NHS medicines information on amitriptyline – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it. Amitriptyline is a medication that treats depression. It increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. Description Amitriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression. It works on the central nervous system (CNS) to increase levels of certain chemicals in the brain. This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription. Amitriptyline, formerly sold under the brand name Elavil among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, and a variety of pain syndromes such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine and tension headaches. [11] Due to the frequency and prominence of side effects, amitriptyline is generally considered a second-line therapy for these indications. View amitriptyline hydrochloride information, including dose, uses, side-effects, pregnancy, breast feeding and contra-indications. Learn about the side effects of amitriptyline, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and, off-label, conditions like insomnia, anxiety, migraines, and chronic pain. Find patient medical information for Amitriptyline (Amitid, Elavil, Endep) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Amitriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression. Amitriptyline is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance. Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used for nerve pain, preventing migraines, and bedwetting in children.