Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
145 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Could Amitriptyline Be Causing Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anemia, Such As Shortness Of Breath And Fast Heart Rate?

I m prone to iron deficiency anemia (F40, iron deficiency runs in both sides of my family) and have recently started taking amitriptyline for migraine. I have started experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency anemia (short of breath, fast heart rate, pale skin) but my diet hasn t changed. Could it be caused by the amitriptyline?
posted on Tue, 6 Aug 2024
Twitter Mon, 4 Aug 2025 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 1 Sep 2025 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Amitriptyline does not cause iron deficiency (anemia). However, Amitriptyline can cause appetite changes. This may reduce iron intake over time. Gastro-intestinal irritation or constipation can also affect iron absorption. It rarely causes bone marrow suppression.

However, since you have a family history of iron deficiency and are presently having the symptoms of anemia (shortness of breath, pale skin, tachycardia), you are advised to get a few tests done. Get clinically examined by a GP and get CBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit, serum ferritin (most important marker of iron stores) done.

Also get Serum iron and TIBC (to see how well iron is circulating) tests done at the earliest. This will confirm whether your symptoms are due to iron deficiency anemia or another issue.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Could Amitriptyline Be Causing Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anemia, Such As Shortness Of Breath And Fast Heart Rate?

Hello, Amitriptyline does not cause iron deficiency (anemia). However, Amitriptyline can cause appetite changes. This may reduce iron intake over time. Gastro-intestinal irritation or constipation can also affect iron absorption. It rarely causes bone marrow suppression. However, since you have a family history of iron deficiency and are presently having the symptoms of anemia (shortness of breath, pale skin, tachycardia), you are advised to get a few tests done. Get clinically examined by a GP and get CBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit, serum ferritin (most important marker of iron stores) done. Also get Serum iron and TIBC (to see how well iron is circulating) tests done at the earliest. This will confirm whether your symptoms are due to iron deficiency anemia or another issue. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician