Amitriptyline Tips from Pharmacists

• It can take 4-8 weeks for amitriptyline to work. Continue taking the medicine even if you do not notice an improvement in your symptoms right away.

• Do not stop taking amitriptyline even if you feel well. This medicine will help control your depression symptoms but will not cure the underlying condition.

• Do not stop amitriptyline suddenly. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms and/or worsening depression. Talk to your doctor about how to safely come off amitriptyline by taking lower doses.

• Amitriptyline can cause dizziness and drowsiness as side effects. Be careful while driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires your full concentration until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Be on the lookout for any behavior or mood changes while on amitriptyline. This medicine may cause suicidal thoughts, especially in teenagers and young adults under the age of 24 years.

• Amitriptyline can increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors to protect your skin from sunburn.

• There can be fluctuations in blood sugar levels during treatment with amitriptyline. If you have diabetes and take medications, talk to your doctor about how often you should measure blood glucose levels and whether you need to adjust the doses of your diabetes medications.