Information on Drug: Amitriptyline
Important Side Effect Warnings about Off-Label Use of Elavil
Due to the affordable cost of this depression medication, Amitriptyline is prescribed more and more every day. Educate yourself on the risks that may accompany the drug.
Amitriptyline Hydrochloride, also known as Elavil, Tryptanol, Endep, Elatrol, Trptizol, Trepiline and Laroxyl is a tricyclic antidepressant drug. Most commonly prescribed for the treatment of clinical depression, this drug also has many off label uses.
More Doctors are Prescribing It
Amitriptyline is growing in popularity for off label use due to its low cost. Most large pharmacies offer this drug for as little as $4. Off label uses for this medicine include the treatment of insomnia, post traumatic stress disorder, migraines, chronic pain, carpal tunnel, fibromyalgia, chronic cough and a variety of other ailments.
Severe Side Effects
What most doctors either aren't aware of, or aren't telling patients are the high number of side effects varying in degrees of severity. The most common, chronic dry mouth, can be so severe that it impedes speech. Not just your run of the mill cotton mouth, but a need to consume fluid so severe that increased urination and irritability are also noted side effects. Fluid doesn't always fix the dry mouth either. Sometimes it requires hours of constant hydration for it to subside, with the worst symptoms being prevalent in the morning.
Hunger is also a side effect leading to what pharmacists explain as "severe weight gain". Suddenly, everything looks edible and the need to consume as much food as possible becomes constant.
Anxiety and nervousness as well as intermittent dizziness can also accompany prolonged use of this drug. While it is extremely effective at treating insomnia, even debilitating insomnia, excessive lethargy and the need for more sleep often stretches into the next day with the effects not completely subsiding until afternoon.
Multiple websites provide a list of even more severe side effects, and though it should be noted that not everyone experiences these, the ones noted above are common in most patients.
Talk to The Doctor
When considering a regular dose of Amitriptyline be sure to consult a Doctor and address any concerns about the high likelihood of some or all of the side effects. Weigh the potential negative impacts against the potential positive and consider taking the drug on a trial basis. This is a medicine that requires seven to fourteen days of use before the full effects are felt so a commitment is necessary. Be certain that this is the best choice before beginning any new medication regimens.
Testimonials
Though none of the people interviewed currently taking Amitriptyline were doctors, or had education in medicine, the resounding theme in their testimonials encouraged patients considering this drug to really discuss this with their doctor. Weight gain being one of the largest concerns, particuarly the fierce and swift nature of this side effect and it's association with Amitriptyline. The dry mouth appeared to rank second among concerns, with some reporting that the severity lead to speech complications.
Though the low cost of this drug may be appealing, as well as it's laundry list of apparent uses, anyone considering this or any new prescription should educate themselves as much as possible prior to beginning a new treatment. Good luck!
