Amitriptyline adverse reactions reported by outpatients / Reacciones adversas a amitriptilina relatadas por pacientes ambulatoriales / Rea es adversas a amitriptilina relatadas por pacientes ambulatoriais

Aim: The aim of the present study was to know the profile of adverse drug reactions (ADR), at ambulatory level, suffered by patients using amitrityline. Method: After an informed consent, 130 randomly chosen patients using pharmacy services from eight different health units in Riber o Preto - S o Paulo (Brazil) were interviewed. To gather socioeconomic, clinical data and ADR, an structured questionnaire was used. The latter were analyzed regarding their seriousness, frequency, causality and preventability. Results: All surveyed patients reported at least one ADR to amitriptyline, being doubtful (4%), possible (44%) and probable (52%). From probable/possible, 29% were reported as moderate/serious, and among them, 67% were frequent. 79% of total ADR were considered as preventable. 5 more cited symptoms (29.5%) were: dry mouth or taste disturbances, drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension and weakness. Conclusions: Reported amitriptylin ADRs could have been prevented or reduced their seriousness, or, at least, advised when occurring, because they may produce other drug-related problems, non-compliance or discomfort. Patients should be taken into account as ADR information sources, improving physician-patient relationship and their quality of life by improving medical care.