Amitriptyline for depression
About
Amitriptyline is an antidepressant medicine. It's used to treat low mood and depression. It works by increasing levels of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. It's only available on prescription. It comes as tablets and as a liquid that you swallow Amitriptyline is also used to treat nerve pain and prevent migraines. You may start to feel better after 2 to 4 weeks but it can take 4 to 6 weeks for amitriptyline to work fully. Common side effects include a dry mouth and constipation. They're usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. Amitriptyline can cause extra side effects if you stop taking it suddenly. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking it. It's best not to drive, cycle or use machinery or tools for the first few days of treatment until you know how amitriptyline makes you feel. Page last reviewed: 28 February 2025 Next review due: 28 February 2028
Key facts
You may start to feel better after 2 to 4 weeks but it can take 4 to 6 weeks for amitriptyline to work fully.
Common side effects include a dry mouth and constipation. They're usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.
Amitriptyline can cause extra side effects if you stop taking it suddenly. Talk to your doctor if you want to stop taking it.
It's best not to drive, cycle or use machinery or tools for the first few days of treatment until you know how amitriptyline makes you feel.