial effects may take as long as 30 days to appear.

Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) may cause dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

If you take a single daily dose at bedtime, do not make up for it in the morning. It may cause side effects during the day.

Storage instructions

Keep Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) in a tightly closed container. Store at room temperature. Protect from light and excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline).

Older adults are especially liable to certain side effects of Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline), including rapid heartbeat, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, sedation, and confusion, and are in greater danger of sustaining a fall.

Side effects may include:

abnormal movements
anxiety
black tongue
blurred vision
breast development in males
breast enlargement
coma
confusion
constipation
delusions
diarrhea
difficult or frequent urination
difficulty in speech
dilation of pupils
disorientation
disturbed concentration
dizziness on getting up
dizziness or light-headedness
drowsiness
dry mouth
excessive or spontaneous flow of milk
excitement
fatigue
fluid retention
hair loss
hallucinations
headache
heart attack
hepatitis
high blood pressure
high fever
high or low blood sugar
hives
impotence
inability to sleep
increased or decreased sex drive
increased perspiration
increased pressure within the eye
inflammation of the mouth
intestinal obstruction
irregular heartbeat
lack or loss of coordination
loss of appetite
low blood pressure
nausea
nightmares
numbness
rapid and/or fast fluttery heartbeat
rash
red or purple spots on skin
restlessness
ringing in the ears
seizures
sensitivity to light
stomach upset
strange taste
stroke
swelling due to fluid retention in the face and tongue
swelling of testicles
swollen glands
tingling and pins and needles in the arms and legs
tremors
vomiting
weakness
weight gain or loss
yellowed eyes and skin

Side effects due to rapid decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) include:

Headache
nausea
vague feeling of bodily discomfort

Side effects due to gradual dosage reduction may include; Dream and sleep disturbances, irritability or restlessness

These side effects do not signify an addiction to the drug.

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) or similar drugs such as Norpramin and Tofranil, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) while taking other drugs known as MAO inhibitors. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you are recovering from a heart attack.

Special warnings about this medication

Do not stop taking Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) abruptly, especially if you have been taking large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dosage gradually. This will help prevent a possible relapse and will reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.

Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Try to stay out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and apply a sun block.

Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.

While taking this medication, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

Use Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) with caution if you have ever had seizures, urinary retention, glaucoma or other chronic eye conditions, a heart or circulatory system disorder, or liver problems. Be cautious, too, if you are receiving thyroid medication. You should discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before starting Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) therapy.

Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure, tell the doctor that you are taking Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline). Certain drugs used during surgery, such as anesthetics and muscle relaxants, and drugs used in certain diagnostic procedures may react badly with Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline).

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important that you consult with your doctor before taking Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) in combination with the following:

Airway-opening drugs such as Sudafed and Proventil
Antidepressants that raise serotonin levels, such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft
Other antidepressants, such as amoxapine
Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Certain blood pressure medicines such as Catapres
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Drugs that control spasms, such as Bentyl and Donnatal
Estrogen drugs such as Premarin and oral contraceptives
Ethchlorvynol (Placidyl)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate
Medications for irregular heartbeat, such as Tambocor and Rythmol
Painkillers such as Demerol and Percocet
Parkinsonism drugs such as Cogentin and Larodopa
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Seizure medications such as Tegretol and Dilantin
Sleep medicines such as Halcion and Dalmane
Thyroid hormones (Synthroid)
Tranquilizers such as Librium and Xanax
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication appears in breast milk. If Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS
The usual starting dosage is 75 milligrams per day divided into 2 or more smaller doses. Your doctor may gradually increase this dose to 150 milligrams per day. The total daily dose is generally never higher than 200 milligrams.

Alternatively, your doctor may want you to start with 50 milligrams to 100 milligrams at bedtime. He or she may increase this bedtime dose by 25 or 50 milligrams up to a total of 150 milligrams a day.

For long-term use, the usual dose ranges from 40 to 100 milligrams taken once daily, usually at bedtime.

CHILDREN
Use of Amitrip (Generic brand -Amitriptyline) is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

The usual dose for adolescents 12 years of age and over is 10 milligrams, 3 times a day, with 20 milligrams taken at bedtime.

OLDER ADULTS
The usual dose is 10 milligrams taken 3 times a day, with 20 milligrams taken at bedtime.