Amitriptyline ruined my life! – Have you ever heard this before and wondered how this medication can ruin a person’s life, especially if it’s ‘just an antidepressant’?
Are you or your loved one(s) going through a mental health condition like schizophrenia, depression, or PTSD, as well as other mental health disorders, and Amitriptyline has been prescribed but you are not sure whether to use this drug because you have heard negative reviews about the medication and people described the drug as being awful for them.
Well, don’t worry, we will clarify your doubt and answer all the questions you might have concerning the topic – “Amitriptyline ruined my life”.
This article shows some reviews from past and present Amitriptyline users, how the drug affected them, and how they coped with it to become hale, sane, and hearty again.
My article also covers how this antipsychotic medication can ruin your life, how to fight its side effects, and how to recuperate optimally.
We proceed.
- Firstly, What is Amitriptyline and How Does It Work?
- Amitriptyline Ruined My Life! - How Can This Antidepressant Ruin Your Life?
- What Happens if You Stop Amitriptyline? – Are the Withdrawal Effects of Amitriptyline Dangerous?
- What Will Happen If You Miss a Dose of Amitriptyline and What Should You Do After?
- What Will Happen If You Overdose on Amitriptyline and What Should You Do After
- What Will Happen When You Misuse Amitriptyline and What is the Treatment?
- The Drug Interactions of Amitriptyline
- How Amitriptyline Ruined my Life and What I Did About It to Become Better and Well Again
- Warnings, Contraindications, and Precautions to take note of when taking Amitriptyline
- Common Treatments to Treat the Side Effects of Amitriptyline And Whether You Should Take Them or Not
- How can Anyone Notice the Side Effects of Drugs like Amitriptyline Before It is Too Late?
- How Is the Withdrawal Syndrome Managed?
- Healthsoothe’s Take on Amitriptyline
Firstly, What is Amitriptyline and How Does It Work?
Amitriptyline, once marketed under the trade name Elavil, but now only available as a generic drug, is a tricyclic antidepressant medication widely used to treat clinical depression and certain types of neuropathic pain.1https://www.drugs.com/amitriptyline.html
Tricyclics were first introduced in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the earlier classes of antidepressant medications. More recently, other classes of medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft, etc.) and atypical depressants (e.g., Effexor, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, etc.) have, to some extent, supplanted the use of tricyclics and other earlier-generation agents for the treatment of depression.
The preference by many prescribing physicians today is to use SSRIs or atypical antidepressants as first-line treatments, as these drugs have fewer side effects than tricyclics like amitriptyline.
However, tricyclic antidepressants remain similarly effective as some newer drugs in their overall ability to reduce the symptoms of MDD, and they continue to be used for a number of off-label purposes such as migraine prophylaxis and management of chronic pain states.
Amitriptyline’s therapeutic properties stem from its ability to inhibit the reuptake of several neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin.
When the drug blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter, it doesn’t allow neurons in the brain to reabsorb the neurotransmitter once it has been released. This means that more of these neurotransmitters are available in the brain and spinal cord.
Early theories of depression developed the idea that the cause of clinical depression was a lack of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, and it is believed that drugs like amitriptyline relieve the symptoms of MDD by allowing the brain to have more of these neurotransmitters available.
However, despite this hypothesis, the specific mechanism of action for most of these drugs has not been definitively confirmed. Although it is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of clinical depression, the drug is also used by physicians for several other medical reasons, including:
- Treatment of chronic pain.
- To assist in the treatment of fibromyalgia.
- As a treatment for migraine headaches.
- As a treatment for nocturnal bedwetting in children.
This medication is also used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level.
This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.
Amitriptyline Ruined My Life! - How Can This Antidepressant Ruin Your Life?
To answer this, I will drop verified reviews of this antidepressant from those who have used it so that you can see or read for yourself how legit the statement; “Amitriptyline ruined my life” is.
And the following sub-headings after the review will further let you know how this drug can ruin your life because by reading their contents, you will know the side effects of this drug, what happens if you miss or overdose on it, and possible harmful interactions this medication has with other drugs, supplements, and substances you take in every.
You will also know the warnings, contradictions, and precautions to note when taking Amitriptyline and if/how this drug can ruin your life if you ignore these instructions, or take it as you like or on a whim.
Amitriptyline Reviews
From jacqueline54301 in Patient.info forum:
Hello YES, I have been experiencing the PRICKLY HEAT plus excessive sweating during the night, mostly at night but, sometimes during the day as well.
My sleep pattern has gone to WHERE ???? I do not know. My sleep is interrupted often during the night, getting up frequently to pass water, wherefore previously I did not wake up or wish to pass water. I awake far too early in the mornings & often feel tired during the day.
