Countless people in the UK take amitriptyline on prescription to help manage long-lasting nerve pain, depression, or even to prevent migraines. But did you know that the pain-relief drug isn't always suitable for everyone?
The NHS advises that nine key groups to tell a doctor before taking amitriptyline to avoid various negative side effects. This includes anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to amitriptyline or any other medicine, alongside people with various other health issues. As outlined on the NHS website, this includes:
Official advice on the NHS website adds: "Amitriptyline is from a group of medicines called tricyclic antidepressants. They're thought to work by increasing a chemical called serotonin in your brain. This can improve your mood.
"This can also change the way that your nerves receive pain signals so pain goes away. This helps your symptoms if you're taking amitriptyline for pain relief or migraine."
Beyond this, it's also vital to note that amitriptyline may interact with other medicines, potentially increasing the risk of adverse side effects. Anyone already prescribed a different medication is therefore urged to consult a doctor or pharmacist before also taking amitriptyline.
This particularly affects people taking opioid-based medicines, such as codeine, morphine, or oxycodone, since combining them with amitriptyline can increase drowsiness and risk of breathing problems. Some antidepressants can also affect the way amitriptyline works, and in some cases cause very high blood pressure.
Online NHS guidance further advises: "Do not take St John's wort, a herbal remedy often taken for depression, while you're taking amitriptyline. It will increase your risk of side effects.
"There's not enough information to say that other complementary medicines and herbal remedies are safe to take with amitriptyline. They're not tested in the same way as pharmacy and prescription medicines.
"They're generally not tested for the effect they have on other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements."
In general, the best time to take amitriptyline is in the evening before bed, as it may induce sleepiness. While patients may start to feel better after one or two weeks, it may take up to six weeks for amitriptyline to work effectively as a painkiller.
The NHS also adds: "Some people feel sleepy and dizzy while they're taking amitriptyline. It's best to stop driving and cycling, and avoid using machinery or tools, for the first few days of treatment until you know how this medicine makes you feel.
"It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
"Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking amitriptyline. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving."
For more information on amitriptyline, visit the NHS website here.
