Amitrox CD 5mg/12.5mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Irregular or very fast heartbeat, or fainting
- Difficulty breathing or slow, shallow breathing
- Severe confusion, hallucinations, or memory loss
- Thoughts of self-harm or worsening depression
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, or dark urine
- Inability to pass urine
- Seizures or severe muscle twitching
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Fever with sore throat or mouth ulcers
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is amitrox cd 5mg/12.5mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of amitriptyline 5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 12.5 mg used for short-term relief of anxiety with depressive features. It works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain and enhancing the calming effect of GABA. It can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and dependence, so it should be used only under medical supervision for the shortest possible time.
- Generic Name: Amitriptyline + Chlordiazepoxide
- Manufacturer: 3D Healthcare
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 amitrox cd 5mg/12.5mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा अमिट्रिप्टिलीन 5 मिलीग्राम और क्लोरडायजेपॉक्साइड 12.5 मिलीग्राम का संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग मुख्य रूप से चिंता और अवसाद के लक्षणों के अल्पकालिक उपचार के लिए किया जाता है। यह तनाव, घबराहट, नींद न आने और मांसपेशियों में तनाव से जुड़े दर्द में राहत देने में मदद करती है। यह दवा दिमाग में सेरोटोनिन और नॉरएपिनेफ्रिन के स्तर को बढ़ाती है और गाबा नामक शांत करने वाले रसायन के प्रभाव को बढ़ाती है। इसका उपयोग केवल डॉक्टर की सलाह से और सबसे कम समय के लिए करना चाहिए, क्योंकि इसके क्लोरडायजेपॉक्साइड वाले हिस्से से लत लग सकती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, धुंधली दृष्टि, कब्ज, चक्कर आना और पेशाब करने में कठिनाई शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों में भूख बढ़ना, वजन बढ़ना, पसीना आना या हल्का कंपन भी हो सकता है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में भ्रम, याददाश्त में कमी, गिरना, अनियमित दिल की धड़कन, और अवसाद का बढ़ना शामिल हैं। दुर्लभ मामलों में खून की बीमारी या गंभीर एलर्जी हो सकती है। कोई भी नया या असामान्य लक्षण दिखने पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें और अपनी मर्जी से मात्रा न बढ़ाएं। शराब बिल्कुल न पिएं, क्योंकि इससे नींद और सांस की समस्या गंभीर हो सकती है। जब तक आपको पता न चले कि यह दवा आप पर कैसा असर करती है, तब तक गाड़ी न चलाएं और मशीनें न चलाएं। बैठने या लेटने से उठते समय धीरे-धीरे उठें। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी दवाओं के बारे में बताएं। लंबे समय तक इस दवा का सेवन करने के बाद अचानक बंद न करें, क्योंकि इससे withdrawal के लक्षण हो सकते हैं। नियमित जांच के लिए डॉक्टर के पास जाते रहें।
💊 amitrox cd 5mg/12.5mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Anxiety with depressive features","description":"Short-term relief of excessive worry, tension, and low mood when both anxiety and depressive symptoms are present together.","evidence":"Established for short-term use"},{"condition":"Tension-type headache with anxiety","description":"Helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches when muscle tension and emotional stress are contributing factors.","evidence":"Limited to moderate evidence"},{"condition":"Chronic musculoskeletal pain with emotional distress","description":"Sometimes used as part of a broader plan for persistent back or neck pain when anxiety and poor sleep are making pain worse.","evidence":"Limited evidence"},{"condition":"Irritable bowel syndrome with anxiety","description":"May reduce abdominal discomfort and urgency in some patients whose gut symptoms are closely linked to stress and anxiety.","evidence":"Limited evidence"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Insomnia with anxiety","description":"Occasionally prescribed for short periods when anxiety is the main reason for difficulty falling or staying asleep.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Fibromyalgia with anxiety","description":"Sometimes used as an add-on for widespread pain and poor sleep in fibromyalgia, though evidence is not strong.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Anxiety with depressive features
Also treats: Tension-type headache, Chronic musculoskeletal pain with anxiety, Irritable bowel syndrome with anxiety, Insomnia with anxiety
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Amitriptyline + Chlordiazepoxide |
| Brand Name | Amixide-H Tablet |
| Manufacturer | 3D Healthcare |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | NEURO CNS |
| Action Class | Tricyclic antidepressant + Benzodiazepine |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture, or as printed on the pack. Do not use after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. The World Health Organization does not have a specific guideline for this fixed-dose combination. Benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use only, and tricyclic antidepressants are used for specific indications under medical supervision. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. The Indian Council of Medical Research has not published a specific guideline for this combination. Standard Indian clinical practice follows general principles of short-term benzodiazepine use and cautious tricyclic antidepressant prescribing. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with different but complementary actions. Amitriptyline blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps lift mood and dampens pain signals travelling through the spinal cord. It also blocks histamine, acetylcholine, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which explains its sedative, dry-mouth, and blood-pressure-lowering effects. Chlordiazepoxide enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid, the main inhibitory chemical in the brain, producing calmness, reduced anxiety, and muscle relaxation. The combination is designed to address both the emotional and the physical tension components of anxiety-related conditions.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take amitrox cd 5mg/12.5mg tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains amitriptyline 5 mg and chlordiazepoxide 12.5 mg in immediate-release form.