![]() Patients with abnormal liver function may have trouble with this medication. See which products contain amitraz.Īmitriptyline is removed from the body through the liver. Cyproheptadine may decrease amitriptyline levels rendering it ineffective.Īmitriptyline should not be used in dogs that use an amitraz-based tick control product. Itraconazole and ketoconazole (antifungal agents) can increase blood levels of amitriptyline thus increasing the toxicity potential. Amitriptyline is one of those medications so these two drugs should not be used together. The use of the intestinal motility modifier cisapride leads to heart rhythm disturbances when it is combined with certain other medications. The use of cimetidine (Tagamet) can interfere with the desired effect of amitriptyline.Īmitriptyline is best not used in conjunction with other drugs with anticholinergic effects, drugs that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, or with other psychoactive drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline, cannot be safely used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as L-Deprenyl (Anipryl) or with tramadol, a pain reliever. More serious (though rare) potential side effects can include seizures, heart arrhythmia, and/or abnormal bleeding. Tricyclic antidepressants can alter blood sugar levels and falsely lower thyroid testing. That said, the most common side effect of amitriptyline is drowsiness/sedation (caused by the increased serotonin). Such anticholinergic effects are relatively common amitriptyline side effects. Having more stimulation of "fight or flight" creates what are called "anticholinergic" effects which include: dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and dried respiratory secretions. The problem is that blocking amine pumps in the brain also hampers the removal of norepinephrine which is a fight-or-flight neurotransmitter. Tablets should be stored at room temperature.īy blocking amine pumps in the brain, amitriptyline hampers the removal of serotonin so any serotonin you have lasts longer. ![]() If a dose is accidentally skipped, give it when it is remembered and adjust the timing of the next dose accordingly. In many of these conditions, it is not clear which of the above-described mechanisms of action are responsible for the desired effects.Īmitriptyline is usually given once or twice daily and can take a couple of weeks before it is possible to judge its effectiveness. Amitriptyline has been used in animals for separation anxiety, inappropriate urination in cats, feline lower urinary tract disease, and obsessive grooming behaviors in both dogs and cats. With amitriptyline becoming widely used in human mental illness, it was not long before small animal uses for this medication came to light. Some of its desired effects may be achieved by way of its antihistamine effects in addition to its brain effects. In addition to the neurotransmitter effects, amitriptyline is also a strong antihistamine. This sounds great but there are some side effects that occur as a result of amitriptyline's activity and we will review those later on. Amitriptyline is a member of the class of drugs called “tricyclic antidepressants.” It works by increasing the amount of a "happiness" neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serious side effects or death can occur if you use drugs on your pet without your veterinarian's advice.Īvailable in 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tabletsĪmitriptyline was developed out of a need in human medicine for anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, though it has gained some popularity for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes. ![]() Never administer any drug without your veterinarian's input. The size of the tablet/medication is NOT an indication of a proper dose. ![]()
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