What Is Amitriptyline?

Potential Side Effects

Some of the most frequently reported side effects of amitriptyline include headaches, dry mouth, constipation, difficulty with urination, sleepiness, and dizziness. Other common side effects include diarrhea, blurry vision, nausea, skin rashes, and swelling of the face or tongue. Some patients taking this medicine have noticed numbness and tingling in the arms and legs, and confusion may occur as well. Weight changes, including weight loss or weight gain, have also been observed in some patients using amitriptyline. In rare cases, amitriptyline can cause heart attacks or strokes. Patients who develop chest pain, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body, shortness of breath, or slurred speech should be taken to an emergency room immediately. Other serious potential side effects of this medication include low blood pressure and jaundice. Patients with low blood pressure may be at an increased risk of fainting or falls, and doctors might recommend regular blood pressure monitoring. Jaundice could indicate potential liver issues, and this should be reported to a doctor urgently. Amitriptyline may reduce sodium in the blood, and this could trigger a seizure, which requires immediate medical attention. Some patients have reported eye pain or swelling in or around the eye, and this symptom should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist. This medication could cause some individuals to have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and young adults are more at risk for this side effect. Any mood or mental health changes should be reported to the patient's healthcare provider, and patients should have their mood regularly monitored during treatment.

Discover the key precautions to remember when taking amitriptyline next.