About Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is considered a tricyclic antidepressant, which increases serotonin levels in your brain and helps elevate mood. Like any tricyclic antidepressant, this medication can only be used for depression.
Some other conditions that Amitriptyline is known to treat include migraine. Amitriptyline is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation and under different brand names. The most common brand that manufactures this medicine is Elavil (Discontinued by FDA in 2000). Amitriptyline medicine is available under this name. Some other common names for this medicine are Endep and Vanatrip.
Note: FDA has issued a black box warning regarding the use of amitriptyline in adolescents and young adults (ages less than 24 years) due to increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.
Amitriptyline comes in two forms:
Liquid
Tablet
It's essential to always abide by the specific recommendations on your prescription. They can change depending on the formulation and amount that you are given.
If Amitriptyline is recommended, finish the entire course of this drug. If your doctor clearly instructs you to quit using it, then stop further usage.
Amitriptyline medicine might not completely cure your depression if you don't finish your prescription.
Amitriptyline uses
There is one FDA-approved use for Amitriptyline, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Use For Depression
FDA approves Amitriptyline for treating depression. It can be given to patients suffering from a major depressive disorder.
Use For Migraine
Amitriptyline is sometimes used to treat migraines. However, this is not approved by FDA. It is also used to relieve neuralgia and back pain.
Amitriptyline side effects
The side effects associated with taking Amitriptyline range from mild to severe.
Amitriptyline side effects vary from patient to patient and medical condition. Keep checking all of your doctor's and laboratory appointments. Your physician may need lab test reports to assess your body's reaction to Amitriptyline.
Do not give your medicine to anybody else. If you have any questions about refilling your prescription, please don't hesitate to ask the pharmacist.
You must keep a written record of all medications you consume and any vitamins, nutritional supplements, and minerals. You should carry this information with you whenever you go to the doctor or are admitted to the hospital. It is also crucial to have this information on hand in an emergency.
Common Side Effects
blurred vision
dry mouth
vomiting
skin rash
difficulty urinating
excessive sweating
change in weight or appetite
Less Common Adverse Reactions
Yellow skin or eyes
Serious allergic reaction
Chest pain
Seizures
Hallucination
Bleeding
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects or develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Many users of this medicine report no significant adverse effects.
Suddenly stopping amitriptyline hydrochloride is known to cause withdrawal symptoms in some patients.
How to take Amitriptyline
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Amitriptyline prescription.
Read your prescription label and follow the instructions before taking Amitriptyline. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Amitriptyline can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription.
Dose For Adults
For adults with depression, 75 mg of divided doses is given daily when starting. Depending on the seriousness, the doctor may recommend increasing the amount gradually to the maximum dose of 150 mg daily. Stay under 150 mg in a day. A bedtime dose is typically suggested to help the patient sleep better.
Elderly patients should be given low doses of amitriptyline hydrochloride in the beginning and closely monitored.
Note: FDA has issued a black box warning regarding the use of amitriptyline in adolescents and young adults (ages less than 24 years) due to increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior.
It depends on your situation and how long you will need to take Amitriptyline to improve.
What to avoid while taking Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline has 670 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
While certain medications should never be combined, other drugs may be given together in some circumstances. A doctor might need to adjust the dosage, or other safety measures could be required depending on the patient's clinical response.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Certain medications can cause potentially severe interactions with amitriptyline. Be especially sure to tell your doctor if you take any of the following:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Quinidine
Sertraline, fluoxetine, and paroxetine
NSAIDs
Arbutamine
Neuroleptic drugs
Disulfiram
Blood thinners
Anticholinergic drugs
Thyroid supplements
Certain drugs for high blood pressure
Topiramate
Antiplatelet drugs
Cimetidine
Medicines treating irritable bowel syndrome
The above list is not the complete list of medicines that can cause harmful effects if interacted with Amitriptyline.
Alcohol With Amitriptyline
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking amitriptyline therapy. Both function as depressants, can cause intense drowsiness, and may even cause some patients to lose consciousness.
Medication alternatives to Amitriptyline
Suppose your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether. In that case, they may suggest another tricyclic antidepressant, such as doxepin, or an antidepressant therapy with medication in another drug class, such as Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Depression
Fluoxetine is equally effective as Amitriptyline in treating major depressive episodes and/or worsening depression
Pain Relief
Other tricyclic antidepressants can be prescribed for pain. They include:
Amitriptyline prescription FAQs
How much does Amitriptyline cost?
Amitriptyline 25 mg costs roughly $13 for a supply of 30 pills. It varies from pharmacy to pharmacy and depends on your insurance coverage.
Can You Buy Amitriptyline Online?
You can request a prescription for Amitriptyline during an online medical evaluation with a licensed doctor. At PlushCare, you can book an online appointment with one of our experienced doctors, who will listen to your symptoms, medical history, and current medications to decide if Amitriptyline may be right for you. If the doctor determines that you could benefit from amitriptyline, they will electronically send the prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.
How can I refill my Amitriptyline prescription?
You can consult a doctor online or visit a doctor near you.
Who should not take Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is not appropriate for everyone. You should always tell your doctor about your medical history and any conditions you may have before taking amitriptyline, especially:
Diabetes
Trouble breathing
Rare blood disorder - porphyria
Urinary retention
Impaired liver function
Recent heart attack
Personal or family history of other mental illnesses (e.g. bipolar disorder)
Seizures
Family history of suicide
Pregnant women
When should you not take Amitriptyline?
You should not be taking Amitriptyline too late into the night. Amitriptyline takes about 10 - 28 hours to leave your system. If you take it too late (after 8 pm), you can still feel sleepy the following day and disrupt your sleep routine.
Why should you not take Amitriptyline after 8 pm?
Amitriptyline takes about 10 - 28 hours to leave your system. If you take it too late (after 8 pm), you can still feel sleepy the following day and disrupt your sleep routine.
What happens when you start taking Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline makes your brain release a serotonin chemical that will improve your mood, leading to a more positive life outlook.
What happens if I miss a dose of Amitriptyline?
If you miss a dose of Amitriptyline, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and follow the regular dosing schedule. Avoid double doses.
What happens if I take too much Amitriptyline?
Too much Amitriptyline (overdose) can result in tricyclic antidepressant poisoning with significant adverse effects such as irregular heartbeat, convulsions, or fits. Talk to your doctor immediately and/or call the local poison control center for help.
3 simple steps to request your Amitriptyline prescription today

Step 1
Book an Amitriptyline prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Amitriptyline prescription.
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3
Pick up your Amitriptyline prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Amitriptyline prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Amitriptyline prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
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Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Amitriptyline prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Mayo Clinic. "Amitriptyline (Oral Route) - Proper Use." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Accessed October 11, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/amitriptyline-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20072061.
Mayo Clinic. "Pain Medications." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Accessed October 11, 2023, https://www.mayoclinic.org/pain-medications/art-20045647.
MedlinePlus. "Amitriptyline." MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Accessed October 11, 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682388.html.
Drugs.com. "Amitriptyline Drug Interactions." Drugs.com, Drugsite Trust, Accessed October 11, 2023, https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/amitriptyline.html.
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Amitriptyline." StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, Accessed October 11, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537225/.