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How
To Take Amitriptyline
Take Amitriptyline exactly as prescribed. You may experience
side effects, such as mild drowsiness, early in therapy. However,
they usually disappear after a few days. Beneficial effects
may take as long as 30 days to appear. Amitriptyline may cause
dry mouth. Sucking a hard candy, chewing gum, or melting bits
of ice in your mouth can provide relief.
Side
Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change
in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only
your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue
taking Amitriptyline. Older adults are especially liable to
certain side effects of Amitriptyline, including rapid heartbeat,
constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, sedation, and confusion,
and are in greater danger of sustaining a fall. Side effects
may include: Abnormal movements, anxiety, black tongue, blurred
vision, breast development in males, breast enlargement, coma,
confusion, constipation, delusions, diarrhea, difficult or
frequent urination, difficulty in speech, dilation of pupils,
disorientation, disturbed concentration, dizziness on getting
up, dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth,
excessive or spontaneous flow of milk, excitement, fatigue,
fluid retention, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, heart
attack, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high fever, high or
low blood sugar, hives, impotence.
Precautions
Do not stop taking Amitriptyline abruptly, especially if you
have been taking large doses for a long time. Your doctor
probably will want to decrease your dosage gradually. This
will help prevent a possible relapse and will reduce the possibility
of withdrawal symptoms. Amitriptyline may make your skin more
sensitive to sunlight. Try to stay out of the sun, wear protective
clothing, and apply a sun block. Amitriptyline may cause you
to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not
drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any
hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until
you know how this drug affects you. While taking this medication,
you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when
getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up
slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your
doctor. Use Amitriptyline with caution if you have ever had
seizures, urinary retention, glaucoma or other chronic eye
conditions.
Drug Interactions
Amitriptyline may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not
drink alcohol while taking this medication. If Amitriptyline
is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could
be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
that you consult with your doctor before taking Amitriptyline
in combination with the following: Airway-opening drugs such
as Sudafed and Proventil Antidepressants that raise serotonin
levels, such as Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft Other antidepressants,
such as amoxapine Antihistamines such as Benadryl and Tavist
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital Certain blood pressure
medicines such as Catapres Cimetidine (Tagamet) Disulfiram
(Antabuse) Drugs that control spasms, such as Bentyl and Donnatal
Estrogen drugs such as Premarin and oral contraceptives Ethchlorvynol
(Placidyl) Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
MAO inhibitors, such as Nardil and Parnate Medications for
irregular heartbeat, such as Tambocor and Rythmol Painkillers.
Med Notes
The effects of Amitriptyline during pregnancy have not been
adequately studied. If you are pregnant or planning to become
pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication
appears in breast milk. If Amitriptyline is essential to your
health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding
until your treatment is finished.
Missed Dosages
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time. If
you take a single daily dose at bedtime, do not make up for
it in the morning. It may cause side effects during the day.
Storage Info
Keep Amitriptyline in a tightly closed container. Store at
room temperature. Protect from light and excessive heat.
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