Amitryptiline Nursing Considerations, Side Effects and Mechanism of Action Pharmacology for Nurses

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:00:56 +0000

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Amitryptiline

Generic Name: Amitryptiline

Trade Name: Elavil

Indication: depression, anxiety, insomnia, parkinsons Action increases effect of serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS, exhibits anticholinergic effects

Therapeutic Class: antidepressant

Pharmacologic Class: tricyclic antidepressant

Nursing Considerations
 contraindicated in MI, heart failure, QT prolongation, glaucoma
 may increase risk for suicidal ideation
 may cause arrhythmias, hypotension, EKG changes
 may cause alterations in blood glucose levels
 may lead to general sedation and lethargy
 do not use within 2 weeks of MAOIs
 Instruct pt to take medication exactly as instructed
 monitor for orthostatic hypotension
 may lead to photosensitivity, instruct patient to use sunscreen
 may turn urine blue/green color.