Amitriptyline

What are Amitriptyline tablets for migraine?

Amitriptyline tablets belong to a class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. Although they are sometimes used as antidepressant they have a large variety of uses. A common use of Amitriptyline tablets is to treat migraines.

Amitriptyline tablets work as a migraine prophylactic, meaning it is taken everyday to prevent migraines from happening. It does this by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and well-being—specifically, serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of blood vessels during a migraine headache, and both chemicals play a role in the processing of pain by the brain.

This makes it an effective way of managing chronic migraines. The dosage will depend on what you have been prescribed, and your doctor may increase the dosage as needed. The average starting dose is 10mg taken once a day, it is suggested to be taken in the evening. It is always best to take medication at the same time each day unless informed otherwise.

Amitriptyline tablets can be bought at a local pharmacy or online from a trusted online pharmacy such as e-Surgery. This will require a quick, 2 minute questionnaire and can be ordered to your door with free delivery. When buying medication online always buy from a trusted, reputable source.

How to take Amitriptyline tablets for migraine?

Take one Amitriptyline tablet per day to decrease the severity and intensity of migraines. Its effectiveness will vary per person, so may take some time to work out what works best for you.

Take 1 Amitriptyline tablet with water in the evening as it can cause drowsiness.

Extra side effects can occur if you suddenly stop taking Amitriptyline tablets, and it can take up to 6 weeks to take effect.

What if I still have a migraine after taking Amitriptyline tablets?

Amitriptyline tablets can take a few weeks to get into your system and to feel the pain killer effects. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen when taking Amitriptyline tablets, but it is best to avoid opiate based painkillers such as co-codamol as they can increase side effects such as drowsiness.

If it is proving ineffective or the side effects of Amitriptyline tablets are too difficult, there are many other options of migraine medication so you may just need to find the right one.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head.

Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick, being sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound.

Migraine is a common health condition, affecting around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.

There are several types of migraine, including:

• migraine with aura – where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights
• migraine without aura – the most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs
• migraine aura without headache, also known as silent migraine – where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache does not develop

 

Some people have migraines frequently, up to several times a week. Other people only have a migraine occasionally. It’s possible for years to pass between migraine attacks.

What are the symptoms of a migraine?

The main symptom of a migraine is usually an intense headache on 1 side of the head.

The pain is usually a moderate or severe throbbing sensation that gets worse when you move and prevents you from carrying out normal activities.

In some cases, the pain can occur on both sides of your head and may affect your face or neck.

Other symptoms commonly associated with a migraine include:

• feeling sick
• being sick
• increased sensitivity to light and sound, which is why many people with a migraine want to rest in a quiet, dark room

 

Some people also occasionally experience other symptoms, including:

• sweating
• poor concentration,
• feeling very hot or very cold
• tummy (abdominal) pain
• diarrhoea

 

Not everyone with a migraine experiences these additional symptoms and some people may experience them without having a headache. The symptoms of a migraine usually last between 4 hours and 3 days, although you may feel very tired for up to a week afterwards.

What causes a migraine?

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they’re thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain. Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role.

Some people find migraine attacks are associated with certain triggers, which can include:

• starting their period
• stress
• tiredness
• certain foods or drinks

Side effects of Amitriptyline tablets for migraine?

Like and medication Amitriptyline tablets can have side effects, read the Amitriptyline tablet patient information leaflet. 

This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially in the beginning of the treatment. Do not drive or work with tools or machinery if you are affected. 

Some common side effects include:

• sleepiness/drowsiness
• shakiness of hands or other body parts
• Dizziness
• Headache
• irregular, hard, or rapid heartbeat
• dizziness when you stand up due to low blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension)
• dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea
• excessive sweating
• weight gain
• slurred or slow speech
• Aggression
• congested nose.  

 

If you experience any of the following side effects contact a doctor immediately:

• Attacks of intermittent blurring of vision, rainbow vision, and eye pain.
• A heart problem called “prolonged QT interval” (which is shown on your electrocardiogram, ECG). 
• Bad constipation, a swollen stomach, fever and vomiting.
• Any yellowing of the skin and the white in the eyes (jaundice). 
• Bruising, bleeding, pallor or persistent sore throat and fever. 
• Effects on the blood could be a decrease in the number of red cells

 

Find a full list of possible side effects in the Amitriptyline tablet patient information leaflet.

