What kind of pain does amitriptyline treat?
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is widely used to treat chronic neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage). It is recommended as a first line treatment in many guidelines. Neuropathic pain can be treated with antidepressant drugs in doses below those at which the drugs act as antidepressants.
How long does amitriptyline take to work for nerve pain?
Amitriptyline takes time to work. Some people may experience some pain relief after 1 to 2 weeks, but it might take 6 to 8 weeks for you to feel the full effects.
What is amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets used for?
Amitriptyline is a medicine used for treating pain. You can take it: to treat nerve pain (neuralgia) and back pain. to help prevent migraine attacks.
Is amitriptyline a narcotic?
Amitriptyline isn’t a narcotic. It belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Narcotics, on the other hand, are opioid drugs.
How does amitriptyline make you feel?
It works by increasing levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. This can improve your mood. You may start to feel better after 1 to 2 weeks but it can take 4 to 6 weeks for amitriptyline to work fully. Side effects such as a dry mouth and constipation are common.
How long after taking amitriptyline will I feel sleepy?
When amitriptyline is taken for sleep, it may make you sleepy within a couple of hours of taking it for the first time or it may take one to two weeks for the effects of the drug to build up enough to have an effect on your sleep.
Is amitriptyline a good sleeping pill?
Amitriptyline is widely prescribed as a sleep aid for people with insomnia. There is a distinct lack of evidence that amitriptyline has any beneficial effect on sleep in insomnia. It can cause daytime sleepiness and grogginess, which can interfere with daily life.
How long does it take for amitriptyline to kick in?
Why should you not take amitriptyline after 8pm?
Taking amitriptyline for sleep can affect your waking hours
It remains active in the body for 12-24 hours so it can make you feel tired and groggy during the day too.