amitriptyline
Depression treatment drug
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant medication prescribed primarily for depression, though it's also commonly used to treat chronic pain, migraines, and insomnia.
It works by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
Because it causes drowsiness, it's typically taken at bedtime.
My doctor started me on a low dose of amitriptyline for my nerve pain.
Mood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- histamineAllergy-response compound
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
- receptorSignal-receiving molecule
neurotransmitter · blockade · sodium channel · metabolism · half-life · CYP2D6 · bioavailability · blood-brain barrier
Three-ringed antidepressant class
- monoamineSingle-amine compound
- anticholinergicBlocks acetylcholine receptors
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
- inhibitorAgent that slows reactions
State of near-sleep
- dry mouthInsufficient saliva production
- constipationDifficult, infrequent waste elimination
- weight gainBody mass accumulation
- blurred visionUnclear visual perception
dizziness · fatigue · sedation · cognitive impairment · sexual dysfunction · tachycardia · appetite increase · photosensitivity
Prolonged low state
- fibromyalgiaChronic widespread musculoskeletal pain condition
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
- chronic painEnduring physical suffering
- tension headachePain from muscle tightness
Measured medicine amount
- titrationMeasuring concentration by addition
- bedtimeDesignated hour for retiring
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
- milligramsThousandths of grams
tablet · prescription · contraindications · drug interactions · elderly · overdose risk · maintenance dose
serotonin
Mood-regulating brain chemical
- norepinephrineAlertness and stress hormone
- histamineAllergy-response compound
- acetylcholineNeurotransmitter for muscles and memory
receptor · neurotransmitter · blockade · sodium channel · metabolism · half-life · CYP2D6 · bioavailability · blood-brain barrier
TCA
Three-ringed antidepressant class
- monoamineSingle-amine compound
- anticholinergicBlocks acetylcholine receptors
- reuptakeNeurotransmitter recapture by neurons
drowsiness
State of near-sleep
- dry mouthInsufficient saliva production
- constipationDifficult, infrequent waste elimination
- weight gainBody mass accumulation
blurred vision · dizziness · fatigue · sedation · cognitive impairment · sexual dysfunction · tachycardia · appetite increase · photosensitivity · tremor
depression
Prolonged low state
- fibromyalgiaChronic widespread musculoskeletal pain condition
- insomniaPersistent inability to rest
- chronic painEnduring physical suffering
tension headache · irritable bowel syndrome · anxiety · chronic fatigue
dosage
Measured medicine amount
- titrationMeasuring concentration by addition
- bedtimeDesignated hour for retiring
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
milligrams · tablet · prescription · contraindications · drug interactions · elderly · overdose risk · maintenance dose
amitriptylineSSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
fluoxetine · sertraline · Prozac · Zoloft · escitalopram
amitriptylinestimulants
Agents that heighten arousal
amphetamine · Adderall · dextroamphetamine · methamphetamine · caffeine