Tryptizol (Amitriptyline) in Spain: Uses and Safety
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
Tryptizol is the Spanish brand of amitriptyline. What it treats (nerve pain, migraine, depression), side effects, and why it needs a prescription in Spain.
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Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
Tryptizol is the Spanish brand name for amitriptyline, an older antidepressant. Today doctors mostly use it at low strength for nerve pain, to prevent migraine and tension headaches, and sometimes when pain disturbs sleep. It is also licensed for depression. In Spain it is prescription-only, and it must be kept safely because it is dangerous in overdose.
- Tryptizol (amitriptyline) is used for nerve pain, migraine and tension headache prevention, depression and, in some children, bedwetting.
- It is prescription-only in Spain. Packs come in several strengths, and only your doctor decides which one.
- Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and weight gain are common. It can affect the heart rhythm.
- Do not stop it suddenly, and keep it out of reach of others: an overdose can be fatal.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is a GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280).
For a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest local emergency department. Do not wait for a video consultation or an online reply.
What is Tryptizol used for?
The Spanish leaflet lists these uses in adults:
- Nerve pain (neuropathic pain), such as burning pain after shingles or from diabetes.
- Prevention of migraine and of chronic tension-type headache.
- Depression, although newer antidepressants are usually tried first today.
It is also licensed for bedwetting in children aged 6 or over, when other causes have been ruled out and other treatments have failed. A specialist usually starts it.
For pain and headache, it is taken at a lower strength than for depression. It does not work like a painkiller. It calms the way nerves send pain signals, so it takes a few weeks to help. Doctors sometimes use it when pain keeps people awake. It is not a sleeping pill.
If you get frequent headaches, our migraine page explains the options. For low mood, see our depression page.
Tryptizol, amitriptyline, Elavil: which name is which?
| Name | What it is | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptizol | Amitriptyline film-coated tablets | Spain (prescription) |
| Amitriptilina EFG | Generic amitriptyline | Spain (prescription) |
| Amitriptyline | Generic tablets and liquid | UK, Ireland (prescription) |
| Elavil | Old brand name of amitriptyline | US (now mostly generic) |
If you took amitriptyline in the UK, Ireland or the US, Tryptizol is the same medicine. Bring your old pack so the doctor can see the strength you used.
Do you need a prescription for Tryptizol in Spain?
Yes. Tryptizol and generic amitriptyline are medicamentos sujetos a prescripción médica. A pharmacy cannot supply them without a Spanish prescription, including a private electronic one. You can check each pack on the AEMPS CIMA leaflet for Tryptizol. Our guide to which medicines need a prescription in Spain explains the rules.
On amitriptyline from home, or struggling with headaches or nerve pain?
You can book a video visit with a GP licensed in Spain, in English or Spanish. He reviews your treatment and tells you whether it is still the right one.
What Tryptizol does not treat
- Short-term pain such as a sprain or toothache. It is not a painkiller to take when needed.
- A migraine attack that has already started. It is for prevention, taken every day.
- Short spells of poor sleep. Sleep habits and other treatments come first.
- Anxiety on its own, which usually has better options.
Who should not take amitriptyline?
The leaflet says it must not be used after a recent heart attack, with some heart rhythm problems, with severe liver disease, or in children under 6. It must not be taken with MAOI antidepressants, or within 14 days of them. Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, epilepsy, prostate or bladder problems, diabetes, or bipolar disorder.
Many medicines interact with it. These include other antidepressants, tramadol, some heart medicines, some antihistamines and St John's wort. Always show your doctor the full list of what you take. In pregnancy and breastfeeding, the doctor weighs the benefit and the risk with you.
What are the side effects of Tryptizol?
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, sweating, weight gain and a fast heartbeat. Dizziness on standing is more likely in older people. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, and avoid alcohol. See a doctor if:
- You feel faint, or your heart beats fast or unevenly.
- You have eye pain, blurred vision or see coloured rings around lights.
- You cannot pass urine, or you are badly constipated.
- You get a widespread rash with fever or swollen glands.
- Your mood gets worse, or you feel restless or unusually high.
Thoughts of self-harm: antidepressants can bring on these thoughts, mostly at the start and in people under 25. If this happens, seek help straight away. In Spain you can call 024, the free and confidential suicide prevention line. Call 112 if someone may have taken too many tablets, even if they seem well, or if there is fainting, a seizure, chest pain or trouble breathing.
How to take it safely
- Take it exactly as your doctor told you. The strength and timing are set for you.
- Give it a few weeks. Side effects often ease as your body gets used to it.
- Never stop suddenly. Your doctor will reduce it slowly.
- Keep it locked away from children and anyone at risk. Return unused tablets to a pharmacy.
Talking it through with a doctor by video
Dr. Yelamo is a GP licensed in Spain. He sees adults, children and pregnant patients by video, every day from 07:30 to 20:30 (Spain time). In the visit he will:
- Ask about your pain, headaches, mood or sleep, and how long it has been going on.
- Review your medical history and every medicine you take, to check for risks with amitriptyline.
- Explain whether amitriptyline, another treatment or a change of plan suits you best.
- Tell you if you need an ECG, blood tests or an in-person review first.
He does not promise any test or prescription before the visit. Where clinically appropriate, following a genuine evaluation. Treatment and prescriptions are issued solely at the doctor's discretion based on evidence-based clinical guidelines.
A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.
See how the Urgent Care video visit works. It lasts 15 minutes and costs €50.
This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tryptizol the same as amitriptyline?
Yes. Tryptizol is the Spanish brand of amitriptyline. In the UK, Ireland and the US it is mostly sold as generic amitriptyline.
Can I get amitriptyline without a prescription in Spain?
No. Tryptizol and generic amitriptyline are prescription-only in Spain. A pharmacy cannot supply them without a Spanish prescription.
Is amitriptyline a sleeping pill?
No. It often makes people drowsy, so it is usually taken in the evening. But it is not a sleeping pill, and it is not the first choice for poor sleep on its own.
Can I stop Tryptizol suddenly?
Do not stop it suddenly. Stopping at once can cause headache, nausea, poor sleep and irritability. Your doctor will tell you how to reduce it step by step.
Can I drink alcohol on amitriptyline?
It is best not to. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and makes falls and accidents more likely.
I take amitriptyline in the UK. Can I continue it in Spain?
Usually yes. A doctor in Spain can review your current treatment and, if it is still right for you, issue a Spanish prescription. Bring your old pack or prescription to the visit.
Sources
- AEMPS CIMA: Tryptizol package leaflet and prescription status
- MedlinePlus: Amitriptyline
- Ministerio de Sanidad: 024 suicide prevention line
Related guides
Medical Citations & Sources
This content is written and reviewed by a licensed physician with reference to the following official health authorities.
