What is Amitriptyline?

• Amitriptyline is a medication that increases serotonin within the brain
• Serotonin can help to lift your mood and reduces pain signals to the brain
• When taken for depression it can take four to six weeks before you notice any difference in your mood
• Amitriptyline is taken every day
• It is best to avoid drinking alcohol when taking amitriptyline
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions of the prescription drug.

Patient Information Leaflet

For more information on the prescription medication please refer to the Amitriptyline patient information leaflet.

Video: An overview of Amitriptyline

Take a look at the video below to get a simple overview of Amitriptyline, including what it is used for, dosages, side effects and precautions:

Does Amitriptyline come in branded forms?

Yes. Amitriptyline is available under the brand names Elavil, Endep and Vanatrip. Generic amitriptyline is available at EU Meds.

How Does Amitriptyline Work?

Amitriptyline Depression

Amitriptyline increases serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is sometimes referred to as a ‘happy chemical’. Increasing serotonin can slowly help your mood to lift if you are struggling with low mood or depression.

If you have chronic pain, amitriptyline works by encouraging serotonin back into the nerve cells, so that pain messages within the body are suppressed. This in turn reduces the pain you experience. 

Migraine sufferers may also find that amitriptyline helps to prevent migraines from occurring. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of blood vessels during a migraine, and amitriptyline can therefore work to prevent migraine headaches from occurring in the first place. 

How is Amitriptyline Taken?

Amitriptyline Tablets

Amitriptyline comes in tablet and liquid form. The tablets can be swallowed with water, and taken with or without food. 

The medication should be taken every day at roughly the same time.

What is the proper dosage of Amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline 10mg / 25mg / 50mg

Amitriptyline is available in tablet strengths of 10mg, 25mg and 50mg. The usual starting dose for chronic pain is 10mg each day, and this can be increased up to a maximum of 75mg if additional pain relief is required. 

Higher doses of up to 150mg may be prescribed for those who take it to prevent migraines.

For depression, adults will most commonly take 50mg to 100mg each day.

It is best to take amitriptyline at night before you go to bed, as it can make you feel sleepy. This can be a helpful side effect if you are struggling to sleep due to low mood or pain.

What are the side effects of Amitriptyline?

When taking amitriptyline, low doses are unlikely to lead to possible side effects. Higher doses may cause common side effects including:

• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Headache
• Feeling sleepy
• Difficulty passing urine.

These side effects are likely to settle within a few days. If they persist, speak to a healthcare professional.

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing side effects. Alcohol is therefore best avoided when taking amitriptyline. 

Rarely, some more serious side effects can occur. These include:

• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
• Headache with confusion or weakness
• Eye pain or changes in your eyesight
• Thoughts of self harm.

If these occur, call your doctor, pharmacist at your local pharmacy or your healthcare provider for medical advice on your medical condition straight away.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

What warnings does Amitriptyline come with?

Amitriptyline may not be suitable if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a heart problem
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have epilepsy
• Have or have previously had bipolar disorder
• Suffer from mental illness
• Have or have had suicidal thoughts or behaviours
• Have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
• Are taking herbal remedies (such as St John wort)
• Have porphyria
• Take another antidepressant
• Have glaucoma
• Have diabetes
• Have thoughts of self harm or ending your life.

Amitripyline FAQs

Does Amitriptyline affect sexual health?

Amitriptyline can have an impact on sexual arousal and libido. It has a lesser effect on orgasm and ejaculation in male patients but mainly affects libido in female patients (Chen et al, 2017).

Does Amitriptyline cause high blood pressure?

Yes, amitriptyline induced hypertension (high blood pressure) is a possibility when taking the medication and regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended when taking the medication (Hmoud et al, 2021). You should always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting amitriptyline treatment. They can ensure whether amitriptyline is the correct medication for you or if an alternative treatment is required.

Can Amitriptyline cause involuntary movements (Tardive Dyskinesia)?

There is a potential risk of medication-induced tardive dyskinesia (TD) when taking medicaments such as Amitriptyline - a disorder that causes repetitive involuntary movements of the body. This is more prevalent in patients who have had no previous exposure to antipsychotic drugs (Cornett et al, 2017). You should speak to your health care provider or doctor to ensure that Amitriptyline is a suitable medication for your requirements.

What experiences have Amitriptyline users had?

Every patient suffering from chronic pain or migraines has a unique individual experience when taking amitriptyline as a treatment.

Amitriptyline Reviews

There are many amitriptyline user reviews available at Drugs.com and Web MD.

Buy Amitriptyline

Where to buy Amitriptyline online?

Buy Amitriptyline Online

You can safely buy Amitriptyline from EU Meds following a successful online consolation with an independent pharmacist prescriber. During the consultation with EU Meds, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire to check that amitriptyline is suitable for you.

As many medications can interact with amitriptyline, a prescriber from EU Meds will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that amitriptyline will suit you. Once prescribed, you can order amitriptyline online for home delivery.

Further information:

• Drugs.com - Amitriptyline
• WebMD - Amitriptyline Oral Details
• NHS - Amitriptyline for Pain
• ScienceDirect - Amitriptyline Information
• Mayo Clinic - Amitriptyline Oral Route
• FDA - Amitriptyline SPL Data
• BNF - Amitriptyline Hydrochloride
• Patient.info - Amitriptyline (Elavil)