Drug Name

Endep (Amitriptyline)

Drug Uses

Endep is used to treat symptoms of depression. Endep may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

How Taken

Take Endep exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take Endep in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Endep is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Endep affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with Endep.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, or other antidepressants). They can add to sleepiness caused by Endep.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Endep. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor before increasing or decreasing the amount of grapefruit products in your diet.

Endep can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).

Endep can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate;
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• confusion, hallucinations, or seizures (convulsions);
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• uncontrollable shaking or tremor;
• skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
• easy bruising or bleeding;
• extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness;
• feeling light-headed, fainting; orurinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• dry mouth, unpleasant taste;
• numbness or tingly feeling;
• lack of coordination;
• feeling anxious, dizzy, drowsy, or tired;
• trouble concentrating;
• sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares;
• blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears; mild skin rash;
• breast swelling (in men or women); or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

More Information

Before taking Endep, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease;
• a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures;
• bipolar disorder (manic-depression);
• schizophrenia or other mental illness;
• diabetes (Endep may raise or lower blood sugar);
• overactive thyroid;
• glaucoma; or problems with urination.