Amitriptyline Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 18, 2024.

Applies to amitriptyline: oral tablet.

Serious side effects of amitriptyline

Along with its needed effects, amitriptyline may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking amitriptyline:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking amitriptyline:

Symptoms of Overdose

• clumsiness
• drowsiness
• low body temperature
• muscle aches
• muscle weakness
• sleepiness
• tiredness
• weak or feeble pulse

Other side effects of amitriptyline

Some side effects of amitriptyline may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to amitriptyline: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effects were tremors, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, and nausea.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Ataxia, disturbance in attention, dizziness, dysarthria/speech disorders, dysgeusia, drowsiness, headache, paresthesia, somnolence, tremors
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Convulsions
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Akathisia, polyneuropathy
• Frequency not reported: Abnormal voluntary movements, ageusia, alteration in cognition, alteration in electroencephalogram patterns, anticholinergic effects, autonomic nervous system function alterations, coma, disturbed concentration, extrapyramidal effects, extremity paresthesia, incoordination, neuromuscular activity alterations, numbness, peculiar taste, peripheral neuropathy, seizures, serotonin syndrome, stroke, syncope, tardive dyskinesia, tingling
• Postmarketing reports: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Atrioventricular (AV) block, bundle branch block, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormal, electrocardiogram QRS complex prolonged, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Collapse conditions, hypertension, worsening of cardiac failure
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Arrhythmias
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Cardiomyopathies, torsade de pointes
• Frequency not reported: Changes in AV conduction, edema, heart block, hypersensitivity myocarditis, hypotension, myocardial infarction, nonspecific ECG changes^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, tongue edema, vomiting
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Paralytic ileus, salivary gland enlargement
• Frequency not reported: Black tongue, epigastric distress, parotid swelling, stomatitis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Allergic inflammation of the pulmonary alveoli, allergic inflammation of the lung tissue, alveolitis, congested nose, Loffler's syndrome^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Aggression, agitation, confusional states, libido decrease
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anxiety, hypomania, insomnia, mania, nightmares
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Delirium (in elderly patients), hallucinations (in schizophrenic patients), suicidal behavior, suicidal thoughts
• Frequency not reported: Behavioral changes, delusions, disorientation, dream disturbances, excitement, increased libido, irritability, libido fluctuations, nightmares, paranoia, restlessness, sleep disturbances
• Postmarketing reports: Mental status changes^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyponatremia, thirst, weight increased
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood alkaline phosphatase increased, decreased appetite, weight decreased
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, blood sugar level elevation/lowering, increased appetite^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Erectile dysfunction, micturition disorders
• Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement, dilation of urinary tract, impotence, interference with sexual function, testicular swelling, urinary frequency^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Accommodation disorder, mydriasis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Intraocular pressure increased
• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Acute glaucoma
• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, disturbance in accommodation, increased intraocular pressure^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperhidrosis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Face edema, rash/skin rash, urticaria
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Alopecia, photosensitivity reaction
• Frequency not reported: Diaphoresis, increased perspiration, itching/pruritus, mild sweating, photosensitization^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tinnitus
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Pyrexia
• Frequency not reported: Fever/hyperpyrexia, hyperthermia, malaise, weakness^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cholestatic liver disease, hepatic impairment
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Jaundice, liver function test abnormal, transaminases increased
• Frequency not reported: Altered liver function, hepatic failure, hepatitis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, eosinophilia, leukopenia, purpura, thrombocytopenia^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Gynecomastia
• Frequency not reported: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA), positive rheumatoid factor^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Increased risk of bone fractures, lupus-like syndrome, migratory arthritis
• Postmarketing reports: Muscle rigidity^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What are some common side effects of antidepressants?

Further information

Amitriptyline side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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