Amitriptyline is an antidepressant drug from a group of tricyclic compounds. It has a calming, analgesic, antihistamine, hypnotic, antiulcer effect. Most often this drug is prescribed for depression of various genesis, neuroses, psychoses and some other pathological conditions.
Amitriptyline tablets are powerful enough to produce systemic effects on the body. In addition to the positive therapeutic effect of this drug, which is achieved quickly enough, many patients note the appearance of various side effects when it is used. In most cases, side effects occur only 1 to 2 days after the start of drug therapy. Consider what are the side effects of Amitriptyline, why they occur, and to whom treatment with this drug is prohibited.
Side Effects of Amitriptyline
Most often, the appearance of side effects of Amitriptyline is associated with its overdose (the maximum dose of the drug is individual for each person). Also, they can be related to the fact that when applying the drug a person sharply changes the lying position to the sitting and standing (all movements should be smooth). Negative action is also manifested by the interaction of Amitriptyline with other medications. Among them are:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors;
- antipsychotics;
- anticoagulants;
- glucocorticoids, etc.
Among the side effects of Amitriptyline we note the following:
1. From the side of the digestive system:
- stomach ache;
- heartburn ;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- jaundice due to congestive phenomena in the biliary tract;
- stool disorders;
- changes in perception of taste;
- impaired liver function.
2. From the side of the cardiovascular system and hematopoiesis system:
- heart failure;
- decreased blood pressure;
- dizziness;
- disturbances of the conduction system of the heart;
- changes in the percentage of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets;
- changes in the electrocardiogram.
3. From the side of the nervous system:
- hallucinations;
- lethargy;
- fainting;
- drowsiness or insomnia;
- the occurrence of uncontrolled movements of hands and feet;
- confusion of consciousness;
- trembling of the head and limbs;
- headache;
- convulsions;
- yawn;
- epileptic seizures;
- decrease and increase of nervous excitability.
4. On the part of the endocrine system:
- changes in sexual desire;
- change in glucose content;
- decrease in the content of sodium ions;
- enlargement of mammary glands.
5. Other side effects, including those associated with the therapeutic effect of the drug:
- a variety of allergic manifestations (angioedema, hives, itching, etc.);
- increased intraocular pressure;
- visual impairment;
- dry mouth;
- noise in the ears ;
- hair loss;
- fever;
- frequent urination, etc.
Amitriptyline and alcohol
In no case can alcohol beverages be consumed when treating this drug. The interaction of amitriptyline and alcohol has a depressing effect on the central nervous system, and with the depression of the center of respiration, it can cause suffocation and death.
Contraindications for taking Amitriptyline:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- heart failure in the stage of decompensation;
- myocardial infarction (acute and recovery phase);
- high blood pressure;
- violation of myocardial conductivity;
- acute stage of peptic ulcer;
- liver and kidney disease in an acute period;
- weakening the tone of the walls of the bladder;
- an obstruction of an intestine.