We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Side Effects of Amitriptyline?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,890
Share

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that is principally used to treat depression or anxiety disorders, though it has many off-label uses. It is, like most of the tricyclics, known for having a high burden of potential side effects and important warnings; it appears to be a poor choice for prescription in people under the age of 12 and older adults may be more prone to suffer cardiac complications from taking it. The side effects of amitriptyline also can present with discontinuation.

Like all antidepressants, the most important warning applicable to amitriptyline is that it may cause suicidal ideation and behavior especially in teens and young adults. People who initiate this medication should have careful monitoring by the prescribing physician and anyone experiencing suicidal thinking while taking this medicine should immediately report these symptoms and get help. Though this adverse effect is relatively rare, its rate of occurrence is statistically significant and warrants careful attention.

Most of the common side effects of amitriptyline are not dangerous, though some of them can be bothersome if they persist. Like many antidepressants, amitriptyline is associated with diminished sexual desire, potential interference with sustained erection, and possible inability to achieve orgasm. Other times side effects can cause reduction in vision and blurring of vision. Additional frequently occurring side effects are dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, profuse perspiration, and stomach upset that could cause either diarrhea or constipation.

Not everyone feels these effects and they may occur sporadically, at all times, at the beginning of treatment, or as treatment progresses. Many side effects of amitriptyline occurring in the beginning of treatment minimize over time. If they don’t, patients should talk to their doctors about other medications that might be more appropriate.

There are serious side effects of amitriptyline, in addition to the suicide warning applicable to the drug. People should get immediate medical attention if they develop allergic symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the mouth, lips and tongue. Any development of suicidal thoughts or hallucinations, fainting, dark colored urine, sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, alteration in speaking or difficulty swallowing, and behavior like extreme restlessness, impulsivity, irritation, pressured speech, or other indications of mania or hypomania need medical care right away.

It’s also important to discuss the side effects of amitriptyline in terms of drug interactions. The medication has serious interactions with over 200 other drugs. Patients should present doctors with a list of all their medications before beginning any new medicine, as prescriptions might need to be altered or discontinued. Certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy or age, may make another treatment more appropriate.

Lastly, a noteworthy adverse effect of amitriptyline is that it can cause withdrawal, especially if people have used it for some time. Withdrawal syndrome can be limited with careful discontinuation. Tapering the medication slowly, rather than using a cold turkey method of quitting appears to have the best results.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By bluedolphin — On Nov 04, 2013

The major side effect I had while I was on amitriptyline was drowsiness. I was taking a low dose at night to help me sleep. It worked quite well but I had the hardest time waking up. And I felt very drowsy and tired until about lunch time. I couldn't keep functioning like that, so I ended up quitting the drug. It's unfortunate though because it was one of the few drugs that helped my insomnia.

By turquoise — On Nov 03, 2013

Amitriptyline can cause weight gain, because it increases appetite. I've been eating a lot more since I was put on the medication too. I also crave more carbohydrates and sugars. I guess this is an unavoidable side effect of most anti-depressants. I had the same issue with a previous anti-depressant I used.

I try to avoid weight loss by exercising more but I have come to terms with the fact that I'm going to be a little heavier while I'm on this drug. If the weight gain gets worse though, I'll probably ask my doctor to switch me to something else.

By candyquilt — On Nov 03, 2013

Do amitriptyline side effects include weight gain?

I've been on it for a month now and I've gained a few pounds during this time. I don't know if it's because of the amitriptyline or if it's just a coincidence.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-side-effects-of-amitriptyline.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.