Amitriptyline Coupons & Discount Card - Compare Prices Near You

Antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, are used to manage various mental health conditions, including depression. While they offer significant benefits, they also come with potential risks and precautions that should be carefully considered. Below is important safety and warning information about using these medications:

• Risk of Worsening Depression and Suicidal Thoughts: Antidepressants may increase the risk of worsening depression, unusual behavior, or suicidal thoughts, particularly in individuals aged 24 or younger. This risk is heightened during the initial weeks of treatment and when there are dosage changes. If you or those around you notice symptoms such as increased anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, or impulsive behavior, seek medical attention promptly.

• Precaution in Bipolar Disorder: Antidepressants like amitriptyline may trigger manic episodes in individuals at risk for bipolar disorder. It's critical to evaluate the risk of bipolar disorder before starting treatment. Watch for signs of behavioral changes, including racing thoughts or increased talkativeness, and consult your healthcare provider immediately if they occur.

• Cardiovascular Risks: Amitriptyline can affect heart rhythm and potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes, especially in those with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking high doses. Individuals with a history of heart problems should discuss these risks with their provider before beginning treatment.

• Seizure Risk: The risk of seizures can be elevated with amitriptyline, particularly at higher doses. If you have a history of seizures, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine if this medication is suitable for you.

• Glaucoma Concerns: Amitriptyline may worsen or lead to angle-closure glaucoma. Regular eye examinations are recommended, and any changes in vision should be reported to your provider immediately.

• Increased Fall Risk: Amitriptyline can cause dizziness, fatigue, and lower blood pressure, increasing the risk of falls, especially in older adults. Move slowly from sitting or lying positions and seek medical advice if dizziness persists or falls occur.

• Contraindications: Avoid using amitriptyline if you are currently taking, or have recently taken, an MAOI within the last 14 days, or if you have had a recent heart attack.

Always discuss the benefits and risks of antidepressant use with your healthcare provider, and report any concerning symptoms as soon as they arise.

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Weight gain

Less common but important to monitor:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Trouble urinating
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• Changes in heart rate
• Changes in sexual drive

Serious side effects:

• Persistent heartburn
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Muscle spasms
• Severe stomach pain
• Decreased sexual ability
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Signs of a heart attack or stroke (chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden numbness, confusion)

Interactions with high risk of serious adverse effects and should be avoided:

• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, Linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, Rasagiline, safinamide, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine)
• Bepridil
• Cisapride
• Dronedarone
• Furazolidone
• Grepafloxacin
• Iproniazid
• Levomethadyl
• Mesoridazine
• Pimozide
• Piperaquine
• Ranolazine
• Saquinavir
• Sparfloxacin
• Terfenadine
• Thioridazine
• Toloxatone
• Ziprasidone

Interactions with moderate risk that may require dose adjustment, closer monitoring, or timing changes:

• Drugs that affect heart rhythm (Amiodarone, Dofetilide, procainamide, quinidine, Sotalol)
• Macrolide antibiotics (Erythromycin)
• Cimetidine
• SSRIs (paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine)
• Blood thinners (Warfarin, Dabigatran)
• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• Antihistamines (Cetirizine, diphenhydramine)
• Drugs for sleep or anxiety (Alprazolam, Diazepam, Zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Opioid pain relievers (codeine)
• Aspirin
• Nortriptyline

Interactions with low risk that usually do not require a change in therapy:

• Alcohol
• Marijuana (cannabis)