Amitriptyline refers to the medicines from the group of tricyclic antidepressants. This medicine is effective in exerting influence on the nerve cells of the brain. In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds, which are called neurotransmitters. They are a kind of chemical transmitters messages between nerve cells. Serotonin and noradrenaline are among neurotransmitters.

How does amitriptyline?

When serotonin and noradrenaline are released from nerve cells in the brain, a person's mood improves. When these neurotransmitters again absorbed into the cells, they have no impact on the mood. It is assumed that, when a person develops depression, the volume of serotonin and noradrenaline released in the brain, are significantly reduced.

Amitriptyline prevents the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the nerve cells of the brain. Thus, this drug relieves symptoms of depression.

One of the most common symptoms of amitriptyline is drowsiness, so it is most effective for people, who along with depression suffer from sleep disorders and/or increased anxiety.

Effects of amitriptyline become visible only after 3-4 weeks after the beginning of the reception, so it is important to continue taking it even if you don't see any results. If you feel that depression is exacerbated by, for example, if you have extremely pessimistic and/or suicidal thoughts, you need to immediately talk to your doctor.

In some cases, amitriptyline is used to treat bed-wetting in children. The drug blocks cholinergic receptors, which are located on the surface of muscle cells the walls of the urinary bladder. It does not give substance called acetylcholine act on these receptors. Acetylcholine in the norm cause a decline in the walls of the urinary bladder, and his emptying. Restriction of its activity reduces the probability of involuntary contraction of the walls of the bladder. For such therapy amitriptyline you can use no more than three months.

In addition, amitriptyline can be used to prevent migraine attacks and treatment of nerve pain.

Contraindications:

Serious disease of the liver
Recently transferred a heart attack
The blockade heart
Arrhythmia
Zakratougolnaya glaucoma
The manic phase of manic-depressive disorder
Receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) in the past two weeks as an antidepressant
Porphyria
Amitriptyline is not recommended for the treatment of depression in people younger than 16 years of age and for the treatment of bed-wetting in children up to 6 years.

In case of any signs of an allergic reaction to the drug should immediately discontinue use and consult a doctor.

Attention!

As amitriptyline causes drowsiness regardless of how much you relax, during the course of treatment should avoid driving of motor vehicles. In addition, while you are taking amitriptyline, it is better to give up alcohol or reduce its consumption to a minimum, as it increases drowsiness.

Reception of amitriptyline can lead to a sharp decrease in blood pressure when you wake up - because of this often begins to feel dizzy and dark in the eyes. Such side effect is observed only at the beginning of treatment.

Antidepressants often cause a reduction in the level of sodium in the blood, a condition which is called giponatriemia. This is one of the causes sleepiness, and can also cause a short-term loss of consciousness, muscle spasms and convulsions. Older people are especially vulnerable to the effects of antidepressants.

Not abruptly stop taking amitriptyline because it may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, chills, insomnia. These symptoms are not talking about developed, depending on the product and will soon pass away. But they can be avoided, if stop taking amitriptyline gradually and in accordance with the advice of a doctor.