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Amitriptylinum is a sedative and anxiolytic antidepressant. It is used in the treatment of depression, especially when the patient shows anxiety and fear at the same time.
The composition of the preparation Amitriptylinum
The active substance in Amitriptylin is the substance of the same name – amitriptyline.
Action of the drug Amitriptylinum
Amitriptyline inhibits the uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin by neurons in the central nervous system. The action of Amitriptylinum causes the central nervous system to be stimulated and the mood improved. These drug effects are associated with nervous system symptoms such as dilated pupils, slowed bowel movements, and increased temperature. These symptoms can be included in the side effects of Amitriptylin.
Indications for the use of the medicinal preparation Amitriptylinum
Amitriptylinum is used to treat depression, especially when it is associated with anxiety and restlessness.
Contraindications to the use of the medicinal preparation Amitriptylinum
The use of Amitriptylin is contraindicated in case of allergy to any of the drug components or hypersensitivity to benzodiazepines.
Amitriptylin must also not be given to patients after a recent heart attack, with atrioventricular conduction disturbances and other problems with an unstable heart rhythm.
Amitriptylin is not indicated for patients with mania, severe hepatic insufficiency and porphyria.
The drug is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Amitriptylinum is not given to children under 16 years of age.
Amitriptylin should be used with caution in patients with an enlarged prostate, as the drug may aggravate urination problems. Caution should also be exercised in patients with glaucoma as the drug may cause an increase in pressure in the eye. Caution is also advised in patients with slow bowel movements.
In patients with epilepsy, Amitriptylin may worsen the symptoms of the disease.
How is Amitriptylinum used?
Amitriptylin is taken orally, strictly according to the doctor’s prescription.
Typically, a dose of 50-100 mg of the drug is used daily in two doses or once a day at night. Thereafter, the usual dose is increased to 200 mg per day (two 100 mg doses). After a visible improvement in the patient’s condition, a maintenance dose of 50-100 mg per day is used.
In elderly patients, the doctor often reduces the starting dose to 25-75 mg per day.
Amitriptylinum is taken for a period of 3 to 6 months – only after this period the lasting effects of treatment are visible. Taking the drug is not dependent on meals.
Side effects of Amitriptylin
Amitriptylin can cause heart rhythm disturbances and a drop in blood pressure. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, stomatitis, dark tongue, unpleasant taste and dry mouth, increased risk of tooth decay, paralytic intestinal obstruction, loose stools, swollen salivary glands, excessive sweating, alopecia may also occur. , allergic skin reactions, visual disturbances, photosensitivity, mydriasis, hypotension or hypertension, weight gain or loss, heart attack, nightmares, hallucinations, headaches and dizziness, eating disorders and many others.
Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts have been reported during or shortly after taking Amitriptylin.
Precautions for the use of Amitriptylin and additional notes
Alcohol should not be consumed during therapy with Amitriptylin, as it increases the effect of the preparation.
Amitriptylin must not be discontinued suddenly: the dose should be gradually reduced.
Amitriptylin should be discontinued several days before elective surgery.
Electroconvulsive therapy is not recommended during treatment with Amitriptylin.
Amitriptylin must not be administered concurrently or up to 14 days after their discontinuation with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
The effects of Amitriptylinum are visible only after several days of taking the drug.
People showing a suicidal tendency should be monitored continuously during treatment with Amitriptylin. In patients with schizophrenia, administration of Amitriptylin may aggravate the symptoms of the disease, especially paranoid symptoms.
Amitriptylinum may have a negative influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Amitriptylin should not be used after the expiry date stated on the package. The preparation should be stored at room temperature, in a tightly closed container, out of the sight and reach of children.