Elavil

Tricyclic antidepressants include Elavil (amitriptyline). It has an impact on brain chemicals that may be out of balance in depressed individuals. Users of Welzo can use this article for informational purposes to better understand Elavil.
Overview
Uses
Side Effects
Medication
Ingredients
Supplements
Pharmacokinetics

Health Benefits

Elavil is used to treat depression-related symptoms. Additionally, it can be used "off-label" to treat conditions like migraines, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).


Side Effects and Risks

Elavil might have negative effects. Drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, and weight gain are typical side effects. Seizures, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, and urinary retention are examples of more severe side effects. Elavil might interact with different medicines. Tell your doctor about all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins or herbal supplements you may be taking.

Please consult your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional if you have any questions about Elavil (amitriptyline).

Dosage

Elavil is offered as a tablet. Starting doses are typically taken orally once daily at bedtime and range from 10 mg to 75 mg. If more is needed, the dose can be raised by 50 mg each week.

Pregnancy and Elavil

Elavil shouldn't be taken while pregnant unless the benefits outweigh the risks to the fetus. Call your doctor as soon as possible if you find out you're pregnant while taking Elavil.

Pharmacokinetics

Elavil is quickly absorbed from the digestive system and dispersed throughout the body. It is broken down in the liver and eliminated through the urine. There is a 24- to 48-hour half-life.

Mechanism of Action

Although the precise mode of action of Elavil is unknown, it is believed to function by preventing the brain from reabsorbing norepinephrine and serotonin, which helps to improve mood.

Alternatives

Other drugs can be used to treat depression in a variety of ways. Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Paxil (paroxetine) are a few popular substitutes. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about Elavil or other antidepressants.

Is Prozac more effective than Elavil?

Given that every individual reacts to medications differently, there is no conclusive answer to this question. Elavil may work better for some people than Prozac, while the opposite may be true for others. Finding the right medication for you requires collaboration with your doctor.

Overdosage

Seizures, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, confusion, drowsiness, and blurred vision are just a few of the signs of an overdose.

Warnings

Children under the age of 12 shouldn't take Elavil.

Before taking Elavil, discuss with your doctor if you have a history of glaucoma as it could worsen.

Elavil may make you feel sleepy or impair your judgment or actions. Prior to understanding how this medication affects you, you shouldn't drive or operate machinery.

While taking Elavil, avoid drinking alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects.

Avoid stopping Elavil abruptly as this may result in withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage if you need to stop taking the medication.

Interactions

Elavil and other drugs may interact. Tell your doctor about all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins or herbal supplements you may be taking.

Amitriptyline may intensify the effects of other medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, painkillers, anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants, that can make you sleepy.

Birth control pill effectiveness may also be affected by elavil. To avoid getting pregnant while taking birth control pills, you should also use another method, such as a condom.

If you take an MAOI, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), let your doctor know. Combining these medications with Elavil can result in a potentially fatal reaction.

Elavil may also interact with diabetes, lithium, blood thinners, and medications for irregular heartbeat.