Generic Name: E: AMITRIPTYLINE (a-mee-TRIP-ti-leen)
Drug Manufacturer: MYLAN
Common Uses: This medicine is a
tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. It may also be used to
treat chronic pain and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use this Medicine: Follow the
directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS
MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE
THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A
DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for
your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime,
do not take missed dose the next morning.
Cautions: AFTER YOU START USING THIS
MEDICINE, several weeks may pass before you feel the full benefit. DO NOT
STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR
AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU
HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how
you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines,
or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. LIMIT YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION while you are
taking this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and
other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which
medicines are depressants. ALCOHOL, HOT WEATHER, EXERCISE, AND FEVER can
increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand
slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign
of dizziness or weakness. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to
the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you
know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing
if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in
hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may
occur. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution should be
used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this
drug. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human
fetus. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS
EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS
that may occur while taking this medicine include dry mouth, drowsiness,
dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, diarrhea, excess sweating, heartburn,
unpleasant taste, weight gain, or an increased appetite especially for
sweets. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK
WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience constipation; blurred
vision or other vision changes; eye pain; fast, slow, or irregular
heartbeat; hair loss; shakiness; fainting; nervousness or restlessness;
twitching of the face or tongue; mood swings; loss of balance; uncontrolled
movements of arms and legs or stiffness; difficulty speaking and swallowing;
unusual bleeding or bruising; sore throat or fever; skin rash and itching;
swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; irritability;
ringing in the ears; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes;
hallucinations; or chest pain. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
