Amitriptyline Side Effects

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant that has been approved for treating depression, usually for major depression. It basically affects the chemicals in the brain, in order to treat the symptoms of depression. Usually, amitriptyline increases the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, which in turn reduces the sadness and gloom, associated with depression. But, many people can experience some adverse reactions, while using amitriptyline for the first time. However, all people may not experience its side effects.

Amitriptyline Uses
As has been mentioned already, amitriptyline is an antidepressant or depression medications, that is primarily used for the treatment of major depression and clinical depression. Some European countries have however, approved it for treating chronic migraine as well. Amitriptyline is also used to get relief from the chronic pain caused by the condition, Ankylosing spondylitis. Occasionally, it may be given for conditions like, insomnia, chronic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurological pain and multiple sclerosis.

Amitriptyline Adverse Effects
The negative reaction to amitriptyline in the body is generally attributed to its action on the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Amitriptyline can block the action of acetylcholine and thus cause dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation, dizziness, hair loss, confusion and excessive sweating, which are the most common side effects. It can cause weight gain and can affect the level of blood sugar as well.

Some individuals can experience a worsening of the depression symptoms and develop suicidal thoughts and behavior, while using amitriptyline for the first time, which has been revealed in some studies carried out in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. This can be termed as one of the most important and serious side effects in children and individuals younger than 24 years. Such developments should be immediately brought to the notice of physicians.

Occasionally, amitriptyline can also give rise to some other serious complications like, arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, palpitations, heart attack and stroke, breast enlargement, jaundice, anxiety and panic attack, sleep disorders, mood or behavior changes, chest pain, fainting, blurred vision, unusual bleeding or bruising, seizures, delusion and hallucinations. These are the serious side effects of this medication, that call for immediate medical attention.

On the other hand, people allergic to amitriptyline can develop severe allergic reactions after taking this medication. Allergic reaction can manifest in skin rash or hives, unexplained swelling, especially swelling of the face, throat and tongue, wheezing and breathing difficulty. Apart from these, some other side effects of this medication include, nausea and vomiting, fainting, urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, restlessness, tinnitus, psychosis, difficulty in urinating and increase in thirst. On the other hand, amitriptyline withdrawal can produce symptoms like, headache, nausea, irritability and sleeping problems.

Considering some of the serious side effects of this medicine, this depression medication is usually not prescribed for individuals with certain health conditions. People with health problems like, heart disease, schizophrenia, glaucoma and diabetes should not take amitriptyline without consulting their physician. The safety of this antidepressant medication in pregnancy has not been evaluated, but amitriptyline can pass into human milk, if taken by nursing mothers. Therefore, pregnant and nursing mothers should also not take amitriptyline, without the approval of their health care provider. Lastly, amitriptyline can interact with certain medications, especially the monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs. So, be sure to disclose all information related to the health problems, as well as the kind of medication you are using to your health care provider before taking this medication.