Anapsique (Amitriptyline, Elavil)

Amitriptyline generic is an antidepressant medication with the main active ingredient Amitriptyline. Amitriptyline medication has been developed for the first time in “Merck Sharp & Dohme” company laboratory in 1960 and in 1961 it was approved for use in the USA, and in 1962 in Italy and England.

The recommended use of Amitriptyline generic is for diagnosed severe depressive conditions of various forms of manifestation. 

Pharmacokinetics

Amitriptyline is rapidly absorbed after administration. The bioavailability of the active substance is about 30-60%. AB is maximally, almost 96% bound to blood proteins and is maximally concentrated within 2-7 hours. Of the main characteristics, high permeability through the blood-brain barrier and the central nervous system, as well as through the placental barrier into breast milk can be noted. The active substance is mainly metabolized in the liver and excreted with urine for 31-46 hours. 

Clinical Pharmacology

Amitriptyline medication has a high antidepressant effect. The mechanism of action of the drug is to relieve depressive states, and to normalize the work of the brain.

In a depressed patient, Amitriptyline (Elavil) improves mood, reduces or relieves melancholy, lethargy, apathy, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and emotional tension. It increases mental activity, normalizes the phase structure and duration of sleep, and normalizes appetite. The medication is used for various forms of schizophrenia, bulimia, which has a nervous nature, migraine, to relieve pain, diabetic neuropathy, and nocturnal enuresis in children.

The drug may also be used to treat peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, and dyspepsia. Amitriptyline generic is a broad-spectrum drug with high efficacy. Compared to other antidepressants, Amitriptyline has a good therapeutic effect at a low price.  

Application

Amitriptyline (Elavil) is used for various forms of depression, especially if the patient additionally has anxiety or increased excitability. The doctor may also prescribe the drug for sleep disorders, depression resulting from brain damage, as well as depression resulting from the side effects of other drugs. It is also prescribed for pain arising in patients with malignant tumors.

Amitriptyline is started with a low dose, gradually increasing to the dose recommended by the doctor. Depending on the form of the disease, Amitriptyline 25mg is taken three times a day, gradually increasing the dosage, but not more than 150 mg per day. Exceeding the dose of 150 mg, if there is a need, is carried out in the hospital under the supervision of specialists. Amitriptyline25mg and Amitriptyline 50mg are used for comfort use. 

Amitriptyline: Side Effects

Amitriptyline medication is generally well tolerated by most patients, but various side effects may occur

• High blood pressure
• Nausea
• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Tremors of the hands
• Arrhythmia, tachycardia
• Pupil dilation decreased visual acuity
• Discomfort, violation of sensitivity
• Allergic reactions
• Darkening of the tongue
• Heartburn
• Jaundice
• Intestinal obstruction
• Reduced or increased appetite
• Enlarged salivary glands
• General weakness
• Memory impairment
• Aggressiveness
• Convulsions
• Decreased libido, potency
• Increased or decreased blood sugar levels
• Changes in blood tests

While taking Amitriptyline (Elavil) you may have a higher sedative effect, increased dryness of the mouth, and constipation. 

Contraindications

If there is hypersensitivity to the drug, during the rehabilitation period after a heart attack, in heart rhythm disorders, during breastfeeding or pregnancy, or during alcohol poisoning Amitriptyline is not prescribed. 

Recommendations for use

Amitriptyline (Elavil) should be taken with caution if there are signs of depression with suicidal tendencies, as well as delayed urination, thyroid dysfunction, prostate, severe liver disease, heart disease, diabetes with complications, and patients with rare hereditary diseases.

Amitriptyline has the ability to affect the reaction rate, so you need to be extremely careful when driving vehicles or working with any mechanisms. It is desirable to avoid driving motor transport during the treatment.

If it is necessary to increase the dose of Amitriptyline above 150 mg per day, you should go to a hospital for monitoring by specialists. 

Overdose

Symptoms of Amitriptyline 25mg and Amitriptyline 50mg overdose may occur unnoticed and slowly, or in some cases abruptly and suddenly. Seizures, dry mucous membranes, fever, sudden suppression of the nervous system, reduction of consciousness to a state of coma and with breath-holding are possible. Different cardiac blockages with cardiac arrest. There may also be confusion, anxious agitation, and hallucinations. 

Sharp drop in blood pressure

If you overdose on Amitriptyline, you must be admitted to a hospital urgently, where symptomatic and supportive treatment will be prescribed. 

Interaction with other medications

Amitriptyline should not be taken concomitantly with drugs that inhibit or delay physiological and physicochemical processes.

Amitriptyline should not be used in combination with the following drugs:

1. Drugs aimed at lowering blood pressure, because they may reduce their effectiveness
2. Antiarrhythmic, antipsychotic drugs due to the possibility of increased arrhythmias
3. Antifungal drugs, because they cause increased concentrations in the blood serum, which may lead to associated toxicity
4. Due to the simultaneous use of Amitriptyline with depressants, the sedative effect of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants may increase

Storage rules

Store Amitriptyline in a dry place, where the drug will not be exposed to strong heat, moisture or direct sunlight at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C. Limit access of children to the drug.