Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...
Other

Amitriptyline Test

Amitriptyline monitoring is part of a comprehensive approach to managing your prescribed medication. Tracking blood levels helps your healthcare team ensure your treatment plan is both safe and effective.

Doctor's Assessment Included

When is this value abnormal?

Decision limits per result, in ug/l
Result Value (ug/l)
Subtherapeutic < 80
Therapeutic 80–200
Above therapeutic range ≥ 200

Trough level (drawn before the next dose). The value covers amitriptyline and its active metabolite nortriptyline together. Toxic: > 300 µg/l.

Source: UMC Utrecht

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Amitriptyline: what this test measures

This test measures the concentration of amitriptyline in your blood. It is used to ensure that the dose prescribed by your doctor achieves therapeutic levels while minimising the risk of side effects or toxicity.

Amitriptyline: why this value matters

Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline have a narrow therapeutic range. Levels that are too low may not provide adequate symptom relief, while levels that are too high can be associated with serious side effects. Regular monitoring, as directed by your doctor, supports safe and effective treatment.

Amitriptyline: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €49,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Amitriptyline: when is testing worthwhile?

Your doctor may request this test when starting or adjusting the dose of amitriptyline, if side effects are suspected, or to verify adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. Periodic monitoring may also be recommended during long-term use.

Amitriptyline: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Levels below the therapeutic range may indicate subtherapeutic dosing, meaning the medication may not be providing adequate relief. This can be associated with persistent symptoms of the condition being treated. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

High Levels

Levels above the therapeutic range may indicate a risk of toxicity. Symptoms can include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, cardiac arrhythmias, or seizures. Contact your doctor promptly if you experience any of these symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of results.

Amitriptyline: lifestyle and this value

Take amitriptyline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Avoid alcohol, as it can increase sedation and side effects. Inform your doctor of all other medications and supplements you are taking, as drug interactions can affect blood levels. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.

Amitriptyline: frequently asked questions

Why does my doctor need to monitor amitriptyline levels?

Amitriptyline has a narrow therapeutic window. Monitoring ensures your blood levels are high enough to be effective but not so high as to cause harmful side effects. Your doctor uses this information to optimise your treatment.

Can other medications affect my amitriptyline levels?

Yes, many medications can interact with amitriptyline and affect its blood levels. Always inform your doctor about all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements you are taking.

Should I stop taking amitriptyline if my levels are high?

Never change or stop your medication without consulting your doctor. If your levels are outside the expected range, your doctor will advise you on the appropriate next steps.

Amitriptyline: sources

  1. UMC Utrecht, Divisie Laboratoria en Apotheek. Bepalingenwijzer: therapeutische geneesmiddelspiegels (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, carbamazepine, valproïnezuur, fenytoïne, digoxine, lamotrigine). Geraadpleegd 14 juli 2026. (retrieved 2026) umcutrecht.nl

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Whoop

Whoop Performance Health

A 51-biomarker performance panel inspired by the WHOOP Performance Health Panel — recovery, blood production, thyroid, hormones, iron and nutrient status for people who train.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor) Creatine Kinase (CK) Reticulocytes Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) Vitamin B12 Folate (Folic Acid) Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€689,-
Whoop

Whoop

A 45-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€499,-
Health Checkups

Complete Metabolic Panel

Comprehensive metabolic panel: electrolytes, kidney, liver, glucose, HbA1c, and protein.

Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Potassium Sodium Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Albumin ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Total Protein Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect)
€149,-
Whoop

Whoop Metabolic Health

A 52-biomarker metabolic panel inspired by the WHOOP Metabolic Health Panel — blood sugar regulation, insulin, thyroid, liver and the mineral cofactors behind your metabolism.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Albumin Total Protein Bilirubin (Total) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) Total Cholesterol LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides Lipoprotein(a) Urea (BUN) Creatinine eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Calcium Bicarbonate Chloride Sodium Potassium Magnesium Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Total Testosterone Free Testosterone TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Insulin (Fasting) HOMA-IR CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Ferritin Iron (Serum) Transferrin Transferrin Saturation Vitamin D (25-OH) Leptin Zinc Selenium Iodine Copper Free T3 (Triiodothyronine) Free T4 (Thyroxine) GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Bilirubin (Direct) Bilirubin (Indirect) Cholesterol/HDL Ratio Non-HDL Cholesterol LDL/HDL Ratio
€799,-

Medical reviewer

Medical standards

Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.

Medical policy
CIBG Ministerie van Volksgezondheid,
Welzijn en Sport Official BIG registration BIG 49928676701 Opens in a new tab

Amitriptyline

€49,-