amitriptyline

American  

[am-i-trip-tuh-leen, -lahyn, -lin] / ˌæm ɪˈtrɪp təˌlin, -ˌlaɪn, -lɪn /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a white crystalline powder, C 20 H 23 N, used to treat depression and enuresis.

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amitriptyline British  

/ ˌæmɪˈtrɪptɪˌliːn, -lɪn /

noun

1. a tricyclic antidepressant drug. Formula: C 20 H 23 N

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Etymology

Origin of amitriptyline

Perhaps ami(no)- + trypt(ophan) + (meth)yl + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Dr Toby Pillinger says: John should avoid drugs such as venlafaxine, amitriptyline or nortriptyline which raise blood pressure, and would be better suited to citalopram, escitalopram and paroxetine.

From BBC • Oct. 21, 2025

Now the trial team is recommending that GPs support their patients with IBS to use amitriptyline to manage their symptoms -- and has made the dose adjustment document available for clinicians and patients.

From Science Daily • Oct. 16, 2023

The first three “might be considered first choice” by doctors, they write, although the two most effective drugs – amitriptyline and venlafaxine – might still be first choice for severe depression.

From The Guardian • Feb. 21, 2018

Others have used low doses of tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline to treat chronic pain.

From US News • May 24, 2016

I take amitriptyline at night to help me sleep.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2012