Side effects of amitriptyline for depression

Some of the common side effects of amitriptyline will gradually improve as your body gets used to the medicine.

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:

Get more fibre into your diet such as fresh fruit, vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly, for example, by going for a daily walk or run. If this does not help, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

This may be due to low blood pressure. Amitriptyline can reduce your blood pressure when you stand up.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic drinks. Do not stand up too quickly after you've been sitting or lying down. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you feel dizzy.

Chew sugar-free gum or suck sugar-free sweets.

Do not drink too much alcohol. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you feel sleepy or tired.

Try to relax when you pee. Do not try to force the flow of pee. If you cannot pee, try again a short time later.

Call 111 or talk to your doctor urgently if you cannot pee at all.

Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Paracetamol and ibuprofen may help if you need pain relief.

Talk to your doctor if the headaches do not go away or are severe.

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.