Arrow-Amitriptyline

Arrow-Amitriptyline (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride) is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and it works to relieve depression by affecting the reuptake of neurotransmitters in the brain. This medicine is also said to exhibit sedative properties, and for this reason it has often been chosen to treat depressed patients who are also showing signs of anxious behavior. Its primary mechanism of action is said to be related to blocking the membrane pump mechanism in the brain that causes the uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, which in turn can help to lengthen the neuronal affects that these substances have on the mood. This can lead to a boost in energy and improved mood, thereby helping to alleviate the clinical signs of depression.

Although primarily indicated for depressive illnesses, it may also be effective in helping to prevent headaches. One study showed that it may help to reduce or prevent chronic tension headaches, and another study was conducted which showed that it may also have benefits in reducing migraine attacks. Some physicians have also stated that it may help to reduce bedwetting in patients with nocturnal enuresis, however due to the risk of severe side effects, other forms of treatment (such as behavioral therapy) may be considered safer and more effective.

It has also been used on a widespread basis for the management of neuropathic pain conditions, postherpetic neuralgia and fibromyalgia, and experts have theorized that its benefits in providing pain relief may be related to the modulation of neurotransmitters, resulting in an analgesic effect. Other applications include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia. A substantial number of medical studies aimed at further investigating other potential applications have also been conducted over the years. These focused on eating disorders (including anorexia and bulimia), bipolar disorder, tinnitus as well as other illnesses.

Arrow-Amitriptyline (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride) film coated tablets are taken orally. It is available as 10mg, 25mg or 50mg strength tablets. Patients affected by depression will have their symptoms evaluated by a physician and the correct dosage calculated accordingly. Adults are sometimes told to begin their treatment course with a daily dose that could range from 50mg to 100mg, taken before bed. However, as an alternative to this, some patients may be instructed to administer 25mg to 100mg per day as separate doses.

For maintenance treatment, the dosage regimen may be adjusted by your physician. However, do not make any changes to your dosage schedule unless your physician tells you to do so. Physicians may tell adults taking it for migraine prophylaxis to take 10mg per day, just before going to bed. Other conditions (such as pain) could require a different daily dosage and patients must always follow the direction of their physician.

Arrow-Amitriptyline (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride) may trigger some reactions, including:

• Vertigo
• Sweating
• Somnolence
• Strange taste
• Appetite or body weight alterations

Even mild reactions will need to be reported to your physician, as changes to your dosage schedule or a reassessment for the need to continue treatment may be required. Present yourself at the nearest emergency room or consult your physician straight away should you suffer from muscular spasms, body shaking, hallucinations, severe thirst, speech difficulties or any other serious reactions not listed here.

As with other antidepressant medications, Arrow-Amitriptyline (Amitriptyline Hydrochloride) could lead to an exacerbation of depression in rare cases, resulting in suicidal thoughts. Close monitoring of patients will be required at all times during treatment.

Should no signs of improvement occur after 4 weeks of treatment with this medicine, see your physician, as alternative forms of treatment may be needed.