Elavil

Amitriptyline Hydrochloride Drug Information

• Elavil Overview

  Elavil is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. Elavil belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.

• Elavil Warnings

  Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

• How to Use Elavil

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking amitriptyline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Elavil by mouth, usually 1 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If you take it only once a day, take it at bedtime to help reduce daytime sleepiness. The Dosage of Elavil is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness), your doctor may direct you to start Elavil at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take Elavil regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not increase your dose or use Elavil more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. It is important to continue taking Elavil even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Elavil without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when Elavil is suddenly stopped. Also, you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headache, tiredness, and sleep change. To prevent these symptoms while you are stopping treatment with Elavil, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away. Elavil may not work right away. You may see some benefit within a week. However, it may take up to 4 weeks before you feel the full effect. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (such as your feelings of sadness get worse, or you have thoughts of suicide).

• Elavil Precautions

  Before taking amitriptyline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to other tricyclic antidepressants (such as nortriptyline), or if you have any other allergies. Elavil may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Elavil, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,bleeding problems, breathing problems, liver problems, recent heart attack, problems urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), personal or family history of mental/mood conditions (such as bipolar disorder, psychosis), family history of suicide, seizures, conditions that may increase your risk of seizures (such as other brain disease, alcohol withdrawal). Amitriptyline may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using amitriptyline,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using amitriptyline safely. Elavil may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Elavil may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. If you have diabetes, Elavil may make it harder to control your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and tell your doctor of the results. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Elavil, especially dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, constipation, difficulty urinating, and QT prolongation (see above). Dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Elavil should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop using Elavil unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Elavil during pregnancy. Elavil passes into breast milk and the effect on a nursing infant is unknown. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Elavil Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Elavil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Elavil Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.arbutamine, disulfiram, thyroid supplements, other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin), anticholinergic drugs (such as belladonna alkaloids), certain drugs for high blood pressure (drugs that work in the brain such as clonidine, guanabenz). Taking MAO inhibitors with Elavil may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Elavil. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with Elavil. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Elavil. Other medications can affect the removal of amitriptyline from your body, thereby affecting how amitriptyline works. These drugs include cimetidine, terbinafine, drugs to treat irregular heart rate (such as quinidine/propafenone/flecainide), antidepressants (such as SSRIs including paroxetine/fluoxetine/fluvoxamine). This is not a complete list. Many drugs besides amitriptyline may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation in the EKG), including amiodarone, cisapride, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Therefore, before using amitriptyline, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain decongestants or ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with Elavil. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Amitriptyline is very similar to nortriptyline. Do not use medications containing nortriptyline while using amitriptyline.

• Elavil Side Effects

  What are Elavil side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Elavil may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Elavil as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Elavil

  The side effects of Elavil may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Elavil. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Elavil may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Elavil, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Elavil.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Elavil, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Elavil and the side effects associated with Elavil are described in the following:

  Common Elavil Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • xerostomia
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • dysgeusia
  • weight gain
  • increased appetite
  • headache disorder

  Less Frequent Elavil Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • abnormal sexual function
  • parkinsonism
  • blurred vision
  • bradycardia
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • hypotension
  • erectile dysfunction
  • hallucinations
  • tremor
  • dysuria
  • nervousness

  Less Severe

  • constipation
  • insomnia
  • hyperhidrosis
  • vomiting
  • heartburn
  • diarrhea
  • libido changes

  Rare or Very Rare Elavil Side Effects

  Severe

  • SIADH syndrome
  • agranulocytosis
  • blood dyscrasias
  • suicidal ideation
  • tinnitus
  • testicular swelling
  • gynecomastia
  • galactorrhea not associated with childbirth
  • skin photosensitivity
  • allergic dermatitis
  • pruritus of skin
  • alopecia
  • seizure disorder
  • skin rash
  • hyperbilirubinemia
  • angioedema
  • secondary angle-closure glaucoma
  • prolonged QT interval
  • abnormal ECG
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • heart block
  • serotonin syndrome
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • panic disorder
  • ventricular tachycardia
  • ventricular fibrillation
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • eosinophilia
  • purpura
  • accidental fall
  • tachycardia
  • neutropenic disorder

  Less Severe

  • symptoms of anxiety
  • palpitations
  • nausea
  • hypertension
  • hyperglycemia
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • delusional disorder
  • agitation
  • paresthesia
  • facial edema
  • anorexia
  • mydriasis
  • irritability
  • hostility
  • aggressive behavior
  • impulse control disorder
  • akathisia
  • hypomania
  • manic disorder
  • nightmares

• Elavil Storage

  Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Elavil when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.