Useful information about
Amitriptyline
(Also covers Iofepramine)
Information for patients
Charles Clifford Dental Hospital
This leaflet provides some general information about amitriptyline.
Manufacturer information sheets are also provided with all medicines. If
you require any further information please do not hesitate to ask.
What is amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants
that are used to treat depression. Amitriptyline is also frequently used to
treat some types of nerve pain.
Before taking amitriptyline please inform your doctor if you:
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Are epileptic
Have a heart condition
Are allergic to amitriptyline or any other medication
Suffer with any other condition, liver, porphyria,
phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), diabetes,
glaucoma or thyroid problems.
• Suffer with hypotension (low blood pressure) or are prone to
dizziness or fainting, particularly when getting up from a lying or
sitting position.
• Are using any other medication
• Are pregnant (or planning pregnancy) or breastfeeding
How should I take amitriptyline?
Your doctor will prescribe how much amitriptyline you should take. You
should take your amitriptyline 3-4 hours before you go to bed to allow
enough time for the medication to be absorbed and to act. If you are
waking up the following morning with persistent tiredness or a heavy
head it may be worth taking the medication an hour or so earlier. It may
take several weeks before you begin to feel the benefit of your
medication. Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water.
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Are there any side effects?
Amitriptyline may cause side effects in some people but they may vary
from person to person. Many side effects wear off over time.
Several side effects include:
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Fever (high temperature)
Loss of consciousness
Stiffness of muscles
A fast heart beat
Incontinence (passing water without control)
Jaundice
If you experience the above, please contact either your GP or a hospital
doctor immediately.
Other side effects include:
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Feeling drowsy
Blurred or double vision
Dry mouth
Fast or fluttering heart beats
Increased appetite
Skin rashes
If you have diabetes, make sure you check your blood sugar levels
regularly as amitriptyline can affect the level of sugar in your blood
• Difficulty urinating (passing water)
• Increased sweating
• Amitriptyline may cause your skin to become more sensitive to
sunlight than it is usually. Avoid sunbeds and try to avoid the sun,
or use a sun cream higher than factor 15 until you know how your
skin reacts.
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Can I drive?
Amitriptyline may make you feel sleepy. If you are affected you must
not drive or operate machinery.
Can I drink alcohol?
Please try to avoid drinking alcohol. The combined effects of
amitriptyline and alcohol can make you feel very sleepy, therefore drink
only in moderation and be aware of its effect on you. If you have any
concerns, please discuss this with either your GP or hospital doctor.
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Alternative formats may be available on request.
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© Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2015
Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the “Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005”
SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.
Email infogov@sth.nhs.uk
PD5200-PIL1686 v5
Issue Date: October 2015. Review Date: October 2017