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Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip, |Endep

Endep

Generic Name: amitriptyline (a mee TRIP ti leen)
Brand Names: Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip

What is amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Amitriptyline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Amitriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression.

Amitriptyline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about amitriptyline?

You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are under 18 years old. While you are taking this medication you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking amitriptyline?

Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease;

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures;

• bipolar disorder (manic-depression);

• schizophrenia or other mental illness;

• diabetes (amitriptyline may raise or lower blood sugar);

• overactive thyroid;

• glaucoma; or

• problems with urination.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use amitriptyline, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are under 18 years old. While you are taking amitriptyline, you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

How should I take amitriptyline?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking amitriptyline. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of an amitriptyline overdose may include uneven heartbeats, extreme drowsiness, confusion, agitation, vomiting, blurred vision, feeling hot or cold, sweating, muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking amitriptyline?

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, or other antidepressants). They can add to sleepiness caused by amitriptyline.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with amitriptyline. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor before increasing or decreasing the amount of grapefruit products in your diet.

Amitriptyline side effects

• fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate;

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

• confusion, hallucinations, or seizures (convulsions);

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• uncontrollable shaking or tremor;

• skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

• easy bruising or bleeding;

• extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness;

• feeling light-headed, fainting; or

• urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

• dry mouth, unpleasant taste;

• numbness or tingly feeling;

• lack of coordination;

• feeling anxious, dizzy, drowsy, or tired;

• trouble concentrating;

• sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares;

• blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears;

• mild skin rash;

• breast swelling (in men or women); or

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect amitriptyline?

Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft).

Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor if you are currently using any of the following drugs:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• guanethidine (Ismelin);

• disulfiram (Antabuse); or

• heart rhythm medications such as flecainide (Tambocor), propafenone (Rhythmol), or quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use amitriptyline, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There are many other medicines that can interact with amitriptyline. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about amitriptyline written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Amitriptyline is available with a prescription generically and under the brand names Elavil and Endep. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Elavil 10 mg--round, blue, film-coated tablets

• Elavil 25 mg--round, yellow, film-coated tablets

• Elavil 50 mg--round, beige, film-coated tablets

• Elavil 75 mg--round, orange, film-coated tablets

• Elavil 100 mg--round, mauve, film-coated tablets

• Elavil 150 mg--capsule-shaped, blue, film-coated tablets

• Endep 10 mg--round, orange, film-coated, scored tablets

• Endep 25 mg--round, orange, film-coated, scored tablets

• Endep 50 mg--round, orange, film-coated, scored tablets

• Endep 100 mg--round, peach, film-coated, scored tablets

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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