Description:

Amitriptyline Tablets 25mg (by ECL / Ernest Chemists Limited) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat major depressive disorder, neuropathic pain (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia), chronic tension-type headache prevention, migraine prophylaxis, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) in children aged 6+, and sometimes insomnia or anxiety-related conditions at low doses. The 25mg strength is common for starting doses or maintenance in depression/pain management. It works by inhibiting reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, increasing their levels in the brain. In Ghana (Accra), it is a widely available, affordable prescription antidepressant and neuropathic pain medication stocked in pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy, Beybee Pharmacy, Meldinpharma).

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx, often from a psychiatrist, neurologist, or GP due to risks like sedation, anticholinergic effects, and cardiac toxicity; not OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) / Neuropathic Pain Agent / Migraine Prophylactic

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Amitriptyline hydrochloride 25 mg per tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol). Tablets are film-coated (often round, blue or yellow, scored).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Amitriptyline 25mg Tablets ECL (standard 25mg strength; common pack sizes 100 tablets). Related variants: Amitriptyline 10mg (lower dose for starting or enuresis), Amitriptyline 50mg or 75mg (higher for depression). The 25mg is a common intermediate/maintenance dose.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush/chew).

Directions/Usage:

Take exactly as prescribed (dosing individualized; start low and titrate).

• Depression: Starting 25–50 mg at bedtime; maintenance 50–150 mg/day (often single bedtime dose due to sedation).
• Neuropathic pain: Starting 10–25 mg at bedtime; increase to 25–75 mg/day.
• Migraine prophylaxis: 10–50 mg at bedtime.
• Nocturnal enuresis (children 6+): 10–50 mg at bedtime (doctor-determined).
• Take at bedtime to minimize daytime drowsiness.
• Do not stop suddenly (risk of withdrawal symptoms); taper under supervision.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Anticholinergic: Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention.
• Sedation/drowsiness (especially early).
• Weight gain, increased appetite.
• Dizziness, orthostatic hypotension (low BP on standing). Other: Confusion (elderly), tremor, sexual dysfunction. Rare/serious (seek help): Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, suicidal thoughts (especially young adults), serotonin syndrome (if combined with SSRIs), or severe allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 10×10 = 100 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• High risk of overdose toxicity (cardiac arrhythmias, seizures)—keep locked away from children.
• Contraindicated in recent MI, arrhythmias, glaucoma, urinary retention, or with MAOIs (risk of serotonin syndrome; 14-day gap).
• Caution in elderly (higher anticholinergic/sedation risk), heart disease, epilepsy, bipolar disorder (mania risk), or pregnancy/breastfeeding (consult doctor).
• May impair driving/machinery due to drowsiness.
• Monitor for suicidal ideation (especially first weeks).
• Avoid alcohol (increases sedation).
• If severe drowsiness, confusion, chest pain, or mood changes occur, seek urgent care.

Product Substitutes: Similar amitriptyline 25mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic amitriptyline 25mg (various importers).
• Tryptizol (original brand by MSD if stocked).
• Other brands like Amitryn or local generics. Alternatives: Nortriptyline (less sedating TCA), duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin (for neuropathic pain), or SSRIs (for depression). Consult doctor/pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for switch.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Ernest Chemists Limited (ECL; Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; produces Amitriptyline as part of its CNS/antidepressant range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by ECL (address: Ernest Chemists Ltd., Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Ernest Chemists Limited/ECL; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local generic product).