"Amitriptyline": instructions for use - grounds for doubt

The development and implementation of each drug,the action of which manifests itself effectively and looks successful, has always become the next step of progress. Many of these drugs have become indispensable in the arsenal of doctors. Often, such medications were the only remedy that the doctor could apply in a difficult situation, and the decision to use a potent drug saved the patient's health and life.

But over time, inevitably there was a problem, which is discussed in this article and does not lose its relevance today.

The more powerful the therapeutic effect of the drug, the more dangerousits side effects, the more precautions are required in its appointment. Choose between continuing treatment and cancellation of the drug is sometimes very difficult. It happens that, due to side effects, the medicine should be canceled, but in the interest of treatment it can not be done. Such "stalemate" situations are familiar to every doctor. Often it takes considerable courage from him to take responsibility for retaining or refusing the appointment.

The full written refers to the drug "Amitriptyline", one of the most popular drugs in large psychiatry.

A drug "Amitriptyline": instructions for use

"Amitriptyline" is used against depressions, andalso as a sedative. In neurology and gastroenterology - to combat pain. It alleviates pain syndromes in diseases of the intestines and stomach. In addition, the drug is effective in treating children's enuresis (urinary incontinence).

Amitriptyline is produced in tablets. In ampoules for injections, "Amitriptyline Nycomed" is used. The instruction indicates that the solutions are used against pain.

The scheme of the drug is based on the fact that"Amitriptyline" interacts with special substances of the brain. They regulate emotions, influence the mood, are responsible for the support and change of mental states. The names of these hormones are serotonin, norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

It has been sufficiently well studied how Amitriptyline interacts with these substances. Instructions for use in the first paragraphs require precautions when taking the medication.

It is contraindicated in the following diseases and conditions:

hypersensitivity to the drug;
glaucoma (eye fundus disease);
epilepsy (convulsive fits with loss of consciousness);
hyperplasia (proliferation of the tissues) of the prostate;
paralytic obstruction of the intestinal tract (paralysis of the digestive organs);
atony (weakness) of the bladder;
pyloric stenosis (narrowing the outlet of the stomach);
myocardial infarction, transferred earlier;
the use of drugs from the IMAO group (it is strictly necessary to consult a doctor);
pregnancy;
breastfeeding;
the child's age is less than six years; in the case of injections - less than twelve years.

Enhanced medical supervision is required during treatment with Amitriptyline, if the patient has heart failure, arrhythmia, cardiac ischemia.

One of the most unpleasant problems in connection with theseprohibitions is that a considerable number of doctors, unfortunately, ignore contraindications. Therefore, when contacting your doctor, you should discuss any warnings, if any.

Doses of "Amitriptyline" can not pre-specifyeven a doctor. They are selected for each patient separately. It takes time, professionalism and patience. Therefore, self-treatment is categorically unacceptable. It can lead not only to new difficulties, but also to tragic outcomes.

It should be noted that the effect of "Amitriptyline"occurs in the interval from one to six weeks from the beginning of taking the drug. You can not expect rapid results. It is also not established, after how long "Amitriptyline" ceases to function. The instruction on the use of the medicine shows that for each patient this time is individual.

If for any reason the patient intendsstop taking "Amitriptyline", he should do this only after consulting a doctor. The gradual cancellation regime is subject to control, in order to avoid complications.

Categorically prohibited alcohol in combination with "Amitriptyline."

What is the most dangerous drug "Amitriptyline"? Instruction for use contains a list of its side effects. These lists are important to know.

List of serious side effects:

a confused state of mind;
cases of violation of heart rhythms;
the phenomenon of hallucinations;
cases of seizures;
a state of extreme fatigue or drowsiness;
the phenomenon of foggy or altered vision;
cases of shortness of breath;
constipation;
cases of impaired ability to concentrate attention;
cases of temperature;
a state of extreme and constant anxiety;
cases in which balance and coordination are lost;
difficulty speaking and swallowing;
the phenomena of dilated pupils and eye pain;
cases of fainting.

List of possible side effects: cases of drowsiness, dizziness, headache; dryness or unpleasant taste in the mouth; cases of fatigue, increased photosensitivity; the phenomenon of unusual weight gain, increased appetite; a status of a nausea.

List of rare side effects: the phenomenon of insomnia, sweating; diarrhea; cases of heartburn, vomiting.

The above lists do not need comments. It is extremely important that the doctor on the one hand does not forget about their existence, on the other hand the patient and his support group: relatives, social worker (if he is). The drug "Amitriptyline" is both useful and dangerous.