Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a medication that is prescribed to people who suffer from mood or mental problems, such as depression. Symptoms of these problems can lead to people feeling anxious and tense. Moreover, they may have difficulty sleeping and have low energy levels. To address this issue, doctors recommend the usage of Amitriptyline, which belongs to a group of drugs and medications that are named tricyclic antidepressants. Even though it’s been widely known to treat depression, Amitriptyline can also be used to treat pain, such as neuralgia, back pain and migraine attacks, as long as the dosage is low enough.
Amitriptyline is a prescription-only medication that can come in many forms such as a liquid or as a tablet. The effects of this drug can make you feel sleepy or drowsy so it’s important to take them right before you go to sleep. Patients taking this medication can feel a difference at least a week later. When it comes to working as a painkiller, it may take at least 6 weeks for the full effects to sink in. It’s important to keep drinking it, even if you may not feel the effects immediately. Side-effects can occur if you suddenly stop taking the drug.
Depending on your condition, you can take this antidepressant for months or even years. No lasting or harmful effects have been recorded by the people using them for long periods of time. You can expect changes in weight as this drug can affect your appetite. For example, some patients have reported feeling more hungry after taking it.
Who can and can’t take Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline isn’t suitable for everybody, despite its guaranteed effects when it comes to pain relief. Most adults can take this antidepressant. Children aged 2 years and above can also take it if they have some kind of nerve pain. However, here is a list of people who can’t and shouldn’t take Amitriptyline:
- People who have had allergic reactions to Amitriptyline or certain medicines in the past.
- People who have had heart problems or conditions.
- People who suffer from a rare illness called porphyria, which refers to a classification of disorders that are caused by a buildup of natural chemicals.
- People who have had kidney or liver problems.
- People who have had epilepsy.
- People who have taken other medicines for depression that can interfere with Amitriptyline.
- People who are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- People who have an eye condition called glaucoma.
- People who are suicidal or have thought of ending their life.
- People who have diabetes.