Drug Title

Endep (Amitriptyline)

Usage indications

Endep is commonly used in the treatment of various symptoms that occur in people suffering from depression. In certain cases this medicine may also be prescribed for other purposes.

Mechanism of action

Endep belongs to a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants and works by affecting chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Mode of application

It is important to take Endep precisely as prescribed for you. Avoid taking this medicine in larger amounts or taking it for periods longer than instructed by your doctor. As a rule your doctor or health provider may slightly change your dose to make sure you get the best effect from this drug. Also make sure to follow the directions found on your prescription label.

Missed dozes

In case you miss a dose of Endep while you’ve been taking it regularly you should take it as soon as it is possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Endep should be stored at room temperature and kept away from moisture and direct sunlight. Endep must be kept out of reach of children.

Precautions

Consider giving up on alcohol while taking Endep because It can cause dangerous side effects.

Also avoid using other medicines that might make you sleepy (e.g. muscle relaxers, pain medication, cold medicine, medicine for seizures or other antidepressants) for the reason they can add up to sleepiness caused by Endep.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Endep. Consult with your doctor to see how you should use grapefruit products prior to increasing or decreasing their amount in your diet.

Endep can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be extremely careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. You should avoid exposure to direct sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).

This drug can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight thus resulting in a possible sunburn.

Side Effects

Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• difficulty breathing;
• hives;
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate;
• pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, chest pain or heavy feeling, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• confusion, hallucinations, or seizures (convulsions);
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• uncontrollable shaking or tremor;
• severe tingling, skin rash, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• extreme thirst with headache, vomiting, nausea, and weakness;
• feeling light-headed, fainting; orurinating less than usual or not at all.

There are less serious side effects that are more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• dry mouth, unpleasant taste;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• lack of coordination;
• feeling anxious, drowsy, dizzy or tired;
• trouble concentrating;
• sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares;
• blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears;
• mild skin rash;
• breast swelling (in men or women);
• or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Additional information

Prior to starting your treatment with Endep, tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures;
• bipolar disorder (manic-depression);
• schizophrenia or other mental illness;
• diabetes (Endep may raise or lower blood sugar);
• overactive thyroid;
• glaucoma; or problems with urination.