Generic Elavil

Elavil, which is generically prescribed as amitripyline, is commonly used to treat the symptoms of depression. Elavil is part of the family of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil corrects chemicals in the brain believed to become unbalanced in depressed patients.

Elavil is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a medical history that includes heart disease, heart attack, stroke, seizures, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mental illness, diabetes, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, urinary difficulty may not be able to take Elavil, or moay require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication. Patients who have taken an MAO inhibitor within 14 days can not take Elavil. This medication is not approved for children less than 12 years of age.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Elavil as a pregnancy risk category C. Elavil may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Elavil does pass through the mother’s breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to pregnant or nursing women, or to women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Elavil, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical intervention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, and difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects which require emergency medical attention include symptoms such as fast or pounding heart, uneven heart rate, chest pain that includes pain or heaviness through the left arm, sudden numbness or weakness that dominates one side of the body, sudden headache accompanied by confusion, blurry vision, or lack of coordination, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, restless movements of the jaw, neck, or facial muscles, tremors, severe skin rash, tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, extreme thirst accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, or weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, and difficulty or lack of urination.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, constipation, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, lack of coordination, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiousness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, nightmares, blurry vision, headaches, ringing in the ears, skin rash, breast swelling in men or women, or sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Elavil.

Elavil should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. If the patient misses a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose the missed dose should be skipped to avoid a potential overdose. If an overdose is suspected, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, uneven heart rate, confusion, agitation, vomiting, blurry vision, feeling hot or cold, sweating, muscle stiffness, lightheadedness, fainting, convulsions, coma, or death.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Elavil. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that are known to cause negative interactions include cimetidine, guanethidine, disulfiram, heart rhythm medications, and other antidepressants. Patients who have taken an SSRI must wait at least 5 weeks before taking Elavil. Patients who have taken an MAO inhibitor must wait at least 14 days before taking Elavil. Death may occur if these medications are mixed.