Generic Name: amitriptyline hydrocholride (a mee TRIP ti
leen)
Typical Brand Names: Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip
What Is It Used For?
Elavil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders,
panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging). Elavil
is also used to treat premenstrual (PMDD), symptoms of which occur
in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period and commonly
include irritability, mood swings, and tension as well as the
physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness. It is also
used for many other purposes other than those listed in medication
guides.
How Is It Used?
Elavil comes in the form of a tablet and is usually taken one
to four times a day and may be taken with or without food. Take
Elavil exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to
take Elavil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Elavil without
talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses
for a long time.
Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually.
This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full
effect is felt. If you have any further questions about this,
check with your health care professional.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Serious side effects from Elavil may include an allergic reaction,
unusual bleeding, high blood pressure, chills or fever, low blood
pressure, dizziness, high blood pressure, difficulty in urinating.
Less serious side effects like: headache, nausea, dry mouth
and eyes, constipation, sweating, difficulty concentrating, insomnia,
sleeplessness, decreased sex drive, impotence. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Its pretty much safe except for the ones given below, who are
advised to let their doctors know that they have: liver or kidney
disease, have diabetes, suffer from seizures, or suffer from suicidal
thoughts. Babies exposed to Elavil during the third trimester
of pregnancy may develop medical complications.
Elavil passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant.
It is advised not to take this medication without first talking
to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment or if you are breast-feeding a baby. Also, if you are
over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness and low blood
pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not take amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine
within the last 14 days. It may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Talk to your
doctor before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter
medicines with Elavil.
What If I Miss A Dose?
If you have missed any dose, use it as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose (within
2 hours.), skip the missed dose and use the next one as directed.
Do not use a double dose of this medication. And try to keep your
doses at least 4 hours apart.
How Should It Be Stored?
Elavil should be kept at room temperature and away from moisture
and heat. Keep out of the reach of children in a container that
small children cannot open. Throw away any unused medicine after
the expiration date.
Anything Else I Should Know?
If you are taking Elavil you might need to be supervised for worsening
symptoms of depression at the start of therapy or when doses are
changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts
or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger
and are taking fluoxetine.
In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend
beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Contact your
healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental
health symptoms during treatment with Elavil. Do not stop taking
Elavil.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