Interactions between Amitriptyline tablets for migraine and food/alcohol?

It is not advised to drink alcohol during treatment with this medicine as it might increase the sedative effect.  

There is no known reaction between any food and Amitriptyline tablets.

Interaction between Amitriptyline tablets for migraine and other drugs?

There are quite a few medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), that may interact with amitriptyline tablets. This is why it is very important to inform your doctor or prescriber about any medication you are on.

Some medications that are known to interact with amitriptyline include:

• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as Marplan (isocarboxazid)
• Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline) and Parnate (tranylcypromine)
• Antihistamines and medications for other cold symptoms or asthma
• Tagamet (cimetidine)
• Diet pills
• Antabuse (disulfiram)
• Ismelin (guanethidine)
• Atrovent (ipratropium)
• Quinidex (quinidine)
• Tambocor (flecainide) or Rythmol (propafenone)
• Anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers
• Medications for irritable bowel disease, mental illness, nausea, Parkinson’s disease, ulcers, urinary problems, and thyroid disease
• Phenobarbital
• Other antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Note that if you’ve stopped taking fluoxetine within the previous five weeks, you should tell your doctor

Is there any reason I would not be able to take Amitriptyline tablets for migraine?

You should not take Amitriptyline tablets:

• if you are allergic to amitriptyline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• if you have recently had a heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• if you have heart problems such as disturbances in heart rhythm which are seen on an electrocardiogram (ECG), heart block, or coronary artery disease
• if you are taking medicines known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• if you have taken MAOIs within the last 14 days 
• if you have taken moclobemide the day before
• if you have severe liver disease. 

 

Inform your doctor or prescriber of the following:

• narrow angle glaucoma (loss of vision due to abnormally high pressure in the eye)
• epilepsy, a history of convulsions or fits
• difficulty in passing urine
• enlarged prostate
• thyroid disease
• bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• severe liver disease
• severe heart disease
• pylorus stenosis (narrowing of the gastric outlet) and paralytic ileus (blocked intestine)
• diabetes as you might need and adjustment of your antidiabetic medicine.

Why should I take Amitriptyline tablets for migraine?

Migraines can be a debilitating condition that affects many areas of life. Although a singular cure has not yet been found as migraines can present very differently in each person managing symptoms is key. Amitriptyline tablets can help stop the migraines from happening, making them a great solution for those who suffer with consistent migraines.

What is the difference between Amitriptyline tablets and other migraine medication?

Amitriptyline tablets differ slightly from some other migraine treatments. Medicines such as Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan and Zolmitriptan should be taken when the first symptoms of a migraine appear, whereas Amitriptyline should be taken once daily to prevent migraine headaches. This is beneficial for long term migraine sufferers.

There is also a small price difference between the different types of medication.

How do I store Amitriptyline tablets for migraine?

Store Amitriptyline tablets as per the patient information leaflet in a cool, dry place. Do not use Amitriptyline tablets after the expiration date on the box.

Can I buy Amitriptyline tablets for migraine online?

You can buy Amitriptyline tablets online from registered online prescribers such as e-Surgery.

Whenever you are buying Amitriptyline or any other medication, make sure you check for the green GPhC and MHRA logo on the bottom of each page of the website you are using.

Where can I get more information about Amitriptyline tablets for migraine online?

You can find more information about Amitriptyline tablets in the Amitriptyline tablet patient information leaflet.

You can also use our completely free Ask-a-Pharmacist service to get health advice from a trained professional. We’re here to help!

How will my Amitriptyline tablets for migraine be delivered?

e-Surgery uses Royal Mail delivery with choices starting from Royal Mail tracked 48 delivery, Royal Mail tracked 24and Royal Mail 1pm special delivery (discover more about e-Surgery delivery). Your Amitriptyline tablets will arrive in discreet, recyclable packaging at a delivery address of your choice. Find out to recycle packaging from e-Surgery.

How to dispose of Amitriptyline tablets for migraine bought online?

Amitriptyline tablets come in blister packs that are not currently recyclable, so once they have been used can be disposed of in a general waste bin. If the Amitriptyline tablets are unfinished dispose of medication safely and drop them off at a local pharmacy. Cardboard packaging and paper patient information leaflets are recyclable. For any more information on disposal of Amitriptyline tablets you can use our free Ask-a-Pharmacist service.