✅ Prescription / Indication:
Amitriptyline 75 mg is a prescription medication used for:
- Moderate to severe depression
- Chronic neuropathic pain (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia)
- Migraine prophylaxis (in select cases)
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes
- Sleep disorders related to pain or depression (off-label)
Often used when lower doses (10–25 mg) have been ineffective or need escalation.
📄 Description:
- Generic Name: Amitriptyline hydrochloride
- Strength: 75 mg
- Form: Oral tablet (film-coated, round or oval)
- Drug Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
- Common Brands: Elavil®, Tryptomer®, Amitone®, Sarotena®
Mechanism of Action:
- Inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake in the CNS
- Also exhibits anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and sedative effects
🌟 Advantages / Benefits:
- Effective in treatment-resistant depression
- Helpful in severe or chronic pain conditions
- Long-standing clinical use with cost-effective options
- May reduce use of painkillers when used for neuropathic pain
🔬 Nature / Pharmacokinetics:
- Onset (mood disorders): 2–4 weeks
- Onset (pain/sleep): 1–2 weeks
- Half-life: 10–28 hours
- Metabolism: Hepatic (via CYP2D6)
- Excretion: Mainly via kidneys
📦 Common Packaging:
- Typically in blister strips of 10 or 15 tablets
- Tablets are often colored (blue, green, or orange) depending on brand
- Scored tablets may allow dose adjustment (if directed by physician)
🧊 Storage:
- Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F)
- Protect from light and moisture
- Keep in original packaging
- Keep out of reach of children
👨⚕️ Patient Advice / Precautions:
✅ Usage Tips:
- Usually taken once daily at bedtime
- Take with water, with or without food
- Follow doctor’s exact dosing schedule—may start at lower doses and titrate up
❌ Avoid:
- Driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you
- Alcohol and sedatives (additive CNS depression)
- Stopping suddenly (can cause withdrawal symptoms)
- Taking with MAO inhibitors or SSRIs unless directed by a doctor