TricyclicPrescription only
Amitriptyline
Tablet
Quick Summary
Amitriptyline changes pain signals in the nervous system and aids sleep.
Nerve pain
Migraine and tension headache prevention
Fibromyalgia
Medical Uses
Nerve pain: Including diabetic neuropathy.
Migraine and tension headache prevention: Daily use.
Fibromyalgia: Sleep and pain.
How it's taken
Usually taken in the evening because it causes drowsiness.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Drowsiness
Common.
Dry mouth
And constipation.
Weight gain
Sometimes.
Interactions
Alcohol and sedatives
Increase drowsiness.
Other antidepressants, tramadol and triptans
Risk of serotonin syndrome.
Critical Warnings
Overdose
Black Box Warning: Very dangerous; store safely.
Heart conditions
Ask your doctor.
Drowsiness
Don't drive or use machines if it makes you sleepy, and avoid alcohol.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Amitriptyline: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine