Amitriptyline hydrochloride is a medicine that has anxiolytic and calming properties that can be used to treat cases of nocturnal depression or bedwetting, which is when the child urinates in bed at night. Thus, the use of amitriptyline should always be directed by a psychiatrist.
This medicine can be bought in conventional pharmacies after prescription, under the trade names of Tryptanol, Neo Amitriptilin or Neurotrypt, for example.
How to take
How to use this medicine should always be directed by a doctor as it may vary according to the problem and age:
Treatment of depression
- Adults : Initially one should take a dose of 75 mg per day, divided into several doses. Thereafter, the dose should be gradually increased to 150 mg per day, when the symptoms are controlled the dose should be decreased by the physician to an effective dose and below 100 mg per day.
- Children : should only be used in children over 12 years of age, in doses of up to 50 mg per day, divided throughout the day.
Treatment of nocturnal enuresis
- Children 6 to 10 years : 10 to 20 mg before bed;
- Children over 11 years : 25 to 50 mg before bed.
The improvement of the enuresis generally appears in a few days, however, it is important to keep the treatment for the time indicated by the doctor, to ensure that the problem does not arise again.
Possible side effects
The use of amitriptyline hydrochloride may cause some side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, changes in taste, weight gain, headache, blurred vision or constipation.
Because it can cause a lot of drowsiness, this medicine can not be used if it is necessary to drive.
Who should not take
Amitriptyline hydrochloride is contraindicated for people who are taking other medicines for depression, cisapride, or who have had a heart attack in the past 30 days. In addition, it should also not be used in case of allergy to any of the components of the formula.
In case of pregnancy or breast-feeding, this medicine should only be used with obstetrical knowledge.
