NHS amitriptyline advice two eye symptoms need 111 attention

NHS amitriptyline advice two eye symptoms need 111 attention You may need to call NHS 111, go to A&E or call 999 The NHS has urged anyone who takes amitriptyline to be aware of two key symptoms that could affect the eyes. If they suspect they have it, they should call 111 or book a doctor’s appointment straight away. Amitriptyline is a prescription medicine mainly used to treat long-term pain, including nerve pain, and to help prevent migraines. It comes as tablets or a liquid you swallow. It can also be used to treat depression, but the dose for pain is usually much lower, the NHS explains. Because the doses of amitriptyline used for pain are lower than those used for depression, side effects are usually milder and often settle within a few days. Many common side effects improve as your body gets used to the medicine, the health service reassures. But it’s still important to know the warning signs that may mean you need to speak to your doctor. For example, if the whites of your eyes turn yellow, you develop eye pain, notice changes to your sight, or get swelling or redness in or around your eye, don’t ignore it or put it down to tiredness. Call NHS 111. What are the side effects of amitriptyline for pain and migraine? Common side effects These common side effects of amitriptyline happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them: - Constipation - Feeling dizzy - Dry mouth - Feeling sleepy or tired - Difficulty peeing - Headache Serious side effects The NHS stresses that while these are rare, some people can experience a serious side effect after taking amitriptyline. You should call a doctor or call 111 now if: - You get a fast or irregular heartbeat - The whites of your eyes turn yellow, or your skin turns yellow, although this may be less obvious on brown or black skin – these can be signs of a liver problem - You have a headache, you feel confused or weak, or you get muscle cramps – these can be signs of a low sodium level in your blood - You have eye pain, a change in your eyesight, or swelling or redness in or around your eye Call 999 if - you have weakness on one side of your body, trouble speaking or thinking, loss of balance or blurred eyesight – these can be signs of a stroke - you have a seizure or fit - you get severe chest pain – this can be a sign of a heart attack Do not drive yourself to A&E. Call 999 instead and the operator will advise you on what to do next. The NHS stresses that you should call 999 or go to A&E if "you have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life." Can I have a serious allergic reaction to amitriptyline? Yes. In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to amitriptyline. You should call 999 now if: - Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen - You're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air) - Your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow - Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet) - You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy - Someone faints and cannot be woken up - A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face) - You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling. The NHS adds: "These are not all the side effects of amitriptyline. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet." You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme. Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.