Although the current trend is towards the majority use of serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants to the detriment of tricyclic antidepressants, there are still some of the latter that are very popular.
One of these drugs is amitriptyline an antidepressant widely used in cases of major depression, and with a wide variety of uses both in the treatment and prevention of certain physical and psychological disorders.
Amitriptyline, known commercially under some names such as Elavil, Sarotex or Tryptizol, It is a drug with antidepressant action Specifically, amitriptyline is categorized within tricyclic antidepressants. This type of antidepressant medication is distinguished by inhibiting, in the same quantities, the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
Therefore, by inhibiting the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, their levels increase. In this way, amitriptyline facilitates the maintenance of emotional balance which is decreased in depressive disorders, among many others.
Unlike other tricyclic antidepressants, amitriptyline has practically the same effectiveness as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which is why it has become one of the most used antidepressants in its category.
In what conditions is it used?
Like its many other antidepressant equivalents, amitriptyline It is administered for the treatment of a wide variety of mental disorders
One of the main focuses of administration is the treatment of the symptoms of major depressive disorder. This emotional disorder is characterized by causing deep feelings of anguish and sadness, together with low self-esteem and which remain in the long term, causing great interference in the person’s daily life.
In addition, it also has proven effectiveness in the treatment of some anxiety disorders such as specific phobias or panic disorders and in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or bipolar disorder in those patients who do not show improvements with traditional treatments for these conditions.
To a much lesser extent, this tricyclic antidepressant is administered in some cases of eating disorders and postherpetic neuralgia a disease caused by certain types of herpes and that causes great sensations of pain in those who suffer from it.
Much research has shown that amitriptyline may be particularly useful in preventing certain ailments or conditions. Some of them include:
How is it administered?
At the moment, amitriptyline only It is available in tablets for oral consumption Although it is usually recommended to administer it four times a day and always at approximately the same time, the relevant doctor can indicate the way of consumption that he or she believes is most convenient for each specific patient.
Below, we describe a series of generic indications that, although they can be used as a guide for consumption, it is always more convenient to follow the doctor’s instructions or, failing that, go to him or her if you have any doubts about the treatment.
As a general rule, and as with most psychiatric medications, it is advisable to start treatment with amitriptyline progressively, starting with smaller and more distant doses that increase with the progress of treatment.
It is necessary to emphasize that, even if at first the patient does not experience the expected effects, he should never alter or modify the recommended doses, neither by excess nor by defect. This means that In no case can the patient take the liberty of taking more or less medication than recommended.
In those cases in which the patient decides to alter the dose or stop taking amitriptyline, he or she may experience symptoms of withdrawal syndrome, as well as severe and sudden changes in mood or sleep problems, among many others.
What side effects can this drug cause?
Due to its effects as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline can cause a wide variety of side effects in the patient. Despite this, you should not stop consuming it on your own, but it is recommended that, in the event of frequent or prolonged appearance of these, inform the doctor who prescribed them, in order to adjust or change the treatment.
The list of the most frequent but not serious side effects includes:
Although it is not common, amitriptyline also can cause a number of serious side effects, which can compromise the person’s health status. If any of them appear, the patient should contact the doctor immediately. These include:
What precautions should be taken with its consumption?
Before starting treatment with amitriptyline, The patient must report any special health conditions where you are, especially if it is related to any type of heart condition.
In addition, it must also be communicated if the patient has any type of allergy, as well as the consumption of any other type of medication, dietary supplement or vitamin. Finally, there are some compounds made with natural herbs, such as St. John’s wort, that can also interfere with the treatment.
In pregnant patients with an expected pregnancy or breastfeeding, they should also inform the doctor of their condition, since amitriptyline can cause fetal alterations or once the baby is born.
Regarding the precautions that should be taken due to the sedative effects of amitriptyline, those patients whose daily routine involves driving or operating heavy machinery should pay special attention to its effects and even avoid this type. of tasks or activities.
