Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide
About Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide is 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 and 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 and treating 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
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 is used to treat moderate to severe depression associated with moderate to severe anxiety.
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.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause side effects like dizziness and tiredness in some people. Consult the doctor if the condition persists or if you experience severe dizziness or tiredness.
Painkillers should be taken with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide only if advised by the doctor. However, opioid-based analgesics should not be taken with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as it may cause drowsiness and breathing problems. Always check with the doctor before taking painkillers or other medicines along with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause suicidal thoughts/behaviour; therefore, monitor the person taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide for any changes in mood/behaviour and report to the doctor if you notice any unusual behaviour.
Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to manage weight gain associated with the use of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide. Talk to the doctor if the increase in weight bothers you.
Store Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.
Yes, Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause sleepiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you know how the medicine affects you.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may cause sexual problems like decreased sexual desire, inability to reach an orgasm and erectile dysfunction in men. Discuss with the doctor if you experience sexual problems during treatment with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide.
No, do not drink alcohol while taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide. Consuming alcohol along with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide could lead to increased drowsiness & dizziness and very serious side effects.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may change the colour of urine to green or blue. It is generally harmless and resolves once the medicine is stopped. However, consult the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may start working within a week. However, it might take around 4 weeks to notice the full benefits of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide. Continue taking Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide for the prescribed duration to treat your condition effectively.
The active ingredients of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide are Amitriptyline (tricyclic anti-depressant) and Chlordiazepoxide (benzodiazepine anxiolytic). It is used to treat moderate to severe depression associated with moderate to severe anxiety.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide can be taken with or without food as advised by the doctor. Swallow Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide as a whole with a glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
Yes, Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide is safe if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. It should not be taken for longer durations as it may cause physical dependence.
Though Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may help you sleep better by improving your mood, it should not be used for sleep-related issues. Talk to the doctor if you have sleep-related problems.
Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide may not be beneficial for heart health as it may cause QT prolongation (a condition that affects heart rhythm) in some people. Before starting treatment with Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide discuss you’re your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems.
Side effects of Amitriptyline+chlordiazepoxide include 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.