I have been off AMITRIPTYLINE now for about 12 weeks. The side effects of withdrawal are horrific, A WELL KNOWN FACT.
I have tried many times before over the years to come off AMITRIPTYLINE without success & have given in because of the side effects. This time I am determined to keep going.
AMITRIPTYLINE is a very strong & somewhat good but, addictive drug. I wish I had known about this drug before the Consultant placed me on it.
I wish the MEDICAL TEAMS would let patients know more about this drug before deciding to administer AMITRIPTYLINE. It is a big NO FROM ME.
I was on it for P.T.S.S. plus CHRONIC SPINE PAIN AFTER TWO SPINALS OPERATIONS FOR ABOUT 20+ YEARS.
The following reviews about Amitriptyline are fromwebmd.com;
From a user of Amitriptyline:
I will NEVER use this drug again! I had nerve pain after a procedure, so I was prescribed Amitriptyline. It was HELL coming off it with brain freeze headaches, crying, short-term memory loss, confusion and sleepless nights was nothing compared to the other mind-warping stuff! From what I have heard about the hippie LSD, well, it could have been that!
- Second review: I was prescribed 25 mg to take at bedtime for insomnia/night terrors related to PTSD. This is the first antidepressant I've taken that's put me in a really foul mood by effect, if not endogenously. I slept for 10 hrs, with vivid, unpleasant dreams. Was alert enough to get out of bed in the early afternoon and shower but too drowsy to do anything with the remainder of my day. But it's not a pleasant drowsy - it's this scattered, almost anxious feeling that makes it hard to concentrate on anything. Hope this gets out of my system soon. I've heard it takes a while for the effect of this medication to kick in, but I don't want a repeat experience.
- Third one: I took this for my IBS, anxiety, and fibromyalgia. It only made things worse. My stomach did slightly improve but I gained 15 pounds and I barely eat. Secondly, this med gave me constant heart palpitations to the point of frequent panic attacks esp while driving. So I got a Xanax script to combat that (which I hate). So, I’ve tapered from 20 to 5mg then I’m finished. Also, it kept me awake... full-blown insomnia.
- From Sandy who was on the amitriptyline for less than a month: Heart racing, blurred vision, spaced out on 50, 25, and 10 mg was what I got on Amitriptyline. The worst is constipation which I still have even been off the drug for nearly 2 weeks. NEVER TAKE THIS RX!
- From a Patient who was on the drug for less than a month: Stopped taking it due to increased depression and grogginess in the morning.
So all these reviews are negative reviews from Invega users who claimed that the side effects of this drug are capable of ruining your life if you continue to use it, and the drug is not worth the side effects it brings.
Side Effects of Amitriptyline
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, or trouble urinating may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute
To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including heartburn that doesn't go away, easy bleeding/bruising, shaking, mask-like facial expressions, muscle spasms, severe stomach/abdominal pain, decreased sexual ability/desire, and enlarged/painful breasts.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, and vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, and fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
To know more on the side effects of this drug, watch the video below:
What Happens if You Stop Amitriptyline? – Are the Withdrawal Effects of Amitriptyline Dangerous?
The abuse liability of amitriptyline and many other antidepressants is extremely low. Some people mistakenly believe that since these drugs are used to treat severe depression, they might elicit euphoria in high doses or in individuals who are not depressed. This is not the case.
Antidepressants do not work by producing the opposite effects of depression (e.g., mania, extreme happiness, etc.). Instead, they are believed to be instrumental in restoring a neurochemical balance to the brain that helps people to better manage MDD.
Taking large amounts of amitriptyline will not make you extremely happy, euphoric, giddy, etc. In fact, taking large doses of amitriptyline may be more likely to result in certain pathological cardiac changes and other signs of toxicity and overdose.
Even when used therapeutically for prolonged periods of time, abrupt discontinuation of amitriptyline may be associated with certain withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal syndrome associated with amitriptyline and other antidepressant medications is not always referred to as antidepressant withdrawal, as one may expect; instead, it is more commonly referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS).2https://patient.info/forums/discuss/amitripiline-withdrawal-symptoms-533791
The risk of developing ADS as a result of using amitriptyline may be increased for individuals who:
- Have used amitriptyline on a continual basis for six weeks or longer, with the risk increasing the longer the drug is taken.
- Are prescribed relatively high doses of the drug.
- Suddenly stop using amitriptyline without the aid of a tapering schedule.
Other factors, such as individual differences in metabolism, emotional makeup, etc., can influence whether or not a person develops ADS.
The withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing antidepressant medications are relatively rare compared to other types of prescription medications for which pronounced physiological dependence may develop (e.g., benzodiazepines like Valium or opioid drugs like OxyContin).
