Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of taking amitriptyline?
To treat nerve pain and prevent migraines
What is the typical timeframe to start feeling the effects of amitriptyline as a painkiller?
1-2 weeks
Why is it recommended to take amitriptyline in the evening or before bed?
Because it can make you feel sleepy
What should you avoid doing while taking amitriptyline if it makes you feel sleepy?
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What is the age range for children who can take amitriptyline for some types of nerve pain?
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What should you do if you want to stop taking amitriptyline?
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What should you do if you decide to stop taking amitriptyline?
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What is a common side effect of amitriptyline that tends to go away within a few days?
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What should you do if you experience a fast or irregular heartbeat after taking amitriptyline?
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What is a serious allergic reaction to amitriptyline characterized by?
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Why is amitriptyline not the first choice of painkiller during pregnancy?
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What should you do if you experience thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life while taking amitriptyline?
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What is a rare but serious side effect of amitriptyline?
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Why do common side effects of amitriptyline tend to be milder?
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What should you do if you experience a severe chest pain while taking amitriptyline?
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How can you report any suspected side effect of amitriptyline?
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What should you do before taking amitriptyline?
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What is the maximum dose of amitriptyline for treating pain?
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What should you do if you forget to take a dose of amitriptyline?
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What is the usual starting dose of amitriptyline for adults and children aged 12 to 17 years old?
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What should you do if you take more than your prescribed dose of amitriptyline?
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Why should you take amitriptyline before you go to bed?
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What should you do if you often forget to take your amitriptyline dose?
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What might happen if you stop taking amitriptyline suddenly?
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What is the purpose of taking amitriptyline?
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What should you do with the tablets?
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What should you do if your baby is not feeding as well as usual or putting on weight as you would expect while taking amitriptyline?
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Can amitriptyline affect fertility in men or women?
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What should you do if you're taking opioid-based medicines, like codeine, morphine or oxycodone, and amitriptyline?
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What should you avoid taking with amitriptyline to minimize side effects?
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Why is it important to discuss your treatment options with your doctor or health visitor while breastfeeding?
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What should you do if you're concerned about the side effects of amitriptyline on your baby while breastfeeding?
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Why should you inform your doctor about taking other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements, while taking amitriptyline?
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What should you do if you've taken medicines for depression in the past and are now taking amitriptyline?
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Study Notes
Amitriptyline for Pain and Migraine
- Amitriptyline is a medicine used to treat pain, specifically nerve pain (neuralgia) and long-lasting pain, as well as to prevent migraines.
- It is only available on prescription and comes in tablet and liquid forms.
Key Facts
- Take amitriptyline in the evening or before bed, as it can cause drowsiness.
- It may take 1-2 weeks to start feeling better, but it can take 6 weeks for the full effect.
- Do not stop taking amitriptyline suddenly, as it can cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before stopping.
Who Can Take Amitriptyline
- Most adults aged 18 years and over can take amitriptyline.
- Children aged 2 years and over can take it for certain types of nerve pain.
Who May Not Be Able to Take Amitriptyline
- Those who have had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or any other medicine.
- Those with heart problems, liver or kidney problems, epilepsy, or certain eye conditions.
- Those who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Those who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Dosage and How to Take
- Usual starting dose is 10mg a day, but may be increased by your doctor.
- Take amitriptyline once a day, in the evening or before bed.
- Take with or without food, but avoid taking with alcohol.
- Swallow tablets whole with a drink of water.
How Long to Take
- Take amitriptyline for as long as it's working for you, but it should be reviewed regularly with your doctor.
- Some people take it for many months or years.
Side Effects
- Common side effects: constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, sleepiness, difficulty peeing, headache.
- Serious side effects: fast or irregular heartbeat, yellowing of the eyes or skin, headache, confusion, weakness, muscle cramps.
- Rarely, it can cause a serious allergic reaction.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Fertility
- Amitriptyline can be taken during pregnancy, but paracetamol is usually the first choice of painkiller.
- It can be taken while breastfeeding, but talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.
- There is no evidence that amitriptyline affects fertility.
Cautions with Other Medicines
- Many medicines can affect each other when taken with amitriptyline, increasing the risk of side effects.
- Taking opioid-based medicines with amitriptyline can increase the risk of drowsiness and breathing problems.
- Tell your doctor if you've taken any medicines for depression.
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