Elavil (Amitriptyline)

Drug Uses

Elavil (Amitriptyline) is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.

How Taken

Elavil comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to four times a day and may be taken with or without food. Elavil must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Elavil, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; kidney disease; asthma; thyroid disease; diabetes; stomach or intestinal problems; high blood pressure or heart disease; had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks; an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or glaucoma. You may not be able to take Elavil, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Elavil may be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Elavil (Amitriptyline) without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Elavil passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Elavil without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, feeling uncoordinated and low blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

Side Effects

Rapid heartbeat, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, sedation, and confusion, and are in greater danger of sustaining a fall. Side effects may include: Abnormal movements, anxiety, black tongue, blurred vision, breast development in males, breast enlargement, coma, confusion, constipation, delusions, diarrhea, difficult or frequent urination, difficulty in speech, dilation of pupils, disorientation, disturbed concentration, dizziness on getting up, dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive or spontaneous flow of milk, excitement, fatigue, fluid retention, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, heart attack, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high fever, high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, inability to sleep, increased or decreased sex drive, increased perspiration, increased pressure within the eye, inflammation of the mouth, intestinal obstruction, irregular heartbeat, lack or loss of coordination, loss of appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, nightmares, numbness, rapid and/or fast, fluttery heartbeat, rash, red or purple spots on skin, restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, stomach upset, strange taste, stroke, swelling due to fluid retention in the face and tongue, swelling of testicles, swollen glands, tingling and pins and needles in the arms and legs, tremors, vomiting, weakness, weight gain or loss, yellowed eyes and skin. Side effects due to rapid decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Elavil include: Headache, nausea, vague feeling of bodily discomfort Side effects due to gradual dosage reduction may include: Dream and sleep disturbances, irritability, and restlessness.

Overdose

Critical manifestations of overdose include: cardiac dysrhythmias, severe hypotension, convulsions, and CNS depression, including coma. Changes in the electrocardiogram, particularly in QRS axis or width, are clinically significant indictors of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity. Other signs of overdose may include: impaired myocardial contractility, confusion, disturbed concentration, transient visual hallucinations, and dilated pupils, disorders of ocular motility, agitation, hyperactive reflexes, stupor, drowsiness, muscle rigidity, vomiting, hypothermia, and hyperpyrexia. Deaths may occur from over dosage with this class of drugs.

Information

Dizziness is likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Elavil (Amitriptyline).

Disclaimer

The above info is for your information purposes only. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.