Consult your doctor before starting or stopping Elavil (amitriptyline).
What is Elavil (amitriptyline)?
Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used primarily to treat major depressive disorder and nerve pain (neuropathic pain). It works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine, which influence mood and pain perception. Dosage varies depending on your condition and response. Your doctor will determine the correct dosage for you.
Common Uses and Side Effects:
Besides depression and nerve pain, Elavil sometimes treats other conditions like insomnia and enuresis (bed-wetting). Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and weight gain. These frequently diminish as your body adjusts. However, significant side effects warrant immediate medical attention. Report any concerning symptoms to your physician.
Important Considerations and Precautions:
- Dosage: Always follow your doctor’s prescribed dosage. Never adjust your dose without consulting them.
- Interactions: Elavil can interact with other medications, including some over-the-counter drugs. Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Elavil, as it can worsen side effects.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss Elavil use with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant. Elavil may not be suitable.
- Withdrawal: Abruptly stopping Elavil can cause withdrawal symptoms. Always taper off the medication under your doctor’s supervision.
Further Information:
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for comprehensive information and personalized guidance regarding Elavil or any medication.
Seeking Professional Help:
If you experience suicidal thoughts or worsening depression, seek immediate medical attention. Help is available. Contact your doctor, a mental health professional, or a crisis hotline.
Interactions with Other Medications and Substances
Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs. Elavil, containing amitriptyline, interacts with many substances.
MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate), pose a serious risk when combined with Elavil. This combination can cause dangerously high blood pressure.
Combining Elavil with other sedatives, such as benzodiazepines (like diazepam or alprazolam) or alcohol, increases the risk of drowsiness and respiratory depression. Exercise extreme caution and potentially avoid such combinations.
Certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, can interact with Elavil, possibly leading to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms include high fever, agitation, and muscle rigidity. Discuss all antidepressants with your physician before taking them together with Elavil.
Elavil can interact with anticholinergic medications, leading to increased side effects like dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. Examples include certain antihistamines and some medications for Parkinson’s disease.
Substances that affect the liver, like grapefruit juice, can alter how your body processes Elavil, potentially increasing its concentration in your blood. Discuss this with your doctor.
This information is not exhaustive. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining Elavil with any other medication or substance. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and medication history.
