Amitriptyline is prescribed in following conditions:

  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Orofacial Pain
  • Chronic Daily Headaches
  • Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
  • Chronic Post-Surgical Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Insomnia (linked to Chronic Pain)
  • Myofascial Pain Syndromes
  • Migraines
 

Before you start, let us know if you have:

  • Narrow-angle glaucoma
  • Palpitations or heart rhythm issues
  • Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
  • Are allergic to Amitriptyline
  • Are on other antidepressants
 
“This medicine works in 1 out
of 4 patients with chronic
pain.”

Key Info:

 

  1. Dose to be taken
    between 7pm to 8pm
  2. It may take up to 4 weeks to feel any benefit
  3. Morning tiredness is
    common
  4. Do not drive or operate
    Machinery if drowsy.

  5. If it is ineffective after 8
    weeks, OR side effects are
    intolerable, weaning off may
    be needed.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please ask during your pain consultation. We are happy to help.

Your GP or practice pharmacist may also be able to advise you further if needed.

Very Common side effects

(may affect more than 1in 10 patients):
  • Dizziness or Drowsiness
  • Dry Mouth

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1in 10 patients):
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty in passing urine

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1in 100 patients):
  • Palpitation-> stop and contact a doctor immediately

 

Rare side effects

(may affect up to 1in 1,000 patients):
  • Blurred vision / Glaucoma ->stop immediately
  • Delirium ->stop immediately

Very Rare side effects

(may affect up to 1in 10,000 patients):
  • Serotonin Toxicity ->stop immediately