Side Effects of amitriptyline: A Synthesis of Findings from 15 Studies

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This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of amitriptyline: A Synthesis of Findings from 15 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

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Original Abstract of the Article

Main Research Findings

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant medication that can cause various side effects. These side effects are thought to be due to amitriptyline's various effects on the nervous system. For example, as shown in 2 , amitriptyline can affect the autonomic nervous system, potentially leading to side effects such as dry mouth and constipation. Additionally, 7 shows that amitriptyline can also block ion channels, such as Na channels, resulting in local anesthetic effects.

Research has shown that amitriptyline side effects vary from person to person. For instance, 12 found that lofepramine has fewer side effects than amitriptyline. However, 3 revealed that in a placebo-controlled study with healthy volunteers, amitriptyline significantly increased the occurrence of side effects like dry mouth, dizziness, blood circulation problems, and constipation. These findings highlight the individual variability in amitriptyline side effects, influenced by factors such as patient constitution and dosage, making generalizations challenging.

Reasons for Side Effects

Amitriptyline's wide range of side effects is attributed to its actions on various neurotransmitters and receptors. For example, amitriptyline inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. While this inhibition contributes to its antidepressant effect, it can also disrupt the balance of these neurotransmitters, leading to various side effects. Additionally, amitriptyline interacts with histamine and muscarinic receptors, potentially causing side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth, respectively.

Common Side Effects

Dry Mouth

Amitriptyline has been shown to cause anticholinergic side effects, including dry mouth, as reported in 2 and 3 .

Constipation

Amitriptyline can also induce anticholinergic side effects like constipation, as documented in 2 and 3 .

Dizziness

3 suggests that amitriptyline can lead to dizziness as a side effect.

Blood Circulation Problems

Research in 3 indicates that amitriptyline might contribute to blood circulation problems as a side effect.

Weight Gain

Amitriptyline can cause weight gain, as indicated in 13 .

Drowsiness

1 mentions that amitriptyline can induce drowsiness as a side effect. Additionally, its interaction with histamine receptors can contribute to drowsiness.

Visual Disturbances

13 highlights that visual disturbances can occur as a side effect of amitriptyline.

Weakness

According to 14 , amitriptyline can lead to weakness as a side effect.

Managing Side Effects

Dry Mouth

If you experience dry mouth, stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies can also help.

Constipation

To address constipation, consume foods rich in fiber and increase your water intake. If constipation persists, consult your doctor for advice.

Dizziness

To minimize dizziness, stand up slowly and cautiously. Additionally, take precautions to prevent falls.

Blood Circulation Problems

If you are concerned about blood circulation problems, consult your doctor. They might prescribe medication to improve blood flow.

Weight Gain

If weight gain is a concern, adopt a dietary plan and engage in regular exercise. Consulting your doctor for personalized advice is also crucial.

Drowsiness

Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience drowsiness. Try to remain active during the day.

Visual Disturbances

If you experience visual disturbances, consult your doctor. They might prescribe eye drops to address the issue.

Weakness

Rest adequately if you feel weak. Consulting your doctor for guidance and advice is important.

Comparison Across Studies

Commonalities in Studies

Numerous studies consistently demonstrate that amitriptyline can induce anticholinergic side effects. Additionally, these studies emphasize the individual variability in how patients experience these side effects.

Differences in Studies

Research findings on amitriptyline side effects vary across studies. This discrepancy is likely due to differences in the patient populations, dosage levels, and evaluation methods used. For example, 12 suggests that lofepramine has fewer side effects compared to amitriptyline, while 3 shows that amitriptyline significantly increases side effects compared to a placebo. Therefore, it is essential to consider individual patient circumstances and consult with a doctor regarding amitriptyline side effects.

Practical Implications and Precautions

Amitriptyline is an effective antidepressant, but it can cause various side effects. Consequently, adhering to your doctor's instructions and maintaining appropriate dosage are crucial. If you are concerned about side effects, consult your doctor. Exercise caution when performing activities that require concentration or judgment, such as driving or operating machinery. Drowsiness is a potential side effect that could impair these activities, so it is advisable to avoid them or proceed with utmost care.

