Amitriptyline is indicated for depression and belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. It is internationally marketed under the brand name of Trepiline. Off label it can be used for the treatment of neuropathic or chronic pain and to prevent the migraine attacks. Trepiline is available in 2 specifications: TREPILINE®-10 TABLETS, each tablet with the strength of 10mg and TREPILINE®-25m, each tablet with the strength of 25mg.

What Is Trepiline Used For?

Trepiline is used for the treatment of mood and mental disorders like depression. It assists in stabilizing the mood and promoting the feeling of overall well-being. It also alleviates tension and anxiety, boosts energy levels or stamina and allows you to have a better sleep. It produces its action by affecting the brain concentration of vital neurotransmitters like serotonin. Apart from the above stated major indications, it can also be used for:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Bulimia (eating disorder)
• Panic disorder
• Migraine headaches

What Should Be Known Before Using Trepiline?

Trepeline should be strictly avoided if you have a known allergy to amitriptyline or related compounds. It must also be avoided in case of any recent incidences of heart attack. Additionally, proceed with caution if you have a history of intake of MAO inhibitors in the past 14 days:

• Phenelzine (Nardil), Rasagiline (Azilect), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), Emsam, Zelapar), Furazolidone (Furoxone) and selegiline (Eldepryl,

Inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, to ensure safe treatment with Trepiline.

• Heart diseases
• History of stroke, seizures, heart attack
• Schizophrenia or some other mental disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Glaucoma
• Overactive thyroid
• Diabetes (Trepelinemay increase or decrease the levels of blood sugar)
• Difficulty in urinating

Warning

During the clinical studies of Trepiline,  children, teenagers and young adults became more suicidal as compared to those who are not taking this medicine for treating depression or any other such conditions. Trepelineisn’t usually recommended for children under 18 unless the doctor prescribes it for the treatment of certain condition. Taking antidepressants bring about unexpected changes in the mental state, even in young adults above 24.

How to Use Trepiline Safely?

Trepiline must only be taken upon the directions of your doctor, only when you have discussed your therapy goal thoroughly with him. It also means that the drug must not be used for long term against the doctor’s prescription. Trepeline is enclosed with an instruction leaflet that consists of all the guidelines you need to follow while being on the antidepressant therapy. Consult your doctors if you have any queries.

Dosing

The dose varies from patient to patient. Your doctor will decide which dose is most appropriate for you based on your condition. As already discussed earlier, 2 strengths are available, Trepeline 10mg and Trepeline 25mg. The dose you take is dependent upon the strength, the frequency of dosing and the number of doses per day. Listed below are some doses according to the different condition. If your dose doesn’t match with the ones given below, don’t increase or decrease your dose. Talk to your doctor about it instead.

For Depression:

• Adults: starting dose is 75mg in daily divided doses or 50-100mg at bedtime. The dose may be adjusted only by the doctor, based on your condition but the dose usually doesn’t exceed 150mg daily, but it may be so if you are hospitalized as some of the patients in the hospital require high doses for their conditions.
• Older adults and teenagers: Trepiline 10mg is recommended thrice daily and 20 mg at bedtime. The dose, however, may be adjusted accordingly.
• Children: the dose is usually set by the doctor for children who are under the age of 12.

In Case You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose of Trepeline, don’t panic. Take it as soon as you remember. But if you remember it when it’s time for the next dose, skip the previous one and take the regular one according to the prescribed dosing schedule. By all means, avoid double dosing.

What Are the Side Effects of Trepiline?

More or less every drug produces certain side effects that may be both serious and non-serious. Trepiline may bring about the following symptoms. Consult your doctor if the symptoms become aggravated or if they don’t go on their own.

• Headaches
• Nightmares
• Tiredness or weakness
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Altered sex drive or ability
• Tingling, burning or pain in feet and hands
• Blurred vision
• Unsteadiness
• Confusion
• Changes in weight or appetite

Listed below are some serious side effects that require immediate notice and a consultation from your doctor:

• Swollen tongue or face
• Severe hives or skin rash
• Irregular, rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Crushing chest pain
• Numb or weakened leg or arm
• Faintness or dizziness
• Difficult for slow speech
• Fainting
• Uncontrollable shaking of a particular body part
• Spasm of the muscles of neck, back and jaw
• Yellowing of eyes and skin
• Seizures
• Hallucination
• Unusual bruising and bleeding