Prescription Drug Index
AMITRIPTYLINE
This is a Generic Prescription Drug
Amitriptyline
Pronounced: a-mee-trip-ti-leen
Other Name(s): Elavil
Amitriptyline is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of mental depression. It is a member of the group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Some doctors also prescribe Amitriptyline to treat bulimia (an eating disorder) to control chronic pain to prevent migraine headaches and to treat a pathological weeping and laughing syndrome associated with multiple sclerosis.
The following are the average doses of Amitriptyline and your dose may be different. Do not change your dosage unless instructed by your doctor.
ADULTS
The usual starting dosage is 75 milligrams per day divided into 2 or more smaller doses. Your doctor may gradually increase this dose to 150 milligrams per day. The total daily dose is generally never higher than 200 milligrams.
Alternatively your doctor may want you to start with 50 milligrams to 100 milligrams at bedtime. He or she may increase this bedtime dose by 25 or 50 milligrams up to a total of 150 milligrams a day.
For long-term use the usual dose ranges from 40 to 100 milligrams taken once daily usually at bedtime.
CHILDREN
Use of Amitriptyline is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
The usual dose for adolescents 12 years of age and over is 10 milligrams 3 times a day with 20 milligrams taken at bedtime.
OLDER ADULTS
The usual dose is 10 milligrams taken 3 times a day with 20 milligrams taken at bedtime.
Note:
The content in this section is provided for informational purposes only. This information regarding the following Canadian drugs is not intended to replace or act as a substitute for information or advice provided by your physician. You should always consult a physician before beginning a new medication. Moreover, prescription drugs should only be obtained with a doctor's prescription.
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