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: