Amitriptyline for Migraine

The tricyclic antidepressant drug Amitriptyline is used to prevent such a condition as migraine.

In 2009, a study, which focused on clinical therapy, was conducted. As a result of the study, it was found that the drugs Amitriptyline and Topamax are similar in their action when used for the prevention of episodic migraine. Unlike Topamax, Amitriptyline is not approved by the FDA as a drug for the prevention of migraine.

Some studies that were done with Amitriptyline were held in order to compare Amitriptyline and placebo, and the study, which was held in 2011 in order to study headaches, showed that taking the medication Amitriptyline was rather effective for preventing migraine. This medication had an advantage over placebo when using this drug for 8 weeks.

Amitriptyline has some disadvantages when using it for the prevention of migraine. Amitriptyline may cause the occurrence of some side effects. Many patients stop taking this medication when faced with some side effects. The side effects include: constipation, dry mouth, weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension (a drop in the blood pressure when changing the position of the body from lying to standing) and sinusitis.

In rare cases, the risk of bone fractures may be increased and a decrease in the number of blood cells may appear.

Before taking this medication, you should tell your doctor about all the drugs and vitamins that you are taking during this period or have recently taken, since Amitriptyline may have interactions with a number of drugs.

You should tell your doctor about all the diseases and symptoms that you have experienced recently and about your entire medical history.

You should take Amitriptyline carefully, especially if you suffer from cardiac or rhythm disorders, heart failure, liver or kidney problems, decreased gastrointestinal motility, eye dryness or eye problems, diabetes, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, urinary retention or an increase in prostate glands, narrow-angle glaucoma.

Amitriptyline, like other antidepressant drugs, may increase suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior. If, after taking this drug, you feel any unusual symptoms or side effects listed above, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Seek medical attention if you, after taking Amitriptyline, feel any side effects, which are not mentioned above, especially if these symptoms are persistent, strong and prolonged.

During the period of your treatment, it is important and necessary constantly to visit the doctor. Your doctor should control the process of your treatment and all the changes in your symptoms. This is necessary in order to reduce possible side effects.

You should not drive a car during the period of your treatment with this medication, as this medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not do anything that could be dangerous for you and your health. You should not stop taking the medicine without consulting with your doctor. After you stop taking Amitriptyline, its effect may last another 3-7 days.

Also, you should know that tricyclic antidepressant drugs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.

In conclusion, it should be noted, that the drug Amitriptyline is an effective medicine used to prevent migraine, but it should not be taken without consulting a doctor. Talk to your doctor, find out about the effects of this medicine and its possible side effects. Don’t take the medicine and set the dosage yourself, as this can lead to bad consequences.