What is Amitriptyline?
Nerve pain, sleep and mood in people; anxiety, itch and bladder pain in pets; also in topical pain creams.
At Pharmacy on the Park, Amitriptyline is compounded in our pharmacy from a prescription, in the strength and form your prescriber orders.
How does it work?
A tricyclic that increases serotonin and norepinephrine and calms nerve pain signals.
What is it used for?
Nerve pain, sleep and mood in people; anxiety, itch and bladder pain in pets; also in topical pain creams. Your prescriber determines the use, dose and monitoring.
How is it used?
- Transdermal gel (PLO). Transdermal gel comes in pre-measured syringes. Wearing a glove, rub the measured amount into the hairless inner ear, alternating ears if directed.
- Flavored oral suspension. Flavored suspensions are shaken well and measured with the oral syringe we provide, then given by mouth.
- Cream. Creams are applied to the area your prescriber directs. Metered dispensers such as Topi-CLICK® deliver the same amount each time. Wash your hands after applying.
- Capsule. Capsules are swallowed by mouth. For pets, a capsule can often be hidden in a small treat if your veterinarian agrees.
Follow the directions on your label. The strength, amount and schedule are set by your prescriber.
Side effects and safety
Commonly reported: Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation. Call your prescriber or us about any reaction that concerns you.
Who should use caution?
People or pets with heart rhythm problems, glaucoma or urinary retention, and anyone on MAO inhibitors. Share your full medical history and medication list with your prescriber.
How should it be stored?
Store syringes as directed on the label, capped and away from heat. Check your label: many flavored liquids are refrigerated. Shake well before each dose. Always follow the storage directions and beyond-use date on your label, and keep medications out of reach of children and pets.
Why is it compounded?
Compounding lets us prepare Amitriptyline in the exact strength your prescriber orders, in forms such as transdermal gel (plo), flavored oral suspension, cream. Flavoring helps pets and people take it more easily. We can also leave out dyes, fillers or allergens when needed.
Amitriptyline is also prepared in combination with Gabapentin, Lidocaine, Diclofenac. See combination preparations in our library.