Amitriptilina

About amitriptyline

What is amitriptyline used for?

Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as antidepresivos tricíclicos. It is commonly used to help ease certain types of nerve pain, and also to help prevent migrañas. 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.

• Sentirse mal (náuseas).

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded - especially when standing up.

• Feeling sleepy.

• Visión borrosa.

• Dolor estomacal.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que se suministra con su medicamento. Los efectos no deseados a menudo mejoran a medida que su cuerpo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes persiste o se vuelve problemático.

How to manage amitriptyline side effects

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to amitriptyline, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Who should not take amitriptyline?

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking amitriptyline it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada o amamantando.

• Si tienes una glándula tiroides hiperactiva.

• Si tienes un problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado.

• Si tienes epilepsia.

• Si tienes niveles altos de azúcar en la sangre (diabetes mellitus).

• Si has tenido problemas de estreñimiento.

• Si tiene alguna dificultad para orinar, o si ha tenido problemas de próstata.

• If you have a heart disorder or blood vessel disease.

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

• If you have increased pressure in your eyes, a condition called glaucoma.

• If you have been told you have a tumour on your adrenal gland, called phaeochromocytoma.

• Si tienes un trastorno sanguíneo hereditario raro llamado porfiria.

• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines. This is especially important if you have recently taken a medicine for depression, known as a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

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

How to take amitriptyline

• 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.

• Your doctor is likely to prescribe you a small dose when you first start taking it, and then increase your dose gradually as your body gets used to it.

• Many people find if helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take amitriptyline before or after food.

• 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.

Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento

• Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

• 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.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently. This is because amitriptyline can alter the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• If you are due to have any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking amitriptyline as it can interfere with some anaesthetics.

• Continue to take amitriptyline unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually when this becomes necessary.

How to store amitriptyline

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y 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 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.