Patient/caregiver was instructed upon amitriptyline and mechanism of action as follows:
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are manufactured in the brain and released by nerve endings, at the synapse, which is a junction between two nerves. This released neurotransmitter in the synapse communicates the impulse to the nerves around.
- This action of the neurotransmitter is terminated by reuptake of the chemical, back into the nerve ending. This reuptake of the chemical reduces the communication with the nerves around and is considered a significant factor for symptoms of major depression.
- Amitriptyline is an antidepressant medication, belonging to the class of tricyclic antidepressants, used to treat mood disorders, such as, major depression and anxiety.
- The mechanism of action of amitriptyline is not clearly known. But, it is believed that amitriptyline works by increasing the concentration of the neurotransmitters in the brain, by inhibiting their reuptake by the nerve endings. Amitriptyline is mainly believed to affect reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the nerve endings at the synapse.
- This helps with increasing the concentration of serotonin and noradrenaline in the synapse, enhancing their actions, which helps with improved communication by these chemicals and appropriate desired nerve stimulation. This can contribute towards controlling symptoms of depression and promoting feelings of contentment and happiness.
