What is Elavil?
Elavil is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Elavil is used to treat symptoms of depression.
Elavil may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Elavil?
Do not use Elavil if you are allergic to amitriptyline, or if you have recently had a heart attack. Do not use Elavil if you have taken cisapride (Propulsid) or used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Elavil?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Elavil, or if you have recently had a heart attack. Do not use Elavil if you have taken cisapride (Propulsid) or used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take Elavil before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.
Before taking Elavil, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- heart disease;
- a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures;
- bipolar disorder (manic-depression);
- schizophrenia or other mental illness;
- diabetes (Elavil may raise or lower blood sugar);
- overactive thyroid;
- glaucoma; or
- problems with urination.
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Elavil, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. Elavil may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Elavil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Elavil without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give Elavil to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.
