Amitriptyline treats mental and mood-related problems such as depression. It can help enhance the mood and create a feeling of well-being, lead to better sleep, relieve tension and anxiety, and improve energy levels. Amitriptyline is from a class of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants.

This medication works by impacting the balance of specific natural chemicals in the brain. For instance, it affects neurotransmitters such as serotonin.

American Integrative Pharmacy (AIP), led by Dr. Neema Yazdanpanah, provides compounding medications to patients in Long Beach , Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide.

Medication Usage

The patient should take this medicine by mouth typically 1 to 4 times every day or as the physician prescribes it. The patient can take medicine at bedtime to minimize daytime sleepiness if they only need to take it one time daily. The dosage depends on the patient’s health condition and response to the medication.

The doctor may prescribe the patient lower doses initially and slowly increase the dosage to reduce the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. The patient must diligently follow the physician’s instructions.

The medication must be taken routinely to derive best results from it. Taking the medicine at the same time every day can help the patient remember to take it. The patient should not increase the dosage or use amitriptyline longer than the doctor prescribes it. Altering the dosage will not improve the condition faster, but can lead an increase in the risk of side effects.

It is vital to carry on taking this medication even if the patient feels well. Amitriptyline should be stopped only in consultation with the doctor. Certain conditions can worsen when this medication is abruptly stopped. Furthermore, there may be symptoms such as headaches, mood swings, sleep pattern changes, and tiredness. The physician will reduce the dosage slowly to prevent such symptoms when the treatment needs to end.  

Amitriptyline might not be effective immediately. You may realize some advantages within a week. But it may take almost 4 weeks before you feel the total effect.  

Side Effects

Amitriptyline can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, weight gain, issues while urinating, and constipation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately if any of these conditions persist or worsen.

Ensure that you arise slowly from a lying or seated position to decrease the risk of dizziness. To address a dry mouth, chew sugarless gum, drink water, suck on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, or use a substitute for saliva.

Maintain a high fiber diet, exercise adequately and drink a lot of water to avoid constipation. In case you suffer from constipation while using amitriptyline, talk to your pharmacist for assistance in choosing a laxative.

Precautions

It is essential to inform your physician or pharmacist of an allergy to amitriptyline before taking it. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist about allergies to other tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline or any other known allergies. This medication can contain inactive components that can lead to allergic reactions or other issues.

American Integrative Pharmacy receives patients from Long Beach , Torrance, Los Angeles, South Bay Orange County, Southern California areas, and nationwide for compounded medications.

For more information on compound pharmacy medications available or to make an online prescription purchase, please click here or call Toll Free 1-855-247-7948.

American Integrative Pharmacy is located in Lomita, CA serving residents in and around Orange County, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding areas. Online prescription sales are available across the US.