Amitril
Generic Name:
Brand Names:
Amitril (discontinued), Amitid (discontinued), Elavil (discontinued), Endep (discontinued)
Amitriptyline is still available in certain generic versions.
Amitril Description:
Amitril is an antidepressant medication. While the exact mechanisms of Amitril are unknown, the medication acts on the central nervous system and alters levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters that may play a key role in the development of depression and other mental illnesses when present in low levels. Amitril works to correct these chemical imbalances.
Amitril Side Effects:
Common side effects of Amitril include:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Decreased libido
For more information, see our Amitril side effects page.
Amitril Uses:
Amitril is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder experience prominent and persistent episodes of depression. Depressive episodes generally include a combination of at least four of the following symptoms:
- Change in appetite
- Change in sleeping habits
- Psychomotor agitation or retardation
- Reduced interest in regular activities
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Sluggish thinking or reduced concentration
- Suicide attempts or ideation
Amitril Interactions:
Amitril should not be given to patients undergoing treatment with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.
Amitril may also interact with the following medications and substances:
- Quinidine
- Cimetidine
- Other antidepressants
- Phenothiazines
- Antiarrhythmics such as propafenone and flecainide
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Guanethidine
- Thyroid medications
- Alcohol
- Anesthetics
- Barbiturates
- Other central nervous system depressants
- Disulfiram
- Anticholinergic agents or sympathomimetic drugs
- Ethchlorvynol
Amitril may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with a new medication.
Amitril Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Amitril dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines set by their doctor.
Amitril is administered in the form of an oral tablet and is available in 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg strengths. Adult patients generally begin treatment with Amitril by taking an initial total daily dosage of 75 mg, divided into multiple different doses. Severely ill patients may require an initial daily dosage of 100 mg. If necessary, your doctor may alter this daily dosage as treatment progresses.
Adolescent and elderly patients usually take Amitril in three doses of 10 mg throughout the day, in addition to a dose of 20 mg at bedtime.
Patients should not abruptly stop taking Amitril or change their dosage amount, unless otherwise instructed by their doctor.
Missing a Dose of Amitril
If you forget to take a dose of Amitril, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next schedule dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of Amitril to compensate for a missed dose.
Amitril Overdose
An overdose of Amitril can result in serious complications and death. Symptoms of an Amitril overdose may include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Severely low blood pressure
- Seizures
- Central nervous system depression
- Coma
- Confusion or disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Dilated pupils
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much of this medication.
Amitril Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Amitril, like other antidepressant medications, carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care providers that the medication may place children, adolescents and young adults at an increased risk of suicide. Generally, depression and other mental illnesses are often already associated with an increased risk of suicide. Because of these risks, all patients taking Amitril should be closely monitored for abnormal changes in behavior or suicidal tendencies.
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September 7, 2010, 9:59 am
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
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September 1, 2010, 3:16 pm
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August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
