What is amitriptyline?

Amitriptyline (am-ee-trip-tuh-leen) is a type of drug called a tricyclic antidepressant.

These drugs were first created to treat anxiety and depression. But when taken at a low dose, it’s also good for treating pain, especially pain caused by damage to your nerves.

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Amitriptyline does not work any better or worse than other antidepressants. However, for some people, the side effects are a problem and they may have fewer side effects with another antidepressant. Sometimes people respond better to one antidepressant than to another.

Talk to your doctor if you are not feeling any better after taking amitriptyline for 6 weeks, or sooner if the side effects are still a problem.

What to remember with amitriptyline for nerve pain

Start low

Amitriptyline is usually started at a low dose of 10 to 25 mg once a day. It is generally taken a couple of hours before bedtime to help avoid daytime drowsiness.

Go slow

If needed, the daily dose of amitriptyline can be slowly increased every 7 days. The right dose of amitriptyline will be different for everyone and your GP will work with you to find the right dose for you.

Give it a fair go

Amitriptyline takes time to work. Some people may experience some pain relief after 1 to 2 weeks, but it might take 6 to 8 weeks for you to feel the full effects.

Monitor

Monitoring how your body responds to amitriptyline is important. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your nerve pain and amitriptyline.

Review regularly

You may need to see your GP regularly when you start taking amitriptyline for nerve pain. If you’ve given amitriptyline a fair go and your symptoms are not improving, go back to your GP.

Who can take amitriptyline?

Most people can take amitriptyline. It’s safe to be prescribed to adults or children.

But you should speak to your doctor before taking amitriptyline if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or any other medicine

have a heart problem – amitriptyline can make some heart problems worse

have liver or kidney problems

have epilepsy – amitriptyline can increase seizures or fits

have ever taken any medicines for depression – some antidepressants can affect the way amitriptyline works

are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

have an eye problem called glaucoma – amitriptyline can increase the pressure in your eye

have prostate problems or difficulty peeing

have type 1 or type 2 diabetes

have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia

have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life

have a rare blood disorder called porphyria.