Elavil
Amitriptyline
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Elavil
Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant (depression is pervasive sense of sadness and gloom) medicine. Depression is mainly due to abnormal low levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters (that is responsible for transmission of signal in the brain) in the brain. Elavil can cause elevation of mood by increasing the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Therapeutic Uses of Elavil
Elavil is used in the treatment of depression to elevate mood of depressed patients. It also has sedative action and it is very useful for that in the patients of depression with insomnia, restlessness, and nervousness. It can also be used in the treatment of chronic pain conditions like the pain of fibromyalgia.
Direction of use of Elavil
Elavil can be taken along with food or on empty stomach. It should be taken at the same time everyday to get best results and also for remembering the dose.
Dose of Elavil, if Missed
If you miss a dose of Elavil you should take it as soon as you remember it. If you miss it for long duration and it is time for the next dose, than take the next dose at usual time and skip the missed dose. If you are taking Elavil at bed time and miss the bed time dose it should not be taken the next morning. Do not take 2 doses of Elavil at a time.
How to Store Elavil
Elavil is stored at room temperature. It should be kept in a dry place away from heat; moisture, light etc. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Elavil
If you have any liver problem you should consult your doctor before taking Elavil, because Elavil is metabolized in the liver and it should be given cautiously in liver disorders. It may take up to 3 weeks for the improvement of symptoms, but if you do not get any improvement of symptoms in 4 weeks of taking Elavil than consult your doctor. Do not share it with anyone and do not take 2 doses together. If you are taking Elavil for long duration it is better to get refill of Elavil before the supply runs out.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Elavil
- It may take several weeks after starting Elavil to get the benefits of it. If you are not getting result fast you should not stop taking Elavil without consulting your doctor. Monitoring of the patient is required at the time of starting treatment with Elavil and if you have to change the dose.
- Inform your doctor or dentist that you are taking Elavil, if you are undergoing any surgery, medical or dental treatment.
- Elavil should not be taken during pregnancy because it can harm the growing fetus. If you are planning pregnancy consult your doctor if you are taking Elavil. It is secreted in the breast milk and you should not breast feed if you are on Elavil.
- If you have to give Elavil to elderly people and children you have to be extremely cautious because they may be much more sensitive to Elavil.
- Consult your doctor if you are taking any medicine along with Elavil, it may be prescription medicine or over the counter medicine.
- Elavil can cause increased sensitivity to sun. You should avoid sun, sunlamps or tanning booths till you know that you do not have sensitivity to sun while using Elavil. If you have to go out to sun for a prolonged period use protective clothing and sunscreen. You may get sunstroke if you get overheated during exercise or other activities or in hot and humid weather.
- Elavil may cause sedation and dizziness. If you take alcohol during treatment with Elavil, the dizziness can be much more than using Elavil alone. You should not drive vehicles, operate heavy machinery or do any risky job which needs constant attention. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or syncope, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness to prevent them. You should not take other medicines (other depressants), and if you have any doubt about which are the medicines that are depressants, consult your doctor.
- Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms like anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, worsening of depression etc. All the above symptoms may be the signs of worsening of your condition and you should consult your doctor for that. If you are a parent or care giver to a patient taking Elavil, you also should know the symptoms of worsening condition and inform doctor or other health care provider if you notice any of the above symptoms.
Possible Adverse Effects
- The common side effects that may occur due Elavil are dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, diarrhea, excess sweating, heartburn, unpleasant taste, weight gain and an increase in appetite especially for sweets. Consult your doctor if these common side effects continue or they become bothersome.
- Allergy to Elavil is very rare but if it occurs, you should get medical attention immediately. Rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing are some of the symptoms of allergy to Elavil.
- Consult your doctor or other health care provider if you experience any of the side effects like nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, worsening of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide, severe restlessness, insomnia, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, or any other mental or mood changes.
- You should also consult your doctor immediately if you get symptoms like difficulty in speaking and swallowing, constipation; fast or irregular heartbeat; blurring of vision, other vision changes; sore throat or fever; skin rash and itching; loss of balance, uncontrolled movements of hands and legs and/or stiffness; seizures, hallucinations; tinnitus; unusual bleeding, unusual bruising; yellowing of the skin or eyes; eye pain, pain in the chest, discomfort in the chest etc.
- If you notice any other side effects that are not listed above, you should inform your doctor, or other health care providers like nurse or pharmacist.