amitriptyline

noun

am·​i·​trip·​ty·​line ˌa-mə-ˈtrip-tə-ˌlēn How to pronounce amitriptyline (audio)
: a tricyclic aromatic antidepressant drug used in the form of its hydrochloride C20H23N·HCl to prevent migraines and to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia, and depression

Examples of amitriptyline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Methadone is used to treat opioid use disorder, amitriptyline to treat symptoms of depression and gabapentin to treat various conditions including epilepsy, nerve pain and restless leg syndrome. — Jason Green, Mercury News, 11 June 2025 Your doctor may recommend pain-relieving medications like Advil (ibuprofen) or Elavil (amitriptyline), a type of antidepressant sometimes used for headaches. — Ruth Jessen Hickman, Health, 30 Aug. 2025 Lindsay was discharged from McLean after only five days, with a prescription for the antidepressant amitriptyline, Pat recalled—her thirteenth medication in a span of four months. — Eren Orbey, The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2024 The Cleveland Clinic lists trazodone, amitriptyline, clomipramine doxepin, fluoxetine, sertraline, phenelzine and rasagiline as possible culprits. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for amitriptyline

Word History

Etymology

ami(no) + trypt(ophan) + -yl + -ine entry 2

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amitriptyline was in 1961

Rhymes for amitriptyline

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Browse Nearby Words

amitraz
amitriptyline
amitrole
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Cite this Entry

“Amitriptyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amitriptyline. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

amitriptyline

noun
am·​i·​trip·​ty·​line ˌam-ə-ˈtrip-tə-ˌlēn How to pronounce amitriptyline (audio)
: a tricyclic antidepressant drug that is administered in the form of its hydrochloride C20H23N·HCl to prevent migraines and to treat neuropathic pain, bulimia, and depression

More from Merriam-Webster on amitriptyline

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amitriptyline

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