Amitriptylin

About amitriptyline

Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as trizyklische Antidepressiva. It is commonly used to help ease certain types of nerve pain, and also to help prevent Migräne. It can also be used to help children with bedwetting problems.

It has been traditionally prescribed for the treatment of depression, although it is rarely used for this nowadays.

The most common side effects of amitriptyline are:

• Trockener Mund.

• Verstopfung.

• Durchfall.

• Übelkeit.

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded - especially when standing up.

• Feeling sleepy.

• Verschwommenes Sehen.

• Magenschmerzen.

Eine vollständige Liste finden Sie im Beipackzettel des Herstellers, der Ihrem Medikament beiliegt. Die unerwünschten Wirkungen bessern sich oft, wenn sich Ihr Körper an das neue Medikament gewöhnt, aber sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker, wenn eines der folgenden Probleme weiterhin besteht oder lästig wird.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to amitriptyline, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking amitriptyline it is important that your doctor knows:

• Wenn Sie schwanger sind oder stillen.

• Wenn Sie eine überaktive Schilddrüse haben.

• Wenn Sie ein Problem mit der Funktionsweise Ihrer Leber haben.

• Wenn Sie Epilepsie haben.

• Wenn Sie einen hohen Blutzuckerspiegel haben (Diabetes mellitus).

• Wenn Sie Probleme mit Verstopfung hatten.

• Wenn Sie Schwierigkeiten beim Wasserlassen haben oder wenn Sie Probleme mit der Prostata hatten.

• Wenn Sie eine Herzkrankheit oder eine Gefäßerkrankung haben.

• Wenn Sie jemals ein psychisches Gesundheitsproblem hatten (insbesondere bipolare Störung oder Psychose).

• Wenn Sie einen erhöhten Druck in Ihren Augen haben, eine Erkrankung namens Glaukom.

• Wenn Ihnen mitgeteilt wurde, dass Sie einen Tumor an Ihrer Nebenniere haben, der als Phäochromozytom bezeichnet wird.

• Wenn Sie eine seltene erbliche Bluterkrankung namens Porphyrie haben.

• Wenn Sie andere Medikamente einnehmen, einschließlich solcher, die ohne Rezept erhältlich sind, sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Medikamente. Dies ist besonders wichtig, wenn Sie kürzlich ein Medikament gegen Depressionen eingenommen haben, das als Monoaminoxidase-Hemmer (MAOI) bekannt ist.

• Wenn Sie jemals eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Medikament hatten.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about amitriptyline and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take amitriptyline exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usually prescribed as a single dose to be taken at bedtime, although your dose may differ from this.

  • The directions for taking it will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you what the doctor has said to you. If you have any questions about what dose to take, ask your pharmacist for advice.

• Ihr Arzt wird Ihnen wahrscheinlich eine kleine Dosis verschreiben, wenn Sie damit beginnen, und die Dosis dann allmählich erhöhen, wenn sich Ihr Körper daran gewöhnt.

• Many people find if helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You can take amitriptyline before or after food.

• If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. If when you remember, it is nearly time for your next dose then take your next dose when it is due but leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

• Versuchen Sie, Ihre regelmäßigen Termine mit Ihrem Arzt einzuhalten. So kann Ihr Arzt Ihren Fortschritt überprüfen.

• If you are taking amitriptyline for depression, you may feel that it is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two for the effect to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. It is important that you do not stop taking it thinking it is not helping.

• While you feel depressed, you may have distressing thoughts, and think about harming yourself or ending your life. If this happens, it is very important that you tell your doctor about it straightaway.

  • There are several types of antidepressants - each type works in a slightly different way and can have different side effects. If you find that amitriptyline does not suit you, then let your doctor know, as another antidepressant may be found that does.

• Your doctor will recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on amitriptyline. This is because alcohol increases the risk that you will experience side effects.

• Some people who take amitriptyline find that their skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Try to avoid strong sunlight until you know how your skin reacts, or use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor. Verwenden Sie keine Sonnenbänke.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take. This is because a number of medicines can increase the risk of side effects from amitriptyline, including some strong painkillers, flu remedies and antihistamines.

• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently. This is because amitriptyline can alter the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.

• If you are due to have any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking amitriptyline as it can interfere with some anaesthetics.

• Continue to take amitriptyline unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Stopping treatment suddenly can sometimes cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose gradually when this becomes necessary.

• Bewahren Sie alle Medikamente außerhalb der Reichweite und Sicht von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, fern von direkter Hitze und Licht.
  

Why shouldn't you take amitriptyline after 8pm?

Amitriptyline is best taken before 8pm to avoid morning grogginess. Taking it earlier helps reduce drowsy side effects the next day.

Is amitriptyline a strong sleeping pill?

Amitriptyline is not classed as a traditional sleeping pill, but at low doses it can make you feel drowsy and help with sleep problems. Doctors sometimes prescribe it off-label for insomnia, especially if pain or anxiety is also a factor.

Is amitriptyline a strong pain killer?

Amitriptyline is not a strong painkiller like opioids, but it can be very effective for certain types of long-term pain, especially nerve pain, migraines, or tension headaches.

Is amitriptyline addictive?

Amitriptyline is not addictive, but stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. Always reduce the dose gradually under your doctor's advice.

Why does amitriptyline cause weight gain?

Amitriptyline can cause weight gain because it may increase appetite, slow down metabolism, and make you feel more tired, which can reduce activity levels. Some people also experience fluid retention. Not everyone gains weight.