From the Guidelines
Amatryptoline is not a recognized medication in medical practice, and it is likely that you are referring to amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression, certain types of nerve pain, and conditions like fibromyalgia. According to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines on the management of irritable bowel syndrome 1, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline are effective second-line treatments for global symptoms and abdominal pain in IBS. The recommended dosage is 10 mg once a day, titrated slowly to a maximum of 30–50 mg once a day.
Some key points to consider when using amitriptyline include:
- It can be initiated in primary or secondary care, but careful explanation and counseling about its side-effect profile are required.
- Common side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, and anticholinergic symptoms.
- Amitriptyline has been shown to be effective in migraine prevention, with dosages ranging from 30 to 150 mg/d 1.
- It is also used in lower than antidepressant therapeutic dosages for the treatment of insomnia, although its efficacy for this indication is not well established 1.
It is essential to verify the exact name of the medication with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure accurate information about its uses, dosing, and potential side effects. Medication information should always come from reliable medical sources, and treatment should be supervised by qualified healthcare professionals.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Amatryptoline Overview
- Amatryptoline, also known as amitriptyline, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
- According to a study published in 2024 2, amitriptyline was found to be the most efficacious of 21 antidepressants in an influential network meta-analysis.
Efficacy and Comparison to Other Antidepressants
- A study published in 2019 3 found that amitriptyline has the best evidence for use in migraine prevention, and is often used as a first-line treatment for depression.
- Another study published in 2004 4 found that amitriptyline was more effective than control agents in in-patients with depression, but not in out-patients.
- A review published in 2015 5 found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) were not more effective than placebo or amitriptyline in reducing migraine frequency, intensity, and duration.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
- A review published in 2021 6 found that SSRIs and SNRIs, including amitriptyline, have anti-inflammatory effects that may contribute to their antidepressant action.
- The review found that these effects are mediated through multiple mechanisms, including the reduction of blood or tissue cytokines and the regulation of complex inflammatory pathways.
Clinical Use and Considerations
- Amitriptyline is often used in clinical practice for the treatment of depression, migraine prevention, and other conditions.
- The choice of amitriptyline versus other antidepressants, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, depends on various factors, including the patient's specific condition, medical history, and tolerance to side effects.
- Clinicians should carefully consider the potential benefits and risks of amitriptyline and other antidepressants when making treatment decisions.