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Brand Name: Elavil
Generic Name: Amitriptyline
(a mee trip' ti leen)
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Why is elavil prescribed?
Elavil (Amitriptyline) is used to treat symptoms of depression. Elavil is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (mood elevators). It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
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How should elavil be used properly?
Amitriptyline (Elavil) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to four times a day. To help you remember to take amitriptyline, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amitriptyline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of amitriptyline and gradually increase your dose.
It may take a few weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of amitriptyline. Continue to take amitriptyline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amitriptyline without talking to your doctor. Stopping amitriptyline suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms (upset stomach, headache, and lack of energy). Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
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What are the common uses for elavil?
Amitriptyline is also sometimes used to treat chronic pain, eating disorders, and certain skin problems. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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What special precautions should I follow when using elavil?
Before taking amitriptyline,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amitriptyline or any other medications.
- do not take amitriptyline if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, including phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), or have stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks; or if you are taking cisapride (Propulsid).
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); diet pills; disulfiram (Antabuse); ethchlorvynol (Placidyl); guanethidine (Ismelin); ipratropium (Atrovent); quinidine (Quinidex); medications for irregular heartbeats such as flecainide (Tambocor) and propafenone (Rythmol); medications for anxiety, asthma, colds, irritable bowel disease, mental illness, nausea, Parkinson's disease, seizures, ulcers, or urinary problems; other antidepressants; phenobarbital (Bellatal, Solfoton); sedatives; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft); sleeping pills; thyroid medications; and tranquilizers. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol; if you have recently had a heart attack; and if you have or have ever had glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating; mental illness; seizures; an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism); diabetes; or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amitriptyline, call your doctor immediately.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amitriptyline.
- you should know that amitriptyline may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
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What special dietary instructions should I follow while taking elavil?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
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What should I do if I forget a dose of elavil?
You should take the missed dose of elavil just as soon as you remember to take it. Unless, it is almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Never take a double dose of your medication to make up for a missed one.
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What side effects can elavil cause?
Amitriptyline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- changes in sex drive or ability
- changes in appetite or weight
- weakness or tiredness
- excitement or anxiety
- excessive sweating
- difficulty urinating
- upset stomach
- unsteadiness
- blurred vision
- restlessness
- constipation
- drowsiness
- nightmares
- headaches
- dry mouth
- confusion
- vomiting
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
- seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
- weakness or numbness of an arm or a leg
- shaking hands that you cannot control
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
- swelling of the face and tongue
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- severe skin rash or hives
- slow or difficult speech
- dizziness or faintness
- crushing chest pain
- difficulty sitting still
- seizures
- fainting
Amitriptyline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
» top What storage conditions are needed for elavil?
Always keep the elavil in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom.
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
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What do I do in case of emergency or an elavil overdose?
In case of an accutane overdose, be sure to call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim is not breathing or has collapsed, dial 911 for local emergency services.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
- seeing things that do not exist (hallucinating)
- problems concentrating
- cold body temperature
- irregular hearbeat
- rigid muscles
- drowsiness
- confusion
- seizures
- agitation
- vomiting
- coma
- fever
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What other information should I know about elavil?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to amitriptyline.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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This document is provided for information only. It is not a substitute for consultation with a physician, either to diagnose symptoms or prescribe treatment. Any dosages mentioned are general guidelines only; please follow the directions of your doctor or pharmacist exactly when taking medication. We have made every effort to ensure that this information is accurate, but only your doctor can say if a medication, or drug combination, is safe for you. Information intended for US residents only.
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