What is Elavil?
Elavil (Amitriptyline) is used to treat depression. This medicine is an antidepressant, which also improves your sleep.
Elavil Information
Elavil is used to treat depression. This medicine is an antidepressant, which also improves your sleep. Amitriptyline may be prescribed by your doctor also for other health states.
Elavil has to be taken orally, with or without food. Swallow the pills with water.
Do not discontinue the treatment even if you notice improvement. Complete the prescribed therapy.
Children should not be treated with this medicine, Consult with your doctor on this matter!
Adolescents, 12 to 18 years old, and patients over 65 years old may experience a stronger reaction to Amitriptyline. They may require a dose adjustment.
Elavil Safety Information
If you take more than one dose of Amitriptyline per day, and miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember to do so. However, if it's about time to take your next dose, skip the missed one and follow your regular schedule. Thus take the next dose when it's time for it. If you miss a dose you take at bedtime, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose at once. Do not exceed the dosage. In case of overdose seek the medical care immediately!
Tell your doctor in case you have an allergy to Elavil, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Consult with your health care specialist before the start of the therapy if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Talk to your doctor also if you have plans for the pregnancy. You should discuss all the risks and benefits with your health care specialist.
You should immediately contact a doctor in case you notice any signs of the following side effects: blurred vision or eye pain; fainting spells; abnormal production of milk in females; sexual difficulties (decreased sexual boost, difficulty ejaculating); yellowing of the eyes or skin; anxiety, inability to sleep, agitation, panic attacks, irritability, hostility; extreme anger, engaging in unusual or dangerous activities, aggressiveness, restlessness or inability to sit still, feeling of happiness that may suddenly switch to a depressed mood; difficulty breathing; seizures (convulsions); tingling, pain, or numbness in the feet or hands; breast enlargement in both males and females; irregular or fast, pounding heartbeat, palpitations; pain or difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder control; unusual weakness or tiredness; fever with increased sweating; confusion, hallucinations; stomach pain; swelling of the testicles; muscle stiffness, or spasms.
Keep Amitriptyline safe from heat, moisture, and light. Store this product at room temperature, in scope of 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep this product out of the reach of children. Keep safe from pets.
Make sure to inform your health care provider in case you have glaucoma; stomach disease; an alcohol problem; blood disorders or disease; bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder; schizophrenia; liver disease; suicidal thoughts; a previous suicide attempt or family history of suicide attempt; heart disease or previous heart attack; diabetes; asthma, difficulty breathing; seizures (convulsions); difficulty passing urine, prostate trouble; over active thyroid; Parkinson's disease; if you have intramuscular injections.
This medication interacts with a great number of medicines. Inform your health care provider if you take any other medications (even non-prescription!), herbal products, vitamins, minerals, birth control pills or any supplements as they may interact with this therapy! Never start or stop any treatment without the approval of your health care provider!
Tell your health care provider if you use tobacco, caffeine, alcohol or illegal drugs. It may affect the therapy.
Elavil Side Effects
The following side effects do not usually need to be reported immediately, but talk to your health care provider if they become continuous or bothersome: increased sensitivity of the skin to sun or ultraviolet light; weight gain or loss; constipation, or diarrhea; anxiety; nausea, vomiting; drowsiness or dizziness; loss of appetite; skin rash or itching; or dry mouth.
If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar more often than usual, especially during the first few weeks of the therapy. Elavil can affect blood glucose (sugar) levels. Contact your doctor if you notice any changes in the results of blood or urine glucose tests.
You should closely discuss with your heath care specialist the use of this medication in children!
When the therapy has to be stopped, your dose should be decreased gradually in order to avoid severe side effects.
Do not drive, operate machinery or perform any activities, requiring high level of attention, before you find out your reaction to this medicine. Do not stand or sit up quickly in order to avoid staggers or fainting spells. You should not drink alcohol while treating with this medicine.
You should not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without having consulted with your health care specialist first.
If you experience dry mouth, try to drink plenty of water and to chew sugarless gum in order to ease this feeling. You may also suck a hard candy.
Inform a doctor about this therapy before receiving any medical care or an x-ray procedure that uses contrast agents.
Elavil may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contacts and notice discomfort, use lubricating drops. If the problem does not go away, you should see your ophthalmologist for advice.
Avoid exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, use a sunscreen. Avoid sun lamps or sun tanning beds or booths.
You should visit your doctor regularly in order to monitor your condition closely.
It may take a few days before you notice a significant improvement.