What Is Amitriptyline?

Precautions To Remember

Amitriptyline is not safe for use by patients with certain health conditions. For example, bipolar disorder patients should not take this medication, and it is not appropriate for patients currently struggling with extreme mood swings, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of self-harm, or for those who have attempted suicide or have a history of self-harm. Patients taking other types of antidepressants may not be able to safely use amitriptyline since it could intensify their effects. Amitriptyline should not be taken by schizophrenia patients, and it is not intended for use in patients who have had a heart attack or have existing heart issues. Since this drug can increase eye pressure, patients with a history of glaucoma will be closely monitored during treatment. Older adults taking this drug have an elevated risk of experiencing side effects while on this medicine, and use in pediatric patients must be done with caution. Amitriptyline can be taken with or without food, and patients need to take it on a regular schedule so a certain amount of the drug remains in the body at all times. Patients who take the tablet form of this medicine can safely crush or cut the tablet, and the medicine should be stored away from moisture and light. It needs to be kept at room temperature (between sixty-eight and seventy-seven Fahrenheit).

Learn about potential medication interactions next.