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This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)🔒 Prescription only

What Is Amitriptyline Used For?

Brand names: Elavil, Endep, Tryptizol

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used at low doses for nerve pain, migraine prevention, and insomnia, and at higher doses for depression.

What is Amitriptyline used for?

  • Neuropathic pain (nerve pain) — low dose
  • Migraine prevention — low dose
  • Fibromyalgia — low dose
  • Depression (less commonly used now due to side effects)
  • Insomnia — low dose
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — low dose

How does Amitriptyline work?

Amitriptyline blocks the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, and also blocks multiple other receptors (histamine, acetylcholine). The histamine blockade causes sedation; the norepinephrine and serotonin effects help with pain modulation and mood.

Dosage information

💊Available forms
  • 10mg tablets
  • 25mg tablets
  • 50mg tablets
  • 75mg tablets
  • 100mg tablets
  • +1 more
📏Typical dosage

Pain/migraine prevention: 10–75mg at bedtime (often 10–25mg). Depression: 75–150mg (usually divided or at bedtime). Always start low and increase slowly.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

  • Drowsiness (use to advantage by taking at bedtime)
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Weight gain
  • Dizziness when standing
  • Urinary retention

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

  • Heart rhythm abnormalities (QT prolongation) — dangerous at higher doses or overdose
  • Overdose is very dangerous — narrow margin between therapeutic and toxic dose
  • Confusion and delirium (especially in elderly)
  • Seizures (rare)

Important warnings

⚠️ Extremely dangerous in overdose — a week's supply can be fatal. Keep securely stored
Do not give to patients with recent heart attack
Anticholinergic effects make it high risk in elderly — falls, confusion, urinary retention
Do NOT combine with MAO inhibitors
Causes significant drowsiness — take at bedtime, do not drive until stable

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Amitriptyline. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

MAO inhibitors (do not combine — hypertensive crisis)Other antidepressantsAlcohol (increased sedation)Anticholinergic drugs (additive effects)Tramadol (serotonin syndrome)CYP2D6 inhibitors (increase amitriptyline levels)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 Use with caution — discuss risks and benefits carefully with your doctor

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is amitriptyline used for?

At low doses (10–50mg), amitriptyline is widely used for nerve pain, migraine prevention, fibromyalgia, IBS, and insomnia. At higher doses (75–150mg) it treats depression, though newer antidepressants are usually preferred.

Why is amitriptyline taken at bedtime?

Amitriptyline causes significant sedation. Taking it at bedtime turns this side effect into a benefit — it helps with sleep, and the worst drowsiness passes overnight before you need to function during the day.

Is 10mg amitriptyline effective for pain?

Yes — the dose for nerve pain and migraine prevention (10–75mg) is much lower than the dose for depression. Even 10mg nightly can be effective for pain modulation, with fewer side effects than higher doses.

Can I drink alcohol while taking amitriptyline?

Avoid alcohol — it significantly increases sedation and can impair breathing and coordination. The combination can be dangerous especially at higher doses.

Does amitriptyline cause weight gain?

Yes — weight gain is a common side effect due to increased appetite and slowed metabolism. It can be significant with long-term use. Monitor weight and discuss with your doctor.

Related medications

💊GabapentinAnticonvulsant / Neuropathic Pain Agent💊PregabalinAnticonvulsant / Neuropathic Pain Agent💊SertralineSSRI💊TramadolOpioid Analgesic / SNRI
⚠️

This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.