Skip to Content
Print Share

Amitriptyline / chlordiazepoxide Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on July 30, 2020.

In Summary

More frequently reported side effects include: suicidal tendencies. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.

For the Consumer

Applies to amitriptyline / chlordiazepoxide: oral tablet

Warning

Oral route (Tablet)

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. It is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention

Along with its needed effects, amitriptyline/chlordiazepoxide may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking amitriptyline / chlordiazepoxide:

Less common

  • Blurred vision or other changes in vision
  • confusion or hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there)
  • constipation
  • difficulty in urinating
  • eye pain
  • fainting
  • irregular heartbeat
  • mental depression
  • shakiness
  • trouble in sleeping
  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability

Rare

Symptoms of overdose

  • Agitation
  • confusion
  • convulsions (seizures)
  • dizziness or lightheadedness (severe)
  • drowsiness (severe)
  • enlarged pupils
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • fever
  • hallucinations
  • muscle stiffness or rigidity
  • vomiting (severe)

Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention

Some side effects of amitriptyline / chlordiazepoxide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  • Bloating
  • clumsiness or unsteadiness
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • dryness of mouth or unpleasant taste
  • headache
  • weight gain

Less common

After you stop using this medicine, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time, Check with your doctor immediately if you notice the following side effects:

  • Convulsions (seizures)
  • headache
  • increased sweating
  • irritability or restlessness
  • muscle cramps
  • nausea or vomiting
  • stomach cramps
  • trembling
  • trouble with sleeping, and vivid dreams

Managing side effects (general information)

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to amitriptyline / chlordiazepoxide: oral tablet

General

The most frequently reported side effects included drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.[Ref]

Psychiatric

Frequency not reported: Apprehension, confusion, delusions, drug habituation/dependence, dysphoria, euphoria, hallucinations, hypomania, impotence, increased/decreased libido, insomnia, poor concentration, restlessness, vivid dreams, withdrawal symptoms[Ref]

Nervous system

Frequency not reported: Ataxia, convulsions, dizziness, drowsiness, EEG pattern changes, extrapyramidal symptoms, extremity numbness/tingling/paresthesia, headache, incoordination, peculiar taste, stroke, syncope, tremor[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Frequency not reported: Abdominal cramps, black tongue, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, epigastric distress, nausea, paralytic ileus, parotid swelling, stomatitis, tongue edema, vomiting[Ref]

Dermatologic

Frequency not reported: Alopecia, face edema, increased perspiration, photosensitization, pruritus, purpura, skin rash, sweating, urticaria[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Frequency not reported: Arrhythmias, heart block, hypertension, hypotension, myocardial infarction, palpitations, tachycardia[Ref]

Genitourinary

Frequency not reported: Breast enlargement, galactorrhea, minor menstrual abnormalities, testicular swelling, urinary frequency, urinary retention, urinary tract dilation[Ref]

Hematologic

Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, bone marrow depression, eosinophilia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia

Metabolic

Frequency not reported: Anorexia, blood sugar level elevation/lowering, weight gain/loss[Ref]

Other

Frequency not reported: Fatigue, lethargy, malaise, weakness[Ref]

Ocular

Frequency not reported: Accommodation disturbance, blurred vision, mydriasis[Ref]

Hepatic

Frequency not reported: Hepatic dysfunction, jaundice[Ref]

Endocrine

Frequency not reported: Gynecomastia, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Frequency not reported: Muscle cramps[Ref]

Respiratory

Frequency not reported: Nasal congestion[Ref]

References

1. "Product Information. Amitriptyline-Chlordiazepoxide (amitriptyline-chlordiazepoxide)." Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc, Morgantown, WV.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer