What does it do?

Amitriptyline is used to treat and prevent depression, and may also be used for other conditions including some types of pain.

How should you take it?

Take amitriptyline regularly as directed with a glass of water, usually at night time.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with amitriptyline including:

• some antihistamines or anti-nausea medicines such as promethazine (e.g. Phenergan®), hyoscine (e.g. Scopoderm®), meclozine (e.g. Sea-legs®)
• cold and flu medicines containing dextromethorphan (e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough Forte®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy).

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Suicidal thoughts Fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting Muscle twitching or shaking you can’t control, confusion, heavy sweating, fever	Tell your doctor immediately
Anxiety, restlessness	Tell your doctor
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation or trouble peeing (anticholinergic effects) Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping Weight gain Changes in taste More sensitive to sunlight (sunburn or rash) Changes in sexual function	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have liver, heart, bladder, prostate or bowel problems.
• Tell your doctor if you have angle-closure glaucoma, bipolar disorder, or if you have ever had a seizure.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Your doctor may do a heart test (ECG) before you start and while you are taking amitriptyline.
• Amitriptyline can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• Protect yourself from too much sunlight while being treated with amitriptyline. Always cover up and apply a thick layer of broad spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30) when outside. Do not use sunbeds.
• It may take a few weeks for amitriptyline to start working.
• If your depression continues to get worse, see your doctor.
• Do not stop taking amitriptyline without talking to your doctor first.