![]() ![]() If you develop a dry mouth while using amitriptyline, try increasing your fluid intake, chewing on sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production. It’s caused by the effects of these drugs on the function of your salivary glands (the glands that produce saliva) and on your perception of oral dryness. This is a common side effect of medications used in the treatment of depression. Dry MouthĪmitriptyline can cause xerostomia, or dry mouth. Over-the-counter pain relief drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may help to provide relief. If you develop a headache after your dose of amitriptyline, try to rest and take in plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated. Interestingly, amitriptyline and other antidepressants are occasionally prescribed off-label to stop migraine headaches. Headaches related to amitriptyline use may improve over time. Like dizziness, headaches are common with antidepressants and may occur as a result of the effects of this type of medication on your brain. Headaches are a frequently reported side effect of amitriptyline. If you have persistent or severe dizziness, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider. You may feel dizzy shortly after taking amitriptyline. Feelings of dizziness and unsteadiness are known side effects of many antidepressants and are likely related to the effects of these drugs on your brain. Dizzinessĭizziness is a common side effect of amitriptyline. It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider if you notice a significant change in your appetite, eating habits and/or weight after starting treatment with amitriptyline. These effects may occur due to amitriptyline’s effects on histamine (H1) receptors. While using amitriptyline, you may develop a stronger appetite than usual and make changes in your eating habits, resulting in weight gain. Changes in Body WeightĬhanges in body weight, including weight gain, are common effects of tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline. These may improve over time as your body adjusts to the effects of the medication. In fact, experts regard amitriptyline as having a considerable side effect profile - one reason it’s no longer widely used as a first-line treatment for depression.Ĭommon side effects of amitriptyline include changes in body weight, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, somnolence (drowsiness) and gastrointestinal issues. Like all antidepressants, amitriptyline can cause side effects. Our full list of antidepressants provides more information about how it and similar tricyclic antidepressants function. For most people, it can take two to four weeks before amitriptyline produces noticeable improvements in the symptoms of depression.Īmitriptyline is one of many medications for treating depression. Like other antidepressants, the effects of amitriptyline aren’t immediate. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are associated with depression, anxiety, a lack of energy and in some cases, suicidal thoughts and/or behavior.Įxperts theorize that by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain and body, medications like amitriptyline can help to treat mood disorders such as depression. It’s also used off-label to treat a variety of common medical conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome.Īmitriptyline works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in regulating certain aspects of your moods, thoughts and feelings. It’s an FDA-approved medication for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). We’ve also discussed amitriptyline drug interactions, potential safety risks and other issues you should be aware of before using amitriptyline to treat depression or any other condition.Īmitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, or TCA. In fact, as an older type of antidepressant, amitriptyline has a more considerable risk of causing side effects than modern antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).īelow, we’ve explained how amitriptyline works, as well as the side effects you may experience if you’re prescribed this medication. Although it’s rarely used as a first-line treatment for depression, you may be prescribed amitriptyline if other forms of antidepressant therapy don’t work for you.Īmitriptyline can cause side effects. ![]() It belongs to an older class of medications referred to as tricyclic antidepressants. Many of these people are prescribed antidepressants to treat their symptoms and assist with the recovery process.Īmitriptyline is a medication for depression. An estimated 21 million American adults suffer from depression every year - about 8.4 percent of the entire US adult population. ![]()
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