{"id":632356,"date":"2025-05-30T09:30:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T13:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632356"},"modified":"2025-05-27T16:23:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T20:23:24","slug":"amitriptyline-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amitriptyline-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"Do amitriptyline and alcohol mix?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amitriptyline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly prescribed to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/depression-statistics\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depressive disorders<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, certain types of chronic pain (like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/fibromyalgia-symptoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), and occasionally sleep issues. It works by increasing levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin. It\u2019s typically taken daily, on a long-term basis. If you&#8217;ve just been prescribed amitriptyline, you might be wondering whether it&#8217;s ever okay to take part in happy hour while taking this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re heading to a wedding or celebrating a birthday, when the festive feeling strikes, it\u2019s important to know whether you can safely mix your medication and your favorite spirit. This is especially true if you&#8217;re taking amitriptyline, a medication that requires <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/amitriptyline-oral-route\/description\/drg-20072061\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">special consideration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when it comes to alcohol consumption.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<div id=\"coupon-cta\" class=\"coupon-cta master-template\">\n\t\t\t<p id=\"headline\">Save up to 80% on Amitriptyline with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t<p id=\"subheadline\">Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"details-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"details\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAmitriptyline 25 mg (30 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"address\">\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"api-response\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart-nbh-market.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Neighborhood Market\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$4.00<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"coupon\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"logo\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.singlecare.com\/content\/images\/pharmacy\/logo-color-walmart.svg\" alt=\"Walmart Pharmacy\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"price\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-number\">\n\t\t\t\t\t$4.00<br\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"price-signup\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"info-icon\">i<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl#blog-cta\">signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"couponbtn\">\n\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl#blog-cta\">Get free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/amitriptyline-hcl#blog-cta\" class=\"coupon-see-all-btn\">See Amitriptyline prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<h2 id=\"can-you-drink-while-taking-amitriptyline\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can you drink while taking amitriptyline?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The amount of alcohol consumed is an important consideration. &#8220;This is dose dependent, both with the amount of alcohol consumed and the dosing of amitriptyline,\u201d explains <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/prairie-care.com\/clinicians\/paul-tim-richardson-md\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tim Richardson<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, Adult Psychiatrist at PrairieCare in Minneapolis, Minnesota. \u201cA small amount of alcohol, one or two drinks, is generally not problematic, but avoiding alcohol is generally recommended.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While amitriptyline itself is only harmful to the liver in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/amitriptyline-for-pain\/side-effects-of-amitriptyline-for-pain-and-migraine\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rare cases<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, both alcohol and amitriptyline are metabolized by the liver. This means patients with liver impairment or kidney dysfunction should be especially careful when combining alcohol with amitriptyline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-happens-if-you-mix-amitriptyline-and-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if you mix amitriptyline and alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amitriptyline-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">combining alcohol with amitriptyline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the main risk is sedation. While small amounts of alcohol may not present a problem in healthy patients, those who have liver or kidney issues should likely abstain from drinking alcohol while taking amitriptyline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because both alcohol and amitriptyline have sedating effects on the central nervous system, taking them together can amplify these effects. According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/trueselfrecovery.com\/reviewer\/daidone\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paul Daidone<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, Medical Director at True Self Recovery, this can lead to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Impaired motor coordination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slowed reaction times<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inability to pay attention<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory depression (in rare cases)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cAmitriptyline works by blocking reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin,\u201d Dr. Richardson adds. \u201cIt also has antihistamine and anticholinergic effects, much like the medication Benadryl.\u201d Similar to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/diphenhydramine-interactions\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benadryl<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, combining alcohol with amitriptyline can result in an overly sedated state, even blackouts in severe cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also possible that alcohol can heighten the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/drugs\/19457-amitriptyline-tablets\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">side effects of amitriptyline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in some individuals. These negative effects include constipation, dry mouth, and weight gain.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond physical side effects, this combination can also reduce the effectiveness of amitriptyline in treating mental health or even worsen symptoms of depression, as alcohol itself is a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26466222\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">depressant<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This means that even if you don\u2019t feel tired, dizzy, or impaired when combining the two, it\u2019s still not a license to go wild. \u201cIf patients are going to choose to drink alcohol with amitriptyline, less is always better,\u201d advises Dr. Richardson.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-632369\" src=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Embed_063025_Amitriptyline_alcohol-copy.png\" alt=\"A chart showing the safety of mixing amitriptyline and alcohol \" width=\"1920\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Embed_063025_Amitriptyline_alcohol-copy.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Embed_063025_Amitriptyline_alcohol-copy-300x141.png 300w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Embed_063025_Amitriptyline_alcohol-copy-1024x480.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Embed_063025_Amitriptyline_alcohol-copy-768x360.png 768w, https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Embed_063025_Amitriptyline_alcohol-copy-1536x720.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"are-certain-people-at-greater-risk-of-side-effects\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are certain people at greater risk of side effects?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While combining amitriptyline and alcohol can pose risks for anyone, certain populations are particularly vulnerable to severe side effects. The interaction between these substances can exacerbate underlying health conditions, so understanding these risk factors is crucial.