Amitriptyline History

Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, was first developed in the late 1950s by the American pharmaceutical company Merck ¹ ².
1960s:
  • 1960: Frank Ayd, a clinical investigator, reported amitriptyline's antidepressant properties after treating 130 patients.
  • 1961: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved amitriptyline for treating depression.
  • Early 1960s: Roche and Lundbeck independently developed and marketed amitriptyline in Europe.
Present Day:
  • Amitriptyline is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.
  • It is available as a generic medication.
  • In 2021, it was the 107th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with over 5 million prescriptions.

Amitriptyline is used in the treatment of 


Depression: Amitriptyline is used to treat anxiety and depression, working to increase the levels of certain chemicals in the brain to combat depression.
  • Pain relief: Amitriptyline is used to treat pain, especially nerve damage pain, at low doses.
  • Bipolar disorder: Amitriptyline is not to be used for patients with bipolar disorder, but before starting antidepressants, your doctor must check your risk for the disorder.
  • Schizophrenia: Amitriptyline can worsen certain schizophrenia symptoms.
  • Urinary retention: Amitriptyline can worsen urinary retention, so tell your doctor if you have this condition.
  • Glaucoma: Amitriptyline can increase eye pressure, so your doctor will closely monitor you if you have glaucoma


Amitriptyline Side Effect

Amitriptyline, also known as Elavil, is a medication used to treat various conditions, including:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic pain
  • Migraines
  • Fibromyalgia
Common Side Effects:
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Increased appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
Less Common Side Effects:
  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures (rarely)
  • Serotonin syndrome (rarely)
Important:
  • Consult your doctor before taking amitriptyline, especially if you have a history of seizures, glaucoma, or heart problems.
  • Do not stop taking amitriptyline without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
  • Monitor your mood and overall health while taking amitriptyline, and report any changes to your doctor.
Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment.