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Brand Names: Amitrip, Elavil
Generic Name: Amitriptyline Indications
Amitrypline is used to treat depression. Depression is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain. This affects your whole body and can cause emotional and physical symptoms such as feeling low in spirit, loss of interest in activities, being unable to enjoy life, poor appetite or overeating, disturbed sleep, often waking up early, loss of sex drive, lack of energy and feeling guilty over nothing. Amitrypline works by correcting this chemical imbalance and may help relieve the symptoms of depression. This medication is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication may also be used to treat other mental/mood problems (e.g., anxiety, bipolar disorder), certain types of pain (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, neuropathic pain), eating disorders (e.g., bulimia), and trouble sleeping, or to prevent migraine headache. Amitrypline is not recommended for use in children 12 years of age and under. Amitrypline is not recommended for use in adolescents (13-18 years of age) for the treatment of depression, unless under the supervision of a specialist. Read the Medication Guide available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. How to use Amitriptyline Oral
Take this medication by mouth, usually 1 to 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to help reduce daytime sleepiness. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose over several weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This medication does not work right away. It may take up to 2 to 3 weeks before you experience the full benefits. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Muscle aches, headaches and worsening anxiety may also occur. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (e.g., your feelings of sadness get worse, or you have thoughts of suicide). Amitriptyline Oral may also be used to treat:
Bulimia, Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome, Migraine Prevention, Neuropathic Pain, Bedwetting
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