"Hi, I’m [Your Name], a medical student. I’ll wash my hands and put on PPE if needed. Can I confirm your name and date of birth?"
"You’ve been prescribed amitriptyline for migraine prevention. I’d like to explain how it works, how to take it, and answer any questions you may have. Is now a good time?"
"Amitriptyline is originally an antidepressant, but it's used at lower doses to prevent migraines. You don’t need to have depression to benefit from it — it changes how your nerves perceive pain and increases serotonin."
"Take it once a day, at night. It won’t treat an acute migraine but helps reduce the frequency over time. It usually takes 4–6 weeks to feel the effects."
"If stopping, taper off gradually with medical advice to avoid withdrawal."
"Side effects include dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, weight gain, and blurred vision. They’re usually not serious but let us know if they bother you."
"If you're planning a pregnancy, speak to your doctor. It can be continued if necessary but may need monitoring."
Can I still take painkillers? Yes, paracetamol or ibuprofen can still be used.
Do I need blood tests? No routine blood tests are required for this medication.
"So to summarise: amitriptyline helps prevent migraines, is taken nightly, and can cause side effects like drowsiness or dry mouth. Don’t stop suddenly, and reach out if any concerns arise."
"Would you mind summarising back what we discussed to make sure I was clear?"
“It helps stop my migraines, taken once daily, and I need to taper off if I stop. Side effects like dry mouth or tiredness are common.”