Antidepressants such as Amitriptyline are a type of medication that can help ease the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Antidepressants are generally safe when taken as directed, but they can have side effects. We all feel anxious or sad sometimes. Stressors like moving, ending a relationship, losing a job, or experiencing another life change can make you feel like you’re at a low point in your life and might trigger feelings of depression or anxiety. Antidepressants are medications used to manage symptoms of depression as well as anxiety disorders.
They are not the same thing as “happy pills”—antidepressants don’t actually produce happiness in consumers. Instead, these drugs help correct imbalanced chemicals in the brain that cause feelings of despair and hopelessness.
Typically, it takes about two to three weeks to see improvements in your symptoms after starting an antidepressant . However, it is important to note that everyone experiences side effects from taking antidepressants differently. Some people may experience more side effects than others and some people may respond better than others to a certain drug as well.
What is Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is a type of antidepressant that acts on the central nervous system (CNS). It is used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Additionally, amitriptyline is used to treat chronic pain, including back pain.
How does Amitriptyline work?
Amitriptyline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). As an SSRI, it works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Normally serotonin is released into the brain and then taken back up again by cells, but SSRIs prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed. Therefore, more serotonin is available to bind to receptors and have an effect. Different antidepressants work in slightly different ways; some block the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. Other antidepressants affect other brain chemicals.
Benefits of Taking Amitriptyline
Eases symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pain Helps people with sleep disorders fall asleep and stay asleep, lessens the risk of suicide.
There are various side-effects with comes associated with Amitriptyline such as: Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dizziness or Weakness, Trouble urinating, Blurred vision, Weight gain, Tremors, Shivering, Increased sweating, Sedation, Anxiety, Unusual thoughts or feelings, Hallucinations, Agitation, Nasal stuffiness, Sexual problems, including inability to orgasm and ejaculate.
Final words: Should you take Amitriptyline?
Amitriptyline is an effective antidepressant, but it may have side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. Amitriptyline is not recommended if you are pregnant. Amitriptyline may be appropriate for you if you have moderate to severe depression and have not responded to other antidepressants.
If you have anxiety, PTSD, or another mood disorder, amitriptyline may help. Still, you may also experience side effects, such as drowsiness or sexual problems, so you should be prepared for these. If you decide to take amitriptyline, follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Stay on the lowest dose needed for your symptoms, and take the medication as prescribed. If you are concerned about the side effects of amitriptyline, talk to your doctor.