Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug from the tricyclic antidepressant group, which is sold under the trade names Elavil®, Tryptanol® or Endep®.

Its full chemical name is 3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-5-ylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanamine hydrochloride and its empirical formula is C₂₀H₂₃N·HCl. It is a white, odorless, crystalline compound which is freely soluble in water. It is usually dispensed in tablet form.

Chemical structure of the tricyclic antidepressent amitriptyline

Amitriptyline affects serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake almost equally, and it is largely used to treat clinical depression, although SSRI drugs may be prescribed in preference as they are considered to have less side effects in some instances. Occasionally, amitriptyline may be prescribed for other conditions such chronic pain or fibromyalgia.

See also

• antidepressant
• tricyclic antidepressant