The Link Between Amitriptyline and Movement Disorders: Clinical Profile and Outcome

Amitriptyline (AMT) is a tricyclic antidepressant. In this review, we evaluate the clinical and epidemiological profile, pathological mechanisms and management of AMT-associated movement disorders.

A search for relevant reports in 6 databases was performed. Studies that reported patients developed only ataxia or tremor after AMT use were excluded.

A total of 48 reports on 200 cases were found. AMT-associated movement disorders included myoclonus (n = 26), dyskinesia (n = 11), dystonia (n = 8), stutter (n = 5), akathisia (n = 3) and restless legs syndrome (n = 1). For less well-defined cases, 99 patients had dyskinesia, 19 had psychomotor disturbances, 3 had myoclonus, 11 had dystonia, 12 had Parkinsonism and 1 each had akathisia and extrapyramidal symptoms. Mean and standard deviation (SD) and median ages were 45.40 years (SD 16.78) and 40 years (range 3.7-82 years), respectively. Over half were women (58.13%) and the most common indication was depression. Mean and median AMT doses were 126 mg (SD 128.76) and 75 mg (range 15-800 mg), respectively. In 68% of patients, onset of movement disorders was <1 month; time from AMT withdrawal to complete recovery was <1 month in 70% of cases. A weak negative linear correlation (r = -0.0904) was found between onset of movement disorders and AMT dose. AMT withdrawal was the most common treatment.

Amitriptyline is associated with various movement disorders, particularly myoclonus, dystonia and dyskinesias. Stutters and restless legs syndrome are some of the less common associations.