Is amitriptyline good for anxiety?

Amitriptyline is not generally considered a first-line treatment for anxiety, as it is primarily used to treat depression and chronic pain. However, some studies have suggested that amitriptyline may be effective in treating anxiety symptoms in certain populations.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that amitriptyline was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder. However, the study also found that amitriptyline was associated with a range of side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain.

Panic Disorder:

Another study published in the journal Psychopharmacology found that amitriptyline was effective in reducing panic attacks in people with panic disorder. However, the study also found that the medication was associated with a range of side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.

While these studies suggest that amitriptyline may be effective in treating anxiety symptoms in certain populations, it is important to note that amitriptyline is not a first-line treatment for anxiety. Other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, are typically used as first-line treatments for anxiety disorders.


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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