What is Elavil and how is it used?

Elavil is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of anxiety or agitation with depression, and Schizophrenia with depression. Elavil may be used alone or with other medications.

Elavil belongs to a class of drugs called Psychotherapeutic Combos.

Amitriptyline, sold under the brand name Elavil among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), major depressive disorder and a variety of pain syndromes from neuropathic pain to fibromyalgia to migraine and tension headaches. Due to the frequency and prominence of side effects, amitriptyline is generally considered a second-line therapy for these indications.

The most common side effects are dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and weight gain. Of note is sexual dysfunction, observed primarily in males. Glaucoma, liver toxicity and abnormal heart rhythms are rare but serious side effects. Blood levels of amitriptyline vary significantly from one person to another, and amitriptyline interacts with many other medications potentially aggravating its side effects.

It is not known if it is safe and effective in children.

What are the possible side effects of Elavil?

It may cause serious side effects including:

• easy bruising or bleeding,
• persistent heartburn,
• shaking,
• mask-like facial expressions,
• muscle spasms,
• severe stomach pain,
• decreased sexual desire,
• enlarged or painful breasts,
• black stools,
• vomit that looks like coffee grounds,
• severe dizziness,
• fainting,
• seizures,
• eye pain, redness or swelling,
• vision changes,
• fever,
• muscle stiffness,
• severe confusion,
• sweating, and
• fast or irregular heartbeat

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

The most common side effects of Elavil include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• dry mouth,
• blurred vision,
• constipation,
• weight gain, and
• difficulty urinating

Tell the doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of it. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.