• Amitriptyline is a member of the group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders.

How should you take this medication?

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to help reduce daytime sleepiness. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy.
   
• It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
   
• Do not stop using amitriptyline without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping this medication suddenly could cause you to have unpleasant side effects

General Precautions with Amitriptyline

• Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to tricyclic antidepressant or to carbamazepine, trazodone, or if you have any other allergies.
   
• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: a certain eye problem , a heart attack in the last 30 days.
   
• Amitriptyline may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore,  Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Amitriptyline .
   
• Alcoholic beverages, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness.
   
• Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure, tell the doctor that you are taking amitriptyline.
   
• This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps.
   
• If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar levels. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of Amitriptyline?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
   
• Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: persistent heartburn, confusion, mental/mood changes, loss of coordination, shaking, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the mouth/face/hands, fast/irregular heartbeat, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, decreased sexual ability/desire, enlarged/painful breasts, ringing in the ears, nervousness, shakiness, sweating, unusual hunger, increased thirst/urination, fainting, muscle weakness/spasms, severe vomiting, severe constipation, swelling of the hands/feet.
   
• To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.