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult starting dose of this medicine is one tablet taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition being treated and the doctor's assessment. Some patients may need a lower starting dose, especially older adults or those with liver or kidney problems. The dose may be adjusted gradually based on response and side effects. The maximum daily dose should not be exceeded. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines being taken. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative, anticholinergic, and blood-pressure-lowering effects of this medicine. Treatment should usually start at the lowest possible dose and be increased slowly only if needed. Regular review is important to check for confusion, falls, memory problems, and difficulty passing urine. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment, no specific dose adjustment is usually required, but caution is advised. In severe kidney impairment, the metabolites of chlordiazepoxide can accumulate, so a lower dose or a different medicine may be needed. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on kidney function. |
| Hepatic Impairment | This medicine should be avoided in severe liver disease. In mild to moderate liver impairment, a lower starting dose and slower titration are recommended because both ingredients are metabolized by the liver. Liver function should be monitored. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is determined by the prescribing doctor and should not be exceeded. In general, the total daily dose of amitriptyline in this combination should not exceed 50 mg, and the total daily dose of chlordiazepoxide should not exceed 50 mg, but the exact limit depends on the individual patient. Always follow your doctor's instructions. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of amitrox cd 5mg/12.5mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Opioids | Major | |
| Fluoxetine | Major | |
| Ketoconazole | Major | |
| Clozapine | Major | |
| Oxybutynin | Moderate | |
| Amlodipine | Moderate | |
| Levothyroxine | Moderate | |
| Cimetidine | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Other central nervous system depressants (opioids, alcohol, sleeping pills, antipsychotics)
- CYP2D6 inhibitors such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, and bupropion
- CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and ritonavir
- Clozapine
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Anticholinergic medicines such as oxybutynin, benztropine, and some antihistamines
- Blood pressure-lowering medicines
- Thyroid medicines such as levothyroxine
- Cimetidine
- Oral contraceptives
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol must be completely avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol adds to the sedative effect of both amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide, causing excessive drowsiness, impaired judgment, slowed breathing, and a higher risk of falls and accidents. It can also worsen depression and anxiety in the long run.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy to amitriptyline, chlordiazepoxide, or any other benzodiazepine","Acute narrow-angle glaucoma","Urinary retention or severe difficulty passing urine","Severe liver disease","Myasthenia gravis","Severe heart disease or recent heart attack","Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the last 14 days","Acute alcohol intoxication or severe respiratory depression","Children under 12 years of age","Breastfeeding without medical approval"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms if used for more than a few weeks. It should be used for the shortest possible time.","Do not stop this medicine suddenly after long-term use. Taper gradually under medical supervision.","Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking this medicine.","Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects your alertness.","Older adults are more sensitive to sedation, confusion, falls, and memory problems. Use with extra caution.","This medicine may worsen depression or increase thoughts of self-harm, especially in young adults. Close monitoring is needed.","Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, prostate enlargement, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or a history of substance abuse.","This medicine can affect the results of some laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests and blood counts.","Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms.","Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and store it securely."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide both pass into breast milk in small amounts. Chlordiazepoxide can accumulate in the infant and cause sedation, poor feeding, and weight loss. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking this medicine unless the doctor decides the benefit clearly outweighs the risk. If breastfeeding is continued, the infant should be monitored for drowsiness and poor feeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, and coma. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately and go to the nearest hospital. Do not try to make yourself vomit. Treatment in hospital may include activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, heart rhythm monitoring, and supportive care. There is no specific antidote for amitriptyline, but flumazenil may be used cautiously for the benzodiazepine component in some cases. Always bring the medicine container to the hospital so the medical team knows exactly what was taken.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you are unsure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed and never increase the dose on your own. Avoid alcohol completely, because it greatly increases sedation and can dangerously slow your breathing. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or work at heights until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce the chance of dizziness and falls. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially painkillers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, blood thinners, and medicines for seizures or heart problems. Do not stop this medicine suddenly after long-term use, because withdrawal can cause anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors. Keep all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your mood, memory, blood pressure, and heart rhythm. Store this medicine safely away from children, and never share it with anyone else.