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Updated February 2023
Amitriptyline is a medicine that is used to help manage chronic (long term) pain. It is often recommended in particular when people have been having a lot of trouble sleeping due to the impact of the pain. It is also used in higher doses to treat depression.
When pain has been present for some time (e.g. more than a few weeks), the nerves in the area can become sensitised. This is when nerves start to send pain signals more often and more easily, meaning your child may start to feel more pain in the area. Things that are usually okay, like shaking hands, may become painful.
Amitriptyline is available as oral tablets.
The dose depends on the size and weight of your child. It also depends on how well the amitriptyline works for them. It is usually started at a low dose, which is then increased. This is done for two reasons: to reduce the possibility of side effects, and to find the lowest dose necessary. Amitriptyline makes your child feel sleepy. It is given at night, so that your child can get to sleep more easily. It should be taken about 30 minutes before bed-time, although some people need to take it earlier.
Amitriptyline is often used as a “cycle breaker” in pain conditions. This means that it will be used for a few months to try to alter how the pain nerves are working. The dose will then be reduced or ceased. If the pain becomes a problem again, amitriptyline can be restarted. Some young people are on amitriptyline for several years.
You might experience side effects with your treatment. Contact your rheumatologist if you have any concerns about possible side effects. Many side effects disappear when amitriptyline treatment is stopped. Side effects are more likely to occur at higher doses.
Most common side effects
Treatment
Sleepiness in the morning
Dry mouth
Dizziness (usually when a dose is increased)
Constipation
Rare side effects
Heart; problems with the heart rhythm
Trouble passing urine
Confusion, agitation
Amitriptyline can be stopped straight away if necessary although it is often gradually reduced prior to stopping. It is not addictive, and your child doesn’t become dependent on it. Within the first few days it will help your child get to sleep more easily. Amitriptyline is not a pain killer, even though it is used to help pain. It reduces the nerve sensitivity over time. You will start to notice that your child can do things that would have been too painful before. It might take several weeks before seeing this benefit. Please keep this medication stored away from small children. Amitriptyline can be dangerous in cases of deliberate or accidental overdose.
What to do if your child is sick Your child can keep taking amitriptyline if they have any normal childhood illness (for example the common cold).
Interactions Amitriptyline can interact with certain medications: in particular, amitriptyline should not be taken with other antidepressants or tramadol. This can make your child feel unwell.
Immunisations All vaccinations are safe to have while your child is taking amitriptyline.
Infections There is no change or increase in the risk of infections.
Myths and misconceptions At high doses amitriptyline can be used as an anti-depressant. People with severe depression who start on antidepressants can have an increased risk of suicide. This doesn’t happen if the person is being treated for pain and doesn’t have depression.
You may hear a lot of different information about amitriptyline from friends, pharmacists or people that you know. If you are worried about anything, please talk to your child’s doctor or nurse.