Current Limitations in Research

The current body of research on amitriptyline side effects is still insufficient. Long-term side effect research, in particular, is lacking. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of individual patient constitution and genetic factors on amitriptyline side effects remains incomplete.

Future Research Directions

To gain a deeper understanding of amitriptyline side effects, research focusing on long-term effects and the influence of individual patient characteristics and genetic factors is essential. Development of new treatment methods and preventive strategies for mitigating amitriptyline side effects is also highly desired.

Conclusion

Amitriptyline is an effective antidepressant but can cause various side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, blood circulation problems, weight gain, drowsiness, visual disturbances, and weakness. Adherence to your doctor's instructions and appropriate dosage are paramount when taking amitriptyline. If side effects are a concern, consult your doctor. Research on amitriptyline side effects is still ongoing, and further research on long-term effects and the influence of individual patient characteristics is required.

Literature analysis of 15 papers
Positive Content
12
Neutral Content
3
Negative Content
0
Article Type
6
0
0
1
15
1.

Effects of desipramine, amitriptyline, and fluoxetine on pain in diabetic neuropathy.

Author: MaxM B, LynchS A, MuirJ, ShoafS E, SmollerB, DubnerR

Pain relief
Side effects

Desipramine was as effective as amitriptyline in relieving pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, offering an alternative for patients unable to tolerate amitriptyline.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

2.

The effects of amitriptyline, citalopram and reboxetine on autonomic nervous system. A randomised placebo-controlled study on healthy volunteers.

Author: PenttiläJ, SyvälahtiE, HinkkaS, KuuselaT, ScheininH

Anticholinergic side effects

Reboxetine, despite its low antimuscarinic activity in vitro, had distinct effects on the HF power of RRI, consistent with anticholinergic activity in vivo. Amitriptyline had a measurable anticholinergic effect in the salivary glands, but not in the heart.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Assessment of adverse events in clinical drug trials: Identifying amitriptyline's placebo- and baseline-controlled side effects.

Author: RhekerJulia, RiefWinfried, DoeringBettina K, WinklerAlexander

Structured harm assessment
Blood circulation problems
Constipation
Dizziness
Dry mouth

Adverse events in clinical drug trials are often poorly assessed and reported. A study of 40 healthy individuals who were randomized to either amitriptyline or placebo found that the amitriptyline group reported significantly more complaints of dry mouth, dizziness, subjective blood circulation-associated problems, and constipation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Assessment of adverse events in clinical drug trials: Identifying amitriptyline's placebo- and baseline-controlled side effects.

Author: RhekerJulia, RiefWinfried, DoeringBettina K, WinklerAlexander

Structured harm assessment
Blood circulation problems
Constipation
Dizziness
Dry mouth

Adverse events in clinical drug trials are often poorly assessed and reported. A study of 40 healthy individuals who were randomized to either amitriptyline or placebo found that the amitriptyline group reported significantly more complaints of dry mouth, dizziness, subjective blood circulation-associated problems, and constipation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Effect of low-dose amitriptyline on globus pharyngeus and its side effects.

Author: YouLe-Qing, LiuJing, JiaLin, JiangShu-Man, WangGui-Qin

Globus pharyngeus treatment
Sleep quality improvement
Constipation
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Sleepiness

Low-dose amitriptyline (AMT) was more effective than proton pump inhibitor treatment in improving symptoms, sleep, and quality of life in patients with globus pharyngeus. AMT led to a greater response rate (75% vs 35.7%) and greater improvement in GETS score and sleep quality compared to the conventional group. The most common side effects of AMT were dry mouth, sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Amitriptyline or not, that is the question: pharmacogenetic testing of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 identifies patients with low or high risk for side effects in amitriptyline therapy.

Author: SteimerWerner, ZöpfKonstanze, von AmelunxenSilvia, PfeifferHerbert, BachoferJulia, PoppJohannes, MessnerBarbara, KisslingWerner, LeuchtStefan

Improved therapy response
Adverse effects

Amitriptyline is a common antidepressant, but its tolerability and effectiveness can vary greatly. This study examines the relationship between genetic factors, drug levels, and adverse events associated with amitriptyline treatment.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Phase Ia and Ib study of amitriptyline for ulnar nerve block in humans: side effects and efficacy.

Author: FridrichPeter, EappenSunil, JaegerWalter, SchernhammerEva, ZizzaAnthony M, WangGing Kuo, GernerPeter

Local anesthetic effect

The antidepressant amitriptyline is being investigated as a longer-lasting local anesthetic with fewer side effects than bupivacaine. This study focuses on the effectiveness and potential adverse effects of amitriptyline when administered for ulnar nerve blockade in human volunteers.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Clinical Trial, Phase IThe first stage of clinical trials in humans. Evaluates the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a new drug/treatment.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

8.

Correlation of mono and combined amitriptyline/lithium therapy with therapeutic and side effects.

Author: TimotijevicI, ZdravkovicM, PokrajacM, MiljkovicB, StojkovicM, MarinkovicO

Unipolar depression treatment

Combined treatment with amitriptyline and lithium was found to be as therapeutically effective as monotherapy for major unipolar depression, without an increase in side effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

9.

[Side effects of amitriptyline in relation to its plasma levels].

Author: PidrmanV, KrpálekP

Depression treatment
Safe amitriptyline levels
Serious side effects

Plasma amitriptyline levels were investigated in 15 patients with depression. Levels from 150 to 350 micrograms/l were considered safe and effective, while levels above 350 micrograms/l were associated with a higher risk of serious complications.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Czech

10.

Long-term versus short-term amitriptyline side effects as measured by a postmarketing surveillance system.

Author: BryantS G, FisherS, KlugeR M

Anticholinergic side effects

This study looked at side effects of amitriptyline in patients who started the drug recently and those who had been taking it for a long time. It challenged the idea that side effects decrease over time. Anticholinergic effects were still common in long-term users.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

11.

Subjective side-effects of amitriptyline and lithium in affective disorders.

Author: Abou-SalehM T, CoppenA

Headache

Depressed patients without medication reported more side effects than control subjects and lithium-treated patients. Amitriptyline did not significantly increase side effects in depressed patients. Lithium-treated patients reported fewer headaches than control subjects, and side effects were linked to affective morbidity and personality traits.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

12.

Does lofepramine have fewer side effects than amitriptyline? Results of a comparative trial.

Author: PughR, BellJ, CooperA J, DunstanS, GreedharryD, PomeroyJ, RaptopoulosP, RowsellC, SteinertJ, PriestR G

Reduced side effects
High dropout rate

Lofepramine and amitriptyline were equally effective in treating depression, but lofepramine caused significantly fewer side effects. Both groups had a high dropout rate.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

13.

Double-blind comparison of 3-times daily and single night dosage of amitriptyline, with special reference to side-effects.

Author: SnowdonJ A

Depression treatment
Blurred vision
Dry mouth
Hung-over feeling

Amitriptyline (150 mg/day) administered as three daytime doses or a single bedtime dose was similarly effective in treating depressed inpatients. The bedtime dose was associated with more complaints of a "hung-over" feeling after waking but fewer patients gained weight during the trial.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

14.

Discontinuation of antidepressant treatment: a retrospective cohort study on more than 20,000 participants.

Author: Garcia-MarinLuis M, MulcahyAoibhe, ByrneEnda M, MedlandSarah E, WrayNaomi R, ChafotaFreddy, LindPenelope A, MartinNicholas G, HickieIan B, RenteríaMiguel E, CamposAdrian I

Understanding discontinuation
Treatment discontinuation

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antidepressant treatment discontinuation and identify factors associated with it. The study found that specific side effects and psychiatric comorbidities were associated with discontinuation. More research is needed to understand and prevent treatment discontinuation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

15.

Systemic Medication for the Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis-A Systematic Review.

Author: McCampbellLillian E, ZainoMallory L, RanpariyaManas, PatelTejesh, FeldmanSteven R

Prurigo nodularis treatment
Pruritus reduction
Muscle and nerve pain
Side effects

This review examined the efficacy of systemic treatments for prurigo nodularis. Dupilumab was found to be most effective with the fewest side effects. Thalidomide and pregabalin were also effective, but long-term use was limited by side effects. Janus kinase inhibitors may also be beneficial, but further research is needed.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

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