Overall, it appears that approximately 20 percent of people who have been using antidepressant medications for more than eight weeks and suddenly stop using the medication develop some symptoms of withdrawal, and most of these symptoms are very mild.
Reliable figures for withdrawal associated specifically with the use of amitriptyline are not available. The symptom profile associated with ADS can be quite variable. Some people will display very mild symptoms; others may display numerous symptoms or just one or two serious symptoms.
Symptoms that have been reported in individuals who are believed to be undergoing withdrawal associated with discontinuing amitriptyline include:
- Dizziness, and headaches.
- Other physical symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, diarrhea, muscle aches, aching joints, fever, chills, and sweating.
- Psychological symptoms, such as appetite loss, an increase in anxiety, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, problems with concentration, restlessness, issues with memory, hypersensitivity to environmental stimulation such as lights or sound, and crying spells (mood swings).
- More serious psychological symptoms include feelings of depersonalization (feeling as if one is not real), severe depression, panic attacks, and even suicidality (very rare).
- Feeling as if one has the flu during withdrawal (e.g., headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc.).
In some cases, individuals who experience hallucinations during withdrawal, which is very rare, may be experiencing a more severe manifestation of some other mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder.
The Withdrawal Timeline
It is known that antidepressant medications that affect the neurotransmitter serotonin, such as amitriptyline, are more likely to be associated with ADS if a person is abruptly taken off the drug after using it for more than 6-8 weeks.
The general pattern of withdrawal from amitriptyline could be expected to progress according to the timeline below, though there may be quite a bit of individual variability involved.
Withdrawal symptoms will typically last 1-3 weeks overall:
- Symptoms will most often peak within three days to one week and then begin to decline, although this can be quite variable.
- The majority of cases appear to be very mild, are associated with very little discomfort, and most often resolve rather quickly.
- The majority of individuals undergoing withdrawal from amitriptyline describe it as feeling as if they have a cold or the flu.
- If a person begins to develop severe psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, it may be a sign that the individual’s MDD is returning and further treatment is needed.
The symptoms of withdrawal will most resolve very quickly (most often within 24 hours) if the person begins taking amitriptyline again.3https://riveroakstreatment.com/prescription-drug-abuse/amitriptyline/withdrawal/
What Will Happen If You Miss a Dose of Amitriptyline and What Should You Do After?
- If you miss doses, the drug will lose effect.
- If you forget to take a dosage of this medication, take it as soon as possible.
- If your next dosage is approaching, omit the missing dose and resume your usual dosing regimen. Do not take two or more doses to make up because it will lead to side effects that can be severe.
What Will Happen If You Overdose on Amitriptyline and What Should You Do After
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, and fainting.
What Will Happen When You Misuse Amitriptyline and What is the Treatment?
This is a no-brainer. If you misuse medications like antidepressants, then you are signing up for the complications or side effects of this misuse, because drugs like Amitriptyline are only to be used strictly based on a doctor’s prescriptions.
Some of the side effects you might incur could be serious and life-threatening, as I have outlined such side effects above in this post, and they are certain conditions you might be in that you should never take this drug at all, and also certain things you should never take this drug in combination with.
So, therefore, never misuse this medication, and always make sure to consult your doctor before taking medications like this.
The Drug Interactions of Amitriptyline
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug are arbutamine, disulfiram, thyroid supplements, and other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen, "blood thinners" such as dabigatran/warfarin), anticholinergic drugs (such as belladonna alkaloids), certain drugs for high blood pressure (drugs that work in the brain such as clonidine, guanabenz).
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.
Other medications can affect the removal of amitriptyline from your body, thereby affecting how amitriptyline works. These drugs include cimetidine, terbinafine, drugs to treat irregular heart rate (such as quinidine/propafenone/flecainide), antidepressants (such as SSRIs including paroxetine/fluoxetine/fluvoxamine).
Many drugs besides amitriptyline may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation in the EKG), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Before using amitriptyline, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain decongestants or ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with this medication. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually 81-162 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Amitriptyline is very similar to nortriptyline. Do not use medications containing nortriptyline while using amitriptyline.
How Amitriptyline Ruined my Life and What I Did About It to Become Better and Well Again
I am sorry that I cannot cite my personal experience with this medication because I have never used this medication in my life, but I have gone through Amitriptyline users’ reviews and seen why those with negative reviews said; ‘Amitriptyline ruined my life’.
I have posted some of their reviews in this post above, so you can check their reviews and see why they said; ‘Amitriptyline ruined my life’, and as well check to see what they did to cope and recuperate from the side effects they experience from taking Amitriptyline.
I am not going through how ‘Amitriptyline ruined my life’ experiences again, but rather I want to let you know now how to become better and well again, after the Amitriptyline experience.
