Amitriptyline

Brand: Elavil (US/EU) / Tryptomer (IN) / Amitone (BD)

Antidepressant TCA (Tricyclic antidepressant)

Chemistry

Molecular Formula	C20H23N
PubChem	CID: 2160 Open in PubChem

Structure

Half-life	25 hours
Tmax	6 h
Bioavailability	50 % (approx)
Protein Binding	95 %
Volume of Distribution	20 L/kg (approx)
Clearance Route	hepatic
Active Metabolites	yes
Notes	Active metabolite: nortriptyline. Strong anticholinergic burden; avoid in elderly and cardiac disease.

Severity: Severe

Adverse Effects:
Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention), sedation, orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmia risk

Contraindications:
Immediately post-MI, severe cardiac conduction abnormalities, concomitant MAOI use

Precautions:
Start low dose; avoid in elderly (Beers criteria); monitor ECG in cardiac disease; taper gradually.