August 10th, 2010 
Dr. Consultation 
Everywhere I look, it says Amitriptyline causes arrhythmias. But I need to know what type of arrhythmias it can cause…. after all, there are a lot of different ones! Please help… medical professional answers only. Thx!
In response to Gayle – so not any atrial arrhythmias such as PAC’s or atrial tachycardias?
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Amitriptyline (trade name: Elavil) can cause ventricular arrhythmia, to be exact.
Hi,
Amitriptyline is an antidepressant (actually an old one and there are much better choices out there these days), in overdose it causes primatily atrial tachyarrhythmias (rapid heart rate) often in the 120 to 140 range but can quickly degenerate into life threatening ventricular arrhythmias. I have personally treated numerous Amitriptyline overdoses over many years and have typically witnessed sinus tachycardia in the above mentioned rates and occassionally they can deteriorate to a ventricular fibrillation, often there is alcohol associated with the drug. Bottom line is, its dangerous in overdose and has killed people before.
Arrhythmia means rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.(Disturbed heart rhythm)