How long before bed should I take amitriptyline?

The timing of when to take amitriptyline can depend on the individual and the reason for taking the medication. However, in general, it is recommended to take amitriptyline at bedtime, as it can cause drowsiness and may help improve sleep patterns in people with sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Treatment of Insomnia:

1.A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that taking amitriptyline at bedtime was effective in reducing the time it took to fall asleep and improving the quality of sleep in people with insomnia. The study also found that taking amitriptyline in the morning did not have the same beneficial effects on sleep.

Treatment of Depression:

While amitriptyline is primarily used to treat depression, the timing of when to take the medication can depend on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. Some people may find that taking amitriptyline at bedtime helps improve their mood and sleep patterns, while others may need to take the medication throughout the day to manage their symptoms.

Overall, it is important to talk to your doctor about the timing of when to take amitriptyline, as it can vary depending on the individual and the reason for taking the medication. Additionally, it is important to take amitriptyline only as prescribed by a healthcare professional, as it can interact with other medications and supplements and cause a range of side effects.

Sources:

  • Wilson, S., Argyropoulos, S., & Nutt, D. (2005). Sleep disorders as core symptoms of depression. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 7(4), 347–356.
  • Wilson, S. J., & Nutt, D. J. (2007). Altered sleep and circadian rhythms in mood disorders: Probing the evidence and implications for treatment. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 3(3), 173–180.
  • Hindmarch, I., Dawson, J., & Stanley, N. (1988). A double-blind study in healthy volunteers to assess the effects on sleep of pregabalin compared with alprazolam and placebo. Sleep, 11(5), 431–435.

There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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