Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide
About
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide is a combination medicine used to treat moderate to severe depression associated with moderate to severe anxiety. Depression is a mood disorder characterised by sadness, unhappiness, anger, hopelessness or loss. Anxiety is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of anxiety, worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Anxiety and depression can occur at the same time.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide is a combination of two drugs: Amitriptyline (tricyclic anti-depressant) and Chlordiazepoxide (benzodiazepine anxiolytic). Amitriptyline works by affecting certain chemical messengers in the brain that communicate between brain cells, thereby regulating mood and treating depression. Chlordiazepoxide works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger called GABA. This helps suppress the excessive and abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
You are advised to take Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide only for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and bloating. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Consult your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, such as killing or harming yourself. Do not take Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant as it may cause birth defects. Consult your doctor before taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you are breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide causes sleepiness, dizziness and might impair thinking and motor skills. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide
Medicinal Benefits
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide is a combination of two drugs: Amitriptyline and Chlordiazepoxide. Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide is used to treat moderate to severe depression and anxiety. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic anti-depressant that affects certain chemical messengers (serotonin and/or norepinephrine) in the brain, which communicate between brain cells, thereby regulating mood treats depression. Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine anxiolytic that works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger called GABA. This helps suppress the excessive and abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide has a calming effect on various functions of the brain. Thereby, Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide helps in treating anxiety and depression.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nasal congestion
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Bloating
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you recently had a heart attack or heart problems, are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Do not take opioids with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as it may result in increased sedation, depression, coma and death. Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide should not be taken for longer durations as it may cause physical dependence. Inform your doctor before taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you have bipolar disorder, eye problems, urination problems, seizures, thyroid problems, kidney or liver problems or if you are due to have any surgery. Consult your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, such as killing or harming yourself. Talk to your doctor before taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you have a history of drug abuse, addiction or alcohol abuse as Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause dependence. Do not take Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant, as it may cause birth defects. Consult your doctor before taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you are breastfeeding. Avoid driving or operating machinery as Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide causes sleepiness, dizziness and might impair thinking and motor skills. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may interact with an anti-depressant (duloxetine, venlafaxine), anti-convulsant (gabapentin, pregabalin, topiramate), anti-thyroid (levothyroxine), anti-anxiety (alprazolam), corticosteroid (fluticasone), beta-agonist (salmeterol), anti-anxiety (lorazepam), opioid analgesic (morphine) and diuretic (furosemide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as it may cause increased sedative effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have closed-angle glaucoma, respiratory depression, seizures, low blood pressure, pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland), porphyria, bone marrow suppression, obesity, diabetes, schizophrenia, glaucoma, bipolar disorder, thyroid disorder, urinary retention, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), heart, liver or kidney problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as it may cause increased sleepiness and dizziness.
Pregnancy
unsafeAvoid taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant unless prescribed by a doctor as it may cause birth defects.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide; your doctor will decide whether Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
unsafeAmitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause sleepiness, dizziness and might impair thinking and motor skills. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeAmitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly as it helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Include foods rich in omega-fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and olive oils.
- Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products and certain fruits and vegetables help in the proper maintenance of neurotransmitters.
- Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges and pears.
- Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural anti-depressants. It also helps in relieving stress, improving mood, boosting self-esteem and providing restful sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- Do not stop taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide on your own; sudden stopping of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns, the doctor may reduce the dose gradually.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you develop any suicidal thoughts.
- Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: It is a mood disorder characterised by the feeling of sadness, unhappiness, anger, hopelessness or loss that interferes with a person’s daily activities. Depression can also influence some chronic health conditions and relationships. The exact cause of depression is unknown, but it may be associated with mental problems, trauma, family history, drug use and medical conditions. Symptoms of depression include loss of interest, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, appetite changes, irritability, feeling of emptiness, sadness and restlessness.
Anxiety: It is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of anxiety, worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, in which the feeling of fear may be intense and debilitating. It is the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone, at any age. Anxiety may cause a panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The exact cause of anxiety is unknown, but it might be due to genetic or environmental factors. Symptoms of anxiety include rapid breathing, increased heart rate, restlessness, trouble concentrating and difficulty falling asleep.
FAQs
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide contains Amitriptyline and Chlordiazepoxide. Amitriptyline works by affecting certain chemical messengers (serotonin and/or norepinephrine) in the brain, which communicate between brain cells, thereby regulating mood and treating depression. Chlordiazepoxide works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger called GABA. This helps suppress the excessive and abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause weight gain due to increased appetite. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
Do not discontinue Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide without consulting your doctor, as it could cause withdrawal symptoms. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Constipation might occur as a side-effect of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide. Drink plenty of fluids and eat fibre-rich food if you experience constipation. Consult your doctor if you experience severe constipation.