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People who are at elevated risk when combining amitriptyline and alcohol are older adults, those with liver disease, and those with a substance use disorder. Even moderate levels of alcohol can lead to heightened effects in vulnerable subjects or patients of high-dose therapy, so it\u2019s important to be fully informed. Those with seizure disorders may experience an additionally reduced seizure threshold if amitriptyline is combined with alcohol, increasing the risk of breakthrough seizures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"older-adults\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older adults face the highest risk of side effects due to their increased <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC3805295\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sensitivity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to central nervous system depressants, according to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michael-mcgrath-a2133468\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael McGrath<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Medical Director at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/app.qwoted.com\/companies\/the-ohana-hawaii\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ohana Hawaii<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Since they are also at a higher risk of falls and cognitive impairment, this can be especially dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"reduced-liver-function\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced liver function<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with impaired liver function face an elevated risk because both alcohol and amitriptyline are metabolized by the liver. Reduced liver function <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/hepatic-clearance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">slows drug clearance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from the body, which can lead to higher blood concentrations of both substances. This significantly increases the risk of common side effects from the combination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"alcohol-use-disorder\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alcohol use disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIndividuals with a history of substance use disorders may be at heightened risk of misuse or overdose, given the reinforcing euphoric effects of both substances when taken together,\u201d advises <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/james-lyons-755129340\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">James Lyons<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, Physician at Synergy Houses in Austin, Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"underlying-health-conditions\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Underlying health conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Those with cardiac issues, kidney problems, or other complex health conditions may also experience more severe interactions, as these individuals often have difficulties metabolizing both substances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They are also likely to be taking multiple medications, which increases interaction risks. Their underlying health vulnerabilities can make them more susceptible to side effects, and they generally have increased sensitivity to the combined effects of amitriptyline and alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-long-after-taking-amitriptyline-can-you-drink-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long after taking amitriptyline can you drink alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amitriptyline has a relatively long half-life, ranging from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK537225\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10 to 28 hours<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on the individual. Its active metabolite, nortriptyline, has an even longer half-life. This means the drug remains in your system for quite some time after taking it, says Dr. Daidone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhen I am discussing risks related to tricyclic antidepressants with my patients, I stress that alcohol can magnify the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants and the effects that we associate with being \u2018tipsy\u2019 or drunk, like poor coordination and feeling sleepy,\u201d says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rehab.com\/expert\/sylvie-stacy\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sylvie Stacy<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Rehab.com. She also notes that setting limits ahead of time can help those who aren\u2019t willing to completely abstain from alcohol: \u201cFor example, coming up with a plan for how much they\u2019ll drink and over what period of time before they go to a party, rather than in the moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a celebratory toast in the future, planning ahead is the way to go:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wait at least 24 hours after your last dose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a further reduction in risk, wait 48 hours after your last dose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be aware that the medication reaches steady state (stable blood level) within about five days of regular use<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s important to know that due to its prolonged systemic presence and the cumulative sedative effects when combined with alcohol, no specific \u2018safe\u2019 interval can be universally recommended. \u201cClinicians typically advise complete abstention from alcohol throughout therapy, especially during dose titration and in patients receiving moderate to high daily doses,\u201d advises Dr. Lyons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our mental health newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Mental Health Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"which-antidepressants-are-not-affected-by-alcohol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which antidepressants are not affected by alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re concerned about drinking alcohol while taking amitriptyline or other TCAs, there are alternative types of antidepressants that may have fewer or less severe interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/zoloft\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zoloft<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (sertraline) or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lexapro?q=Lexapro%20(Escitalopram%20Oxalate)\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lexapro<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (escitalopram), typically have fewer sedating effects and may be safer options for those who consume alcohol, says Dr. Stacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs),<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/effexor-xr#coupons\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Effexor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (venlafaxine) or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/cymbalta#coupons\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cymbalta<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (duloxetine), may also have less pronounced interactions with alcohol, says Dr. McGrath.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you feel one of these options is a better option for managing your well-being, seek the medical advice of your healthcare provider first. Always <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/switching-antidepressants\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">change<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or taper medications for depression or pain relief under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and minimize any withdrawal symptoms. Mixing alcohol with MAOIs is not recommended.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, even if you do change meds, it\u2019s important to continue to exercise caution when combining alcohol and antidepressants, as alcohol still reduces the therapeutic effect and aggravates depressive symptoms, notes Dr. Daidone.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line-use-caution\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line: Use caution<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the safest approach while taking amitriptyline is to avoid alcohol entirely, it may be possible for otherwise healthy individuals to enjoy the occasional cocktail at a party or glass of wine on a Friday night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mixing alcohol and amitriptyline increases the risk of excessive sedation, impaired coordination, slowed reaction times, and potentially serious side effects, especially in older adults, those with reduced liver function, and those who have substance abuse disorder.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have questions, your healthcare provider can help you navigate alcohol consumption habits while on amitriptyline. \u201cThis involves educating patients about the pharmacological rationale for avoiding concurrent use, identifying individual risk factors, and offering practical guidance on minimizing harm\u2014such as spacing doses apart, limiting alcohol consumption to low-risk thresholds, and monitoring for signs of toxicity,\u201d says Dr. Lyons.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly prescribed to treat depressive disorders, certain types of chronic pain (like fibromyalgia), and occasionally sleep issues. It works by increasing levels of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin. It\u2019s typically taken daily, on a long-term basis. If you&#8217;ve just been prescribed amitriptyline, you might be wondering [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":632181,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[8742,451,8905],"coauthors":[12463],"class_list":["post-632356","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-alcohol-interactions","tag-depression","tag-seasonal","franchise-the-mix-up","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Amitriptyline and alcohol: Side effects and risks<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Since amitriptyline and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, combining them increases sedative side effects, causing excessive 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