Amitriptilina

Acerca de la amitriptilina

What is amitriptyline used for?

Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is commonly used to help ease certain types of nerve pain, and also to help prevent migraines. It can also be used to help children with bedwetting problems.

It has been traditionally prescribed for the treatment of depression, although it is rarely used for this nowadays.

Side effects of amitriptyline

The most common side effects of amitriptyline are:

• Boca seca.

• Estreñimiento.

• Diarrea.

• Sensación de malestar (náuseas).

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded - especially when standing up.

• Feeling sleepy.

• Visión borrosa.

• Dolor de estómago.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto suministrado con su medicamento. Los efectos no deseados suelen mejorar a medida que su organismo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero consulte a su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes efectos persiste o se vuelve molesto.

How to manage amitriptyline side effects

Si experimenta cualquier otro síntoma que considere que puede deberse a la amitriptilina, consulte a su médico o farmacéutico.

Who should not take amitriptyline?

Algunos medicamentos no son adecuados para personas con determinadas afecciones, y a veces un medicamento sólo puede utilizarse si se toman precauciones adicionales. Por estas razones, antes de empezar a tomar amitriptilina es importante que su médico lo sepa:

• Si está embarazada o en periodo de lactancia.

• Si tiene una glándula tiroides hiperactiva.

• Si tiene algún problema con el funcionamiento de su hígado.

• Si padece epilepsia.

• Si tiene niveles elevados de azúcar en sangre (diabetes mellitus).

• Si ha tenido problemas de estreñimiento.

• Si tiene dificultades para orinar o si ha tenido problemas de próstata.

• Si padece un trastorno cardíaco o una enfermedad vascular.

• Si alguna vez ha tenido un problema de salud mental (en particular, trastorno bipolar o psicosis).

• Si tiene un aumento de la presión ocular, una enfermedad llamada glaucoma.

• Si le han dicho que tiene un tumor en la glándula suprarrenal, llamado feocromocitoma.

• Si padece un raro trastorno sanguíneo hereditario llamado porfiria.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos, incluidos los que se pueden comprar sin receta, así como hierbas medicinales y medicamentos complementarios. Esto es especialmente importante si ha tomado recientemente un medicamento para la depresión, conocido como inhibidor de la monoaminooxidasa (IMAO).

• Si alguna vez ha tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

Cómo tomar amitriptilina

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about amitriptyline and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take amitriptyline exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually prescribed as a single dose to be taken at bedtime, although your dose may differ from this.

  • The directions for taking it will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you what the doctor has said to you. If you have any questions about what dose to take, ask your pharmacist for advice.

• Es probable que su médico le recete una dosis pequeña cuando empiece a tomarlo y que luego la aumente gradualmente a medida que su organismo se acostumbre.

• A muchas personas les ayuda tragar los comprimidos con un vaso de agua. Puede tomar la amitriptilina antes o después de las comidas.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then take your next dose when it is due but leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

Aproveche al máximo su tratamiento

• Procure acudir a las citas periódicas con su médico. Así podrá comprobar su evolución.

• If you are taking amitriptyline for depression, you may feel that it is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two for the effect to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. It is important that you do not stop taking it thinking it is not helping.

• While you feel depressed, you may have distressing thoughts, and think about harming yourself or ending your life. If this happens, it is very important that you tell your doctor about it straightaway.

  • There are several types of antidepressants - each type works in a slightly different way and can have different side effects. If you find that amitriptyline does not suit you, then let your doctor know, as another antidepressant may be found that does.

• Your doctor will recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on amitriptyline. This is because alcohol increases the risk that you will experience side effects.

• Some people who take amitriptyline find that their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Try to avoid strong sunlight until you know how your skin reacts, or use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor. Do not use sunbeds.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. This is because a number of medicines can increase the risk of side effects from amitriptyline, including some strong painkillers, flu remedies and antihistamines.

• Si padece diabetes, es posible que deba controlar su nivel de glucosa en sangre con más frecuencia. Esto se debe a que la amitriptilina puede alterar los niveles de azúcar en la sangre. Su médico le aconsejará al respecto.

• Si va a someterse a algún tratamiento médico, informe a la persona que lo lleve a cabo de que está tomando amitriptilina, ya que puede interferir con algunos anestésicos.

• Siga tomando amitriptilina a menos que su médico le indique lo contrario. La interrupción brusca del tratamiento puede causar problemas, por lo que su médico puede recomendarle que reduzca la dosis gradualmente cuando sea necesario.

Cómo conservar la amitriptilina

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y de la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
  

Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos

Preguntas más frecuentes

Why shouldn't you take amitriptyline after 8pm?

Amitriptyline is best taken before 8pm to avoid morning grogginess. Taking it earlier helps reduce drowsy side effects the next day.

Is amitriptyline a strong sleeping pill?

Amitriptyline is not classed as a traditional sleeping pill, but at low doses it can make you feel drowsy and help with sleep problems. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for insomnia, especially if pain or anxiety is also a factor.

Is amitriptyline a strong pain killer?

Amitriptyline is not a strong painkiller like opioids, but it can be very effective for certain types of long-term pain, especially nerve pain, migraines, or tension headaches.

Is amitriptyline addictive?

Amitriptyline is not addictive, but stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. Always reduce the dose gradually under your doctor's advice.

Why does amitriptyline cause weight gain?

Amitriptyline can cause weight gain because it may increase appetite, slow down metabolism, and make you feel more tired, which can reduce activity levels. Some people also experience fluid retention. Not everyone gains weight.