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Elavil ®

Generic Name: Amitriptyline (a-mee-TRIP-ti-leen)

Drug Class: Antidepressant, Tricyclic

Contents

Drug Uses

This medication is used for short-term treatment of various forms of depression and for chronic neuropathic pain (nerve pain) or to prevent migraine headaches. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How it Works

Helps depression by restoring two natural chemicals; serotonin and norephinephrine.

How to Take It

Take this medicine as directed by your physician. Amitriptyline is taken orally and can be taken with or without food. Dosing varies widely with this medicine depending on the condition that it is being prescribed for. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without consulting with your doctor.

Possible Side Effects

    • Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:
      • drowsiness or dizziness
      • dry mouth
      • constipation
      • nausea
      • blurred vision

Warnings/Precautions

    • This medicine should NOT be used by those:
      • having taken MAO inhibitors in the last two weeks
      • with narrow angle glaucoma
      • with irregular heart beat
    • Elderly patients generally should avoid it because of an increase in dizziness and falls.


    • This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Alcoholic beverages can increase the side effects of this medicine and should be avoided.

Overdose

    • Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

    • Possible drug interactions may occur with this medicine and:
      • Phenobarbital
      • MAO inhibitors (severe)

    • Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

For women, it should be avoided during pregnancy and nursing. As with other medications, if you suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to you physician or pharmacist before using this medication.

More Information

This medicine may cause depletion of Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2. Talk to your doctor about adding these supplements to your diet.

Copyright © 2004 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published March 1, 2004.

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.

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