Q. I take amitriptyline at night to help me sleep. I have read that this drug might make me more sensitive to the heat. I have been really suffering with the temperatures hovering around 100 degrees. Could my sleeping pill be dangerous?
A. Amitriptyline is a sedating antidepressant. The FDA has not approved it for use as a sleeping pill although it is frequently prescribed for this purpose.
Because amitriptyline interferes with sweating, your body cannot dissipate extra heat as it normally would. This might put you at risk for heat stroke.
Stopping the drug suddenly might cause withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia. Please discuss this dilemma with your doctor.
