Amitriptyline and Alcohol, Amitriptyline Alcohol Interaction

Amitriptyline and Alcohol speaks to Amtriptyline alcohol interaction, what is Amtriptyline and Amtriptyline side effects.

Amitriptyline brand names Vanatrip, Elavil and Endep belong to a group of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants and work by affecting unbalanced chemicals in the brain. The drug is commonly used to treat depression but may also be used for other purposes.

Do not consume alcohol or grapefruit products when using Amitriptyline as the side effects can be very serious.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.

I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.

Do not use Amitriptyline if you are allergic to it or have recently had a heart attack, if you use Propulsid or an MAO inhibitor such as Marplan, Nardil, Azilect, Eldepryl or Parnate within 14 days.

Side Effects

Less serious side effectsof Amitriptyline and alcohol are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, dizziness, drowsiness, tired, trouble concentrating, nightmares, blurred vision, headache, ringing in the ears, breast swelling, decreased sex drive, impotence or difficulty achieving an orgasm. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects of Amitriptyline and alcohol are fast, pounding or uneven heart rate, chest pain, heavy feeling, pain in the arm and shoulder, nausea, sweating, feeling ill, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech or balance, hallucinations, seizures, feeling light headed, fainting, muscle movements in eyes, tongue, jaw, neck, shaking or tremors, skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, easy bruising or bleeding, extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, urinating less than usual or not at all.If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

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