Information

Amitriptyline is used to elevate mood and treat depression, anxiety and reliefs from tension. It has sedative effect that affects the neurotransmitter(chemical messenger) in the brain.

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Therapeutic Class

Tricyclic antidepressants

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Dose and Direction of Use

Take this medicine by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are taking once a day, then take it before bed time to aviod day time sleepiness. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to the treatment. You might start with low dose as prescribed by your doctor and gradually increase dose to reduce risk of side effect such as drowsiness, dizziness.

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Mode of Action

This antidepressant works as neurotransmitter (especially norepinephrine and serotonin) reuptake inhibitor; elicits anticholinergic effects

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Uses

• Anxiety or Agitation with Depression

• Schizophrenia with Depression

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Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity to Amitriptyline
• Severe cardiovascular disorder
• Narrow angle glaucoma

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Precautions and Warning

• Take this medication regurlarly till the prescribed time to get the most benefit.
• You might experience smptoms such as mood swings,headache, tiredness, sleep change if you stop this medication abruptly. So, you doctor might suggest to reduce the dose gradually.
• It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve.
•  Patients should be monitored closely for changes in behavior and suicidal tendencies. This should be peformed during the initial 1-2 months of therapy and dosage adjustments.Degrading behavior and suicidal tendencies that are not part of the presenting symptoms may require discontinuation of therapy.
• This drug is not approved for use in for anyone younger than 12 years old.
• Consult to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding women before taking this medication.

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