The NHS has issued a warning for users of amitriptyline, a medication commonly prescribed for nerve pain, migraines, and depression. With over 15 million prescriptions dispensed in the UK in 2022-23, the health service advises patients to be aware of serious side effects that may require urgent medical attention, including calling 999.
Amitriptyline, first licensed as an antidepressant in the 1960s, is now widely used for pain relief at lower doses. Common side effects, such as dry mouth and drowsiness, typically improve within days. However, rare but serious side effects can occur, prompting the NHS to recommend contacting a doctor or dialling 111 if symptoms like chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe skin reactions develop.
For more urgent symptoms, the NHS advises calling 999 immediately. These include thoughts of self-harm or suicide, sudden severe headache or confusion, and signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, blistering, or peeling skin. Patients are warned not to drive themselves to A&E but to follow the advice of the 999 operator.
The NHS emphasises that most users experience no or only minor side effects, but those taking higher doses for depression may be more prone to adverse effects. Patients are encouraged to speak to a doctor or pharmacist if side effects persist.