To get better and well again, please read through this article, because I have given info on how to cope and fight the devastating and health-hampering side effects, as they are treatments available (check the section of 'Common treatments to treat the side effects of Amitriptyline’, ‘withdrawal syndrome’, “warning section’ & ‘the overdose section’ in this article).
Now the first thing you have to do on your way to getting better is to try to abstain from using the drug since it is well-established that the drug is harmful to your health, but make sure you consult from health experts the proper way to do this before you end up complicating your health even more Then after that, your doctors will engage you in the recommended treatment available.
Warnings, Contraindications, and Precautions to take note of when taking Amitriptyline
Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to other tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline), or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: bleeding problems, breathing problems, liver problems, recent heart attack, problems urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), personal or family history of mental/mood conditions (such as bipolar disorder, psychosis), family history of suicide, seizures, conditions that may increase your risk of seizures (such as other brain diseases, alcohol withdrawal).
Amitriptyline may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using amitriptyline, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using amitriptyline safely.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
If you have diabetes, this drug may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and tell your doctor of the results. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially bleeding, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, and QT prolongation (see above). Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, anxiety, and panic disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop using this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This medication passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Common Treatments to Treat the Side Effects of Amitriptyline And Whether You Should Take Them or Not
Common treatments are;
- If there is any loss of consciousness or if Invega was combined with other drugs, charcoal may be used as a therapy. This is a chemical that binds to excess medicine and allows it to be excreted from the body.
- A gastric lavage, often known as a stomach pump, may be required. A liquid is pushed down the esophagus and into the stomach through a tube inserted via the nose or mouth. The liquid, along with any stomach contents, is then suctioned or siphoned out of the body.
- Dialysis is often used to treat overdoses because it purifies the blood. Dialysis, on the other hand, will not eliminate Amitriptyline from circulation.
Other supportive therapies for Amitriptyline overdose include:
- Intravenous fluids assist the body to reestablish fluid balance and reduce the number of drugs in circulation.
- Monitoring vital signs
Doctors recommend medicine to assist with nausea. You are given intravenous fluids to reduce the danger of dehydration caused by diarrhea, as well as a probiotic. Your gastrointestinal system will return to normal with the aid of a probiotic.
All the above treatments are functional, so if you are suffering from the side effects of Amitriptyline, consult your doctor to know which will be most beneficial to you.
How can Anyone Notice the Side Effects of Drugs like Amitriptyline Before It is Too Late?
Firstly, observe for any allergic reactions, and even though it is one you notice, consult your doctor immediately. Before taking this drug, ask your doctor for early signs to observe that should intricate you from stopping this medication usage.
I have outlined the side effects to look out for in this article above, so please make sure you read up.
How Is the Withdrawal Syndrome Managed?
Withdrawal from amitriptyline is not considered to be significantly dangerous unless the person begins to feel suicidal or has hallucinations as a result of some other disorder. Anyone who is undergoing any withdrawal syndrome may have issues with concentration, judgment, and memory that may lead to functional issues that could potentially be dangerous. In addition, individuals who experience vomiting and diarrhea may be at risk for dehydration, which can lead to significant health issues. Anyone who has been taking amitriptyline and wishes to discontinue the drug should only do so under the guidance of a physician.
The standard procedure to address any potential withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing amitriptyline is for the physician to place the patient on a tapering schedule over the course of several weeks. This tapering schedule is performed under the supervision and monitoring of the physician.
The physician begins with the dose of the which results in the patient not experiencing any withdrawal symptoms. Then, at specified intervals, the physician attempts to slowly reduce the dosage. The patient’s responses are monitored, and the physician ensures that the patient does not experience any significant withdrawal symptoms at this lower dosage. This process continues until the person can be weaned off of amitriptyline.
In some cases, physicians may use other medications to treat specific symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, etc.; however, there is no specific medication designed to address withdrawal from amitriptyline currently. Since the withdrawal process is mild for most individuals, the use of a tapering approach appears to be sufficient in nearly every case.
Healthsoothe’s Take on Amitriptyline
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including heartburn that doesn't go away, easy bleeding/bruising, shaking, mask-like facial expressions, muscle spasms, severe stomach/abdominal pain, decreased sexual ability/desire, and enlarged/painful breasts.
Get medical help immediately if you have any serious side effects, including black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, sweating, and fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
You can check the FAQs section below to know more on the issue of 'Amitriptyline ruined my life', and if you have any comments, drop them in our comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amitriptyline
Can amitriptyline cause permanent damage?
Additional resources and citations
- 1https://www.drugs.com/amitriptyline.html
- 2https://patient.info/forums/discuss/amitripiline-withdrawal-symptoms-533791
- 3https://riveroakstreatment.com/prescription-drug-abuse/amitriptyline/withdrawal/
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.