amitriptyline
n a tricyclic ANTIDEPRESSANT drug that has a mild tranquillizing action. Common side-effects include drowsiness, dizziness, numbness, and tingling of limbs.
Amitriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression. Amitriptyline is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking amitriptyline affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see if amitriptyline could make it harder for a person to get pregnant. If you have questions about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking amitriptyline increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons, and it is not known whether amitriptyline can increase that chance. The fact sheet also notes that untreated depression itself might increase the chance of miscarriage. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the considerations in your specific situation.
Does taking amitriptyline increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet notes that about 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect in the general population. A small number of human studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects with doses of amitriptyline used to treat depression. Any decisions about taking this medication during pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking amitriptyline during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to the fact sheet, studies have not specifically looked at whether amitriptyline increases the chance of preterm delivery or low birth weight. One report found a small increase in the chance of preeclampsia when amitriptyline was used in the second and third trimesters, but untreated depression is also linked with pregnancy complications, making it hard to know what is driving the risk. Additionally, some tricyclic antidepressants have been linked to temporary newborn symptoms such as colic, low oxygen levels, breathing problems, or irritability, which usually resolve within a few days. These considerations are best reviewed with your healthcare provider.
Can taking amitriptyline during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet mentions one study of 29 children exposed to amitriptyline during pregnancy that did not find any behavioral or learning problems. This is a limited amount of data, so your healthcare provider can help put this information in context for your situation.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking amitriptyline?
The fact sheet states that amitriptyline passes into breast milk in small amounts, and in several reports of use during breastfeeding, no side effects were noted in most nursing infants. There is one report of a breastfed baby who was very sleepy while the parent was taking amitriptyline, with sleepiness resolving after the medication was stopped. Decisions about breastfeeding while taking amitriptyline should be made together with your healthcare provider, who can also advise you on watching for symptoms in the baby.
Source: National Library of Medicine
amitriptyline