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative, anticholinergic, and blood-pressure-lowering effects of this medicine. They are at higher risk of confusion, falls, fractures, and memory problems. Treatment should start at the lowest possible dose and be increased slowly only if needed. Regular review is essential, and alternative medicines with a safer profile should be considered first.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Both amitriptyline and chlordiazepoxide can cross the placenta and may affect the baby. Your doctor may recommend switching to a safer alternative or adjusting the dose. Do not stop the medicine suddenly on your own, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Inform your surgeon and anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine before any surgery. It can interact with anaesthetic agents and increase sedation, slow breathing, and affect blood pressure. Your doctor may advise you to stop or adjust the dose before surgery. Do not stop it on your own without medical advice.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Tell your dentist that you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It can also interact with sedatives or anaesthetics used during dental work. Your dentist may recommend frequent sips of water, sugar-free gum, and regular dental check-ups.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, especially when you first start taking it. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require balance until you know how the medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or faint during exercise, stop immediately and rest. Consult your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require alertness. It is best to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job involves safety-sensitive tasks. The sedative effects may also affect your performance at work or school, so discuss any concerns with your doctor.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Do not stop this medicine without talking to your doctor. If you have been taking it for more than a few weeks, your doctor will usually recommend a gradual taper to avoid withdrawal symptoms. You should contact your doctor before stopping if you experience severe side effects, worsening depression, thoughts of self-harm, or any serious medical condition. In an emergency, seek immediate medical help.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms due to the chlordiazepoxide component. Amitriptyline can cause weight gain, dental problems from dry mouth, and rarely heart rhythm changes. Regular monitoring of mood, memory, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and liver and kidney function is recommended. The need for continued treatment should be reviewed every few weeks, and the medicine should be tapered gradually when stopping.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
A talking therapy that helps change negative thought patterns and is effective for anxiety and depression.
Evidence: Well-establishedDeep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can reduce anxiety and tension.
Evidence: Well-establishedAerobic exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Evidence: Well-establishedAlternative antidepressants with a different side effect profile, often used for anxiety and depression.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are feeling unwell or have a fever, it is best to postpone vaccination until you have recovered. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking before receiving any vaccine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in the original container with the lid tightly closed
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach of children and pets
❌ DON'T
Do not share this medicine with others
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When travelling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating the medicine name, dose, and reason for use. Keep the medicine in your hand luggage so it is not lost or exposed to extreme temperatures. Store it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, ask your doctor how to adjust the timing of your doses. Check the customs rules of your destination country before travelling, as some countries have strict rules about controlled medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The calming and sedative effects usually begin within 1-2 hours after a dose. The antidepressant and pain-modulating effects may take 1-3 weeks to become noticeable.
A: No. Stopping suddenly after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, sweating, and tremors. Always taper gradually under medical supervision.
A: Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect, especially in the first few days. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
A: No. Alcohol greatly increases sedation and can dangerously slow your breathing. It must be avoided completely.
A: The chlordiazepoxide component can cause dependence if used for more than a few weeks. It should be used for the shortest possible time and tapered gradually when stopping.
A: If you remember within a few hours, take the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a simple painkiller.
Fact: This medicine is not a simple painkiller. It is a combination of a tricyclic antidepressant and a benzodiazepine used for anxiety and certain stress-related pain conditions. - Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for months without review.
Fact: Long-term use can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. It should be reviewed regularly and used for the shortest possible time. - Myth: You can stop this medicine whenever you want.
Fact: Stopping suddenly after long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and tremors. It should be tapered gradually under medical supervision. - Myth: This medicine is safe to take with alcohol.
Fact: Alcohol greatly increases sedation and can dangerously slow breathing. It must be avoided completely.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Amitriptyline 5 mg + Chlordiazepoxide 12.5 mg tablet
Brand Alternatives
- Amitrox CD 5mg/12.5mg Tablet