Amitriptyline Side Effects 

Being an antidepressant and a tricyclic medicine, if not used properly according to the doctor’s prescription,  Amitriptyline can cause some serious  side effects. Prolonged usage of the drug as well as taking high doses to get instant relief can cause side effects and other harmful reactions. 

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Amitriptyline and contact  your doctor immediately  or seek emergency medical treatment to avoid complications. 

Allergic Reactions and Amitriptyline 
Side effects of Amitriptyline may result in an allergic reaction. It may include difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, face or tongue or hives. 

Some Serious Side Effects of Amitriptyline Include 

• seizures
• a fast  or irregular heartbeat 
• a heart attack 
• high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache) 
• difficulty urinating
• fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness  or severe muscle weakness 

Some Rare and Less Serious Symptoms of Amitriptyline 

Other less serious  side effects are more likely to occur. It is advised that you continue to take Amitriptyline and talk to your doctor if  you experience any of these side effects: 

• drowsiness or dizziness 
• dry mouth and eyes 
• constipation 
• mild tremor 
• sweating
• mild agitation, weakness  or headache
• ringing in the ears 
• nausea
• loss  of weight  or appetite 
• altered blood sugar levels 

Anticholinger Effects of Amitriptyline

Anticholinergic side effects would be dry mouth, urinary retention and constipation. Anticolinger is a substance that opposes  or blocks the action  of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter of  the brain which helps in proper functioning.
Amitriptyline  and Heart

The most potentially dangerous side effect that occurs with frequency is the exacerbation of a cardiac rhythm disturbance.  In this condition, it is possible that a heart attack may occur. For this reason, an EKG screening has been recommended before starting this medication. 

In humans, side effects in virtually every organ system have been reported at one time  or another which means that potentially any side effect could be attributed to the use of this medication. 

Interactions with Other Medications 

Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline cannot be safely used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Deprenyl (Anipryl). 

The risk  of developing a dangerously low white blood cell count with the use  of methimazole is greatly increased if there is concurrent use of Amitriptyline. 

The use of Cimetadine (Tagamet) can interfere with  the desired effect of Amitriptyline. Amitriptyline acts best when  not used in combination with  other drugs with anticholinergic effects as it could lead to serious  side effects.

It is strongly recommended that use of Amitriptyline should be carried out carefully and only after being prescribed by  a qualified doctor. Improper use carries the risk of  serious side effects  and complications.