The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute, the
expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that using Elavil is safe
or appropriate for you.
Brand Name: Elavil, Endep
Generic Name: amitriptyline
What is Elavil used for? Amitriptyline is in a class of drugs called
tricyclic antidepressants that is used to relieve symptoms of depression.
Amitriptyline is also sometimes used to treat certain types of pain.
General Elavil Precautions:
_ Amitriptyline may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. If you
experience drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, avoid driving, operating
machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
_ You are more likely to experience side effects from amitriptyline if you are
over the age of 60.
_ Rise slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to prevent dizziness
or possible falls.
_ Do not take amitriptyline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
within the last 14 days.
_ It is not known whether amitriptyline will harm an unborn baby or a nursing
baby.
_ If you skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not
take a double dose of this medication. Overdose is possible.
_ Elavil (amitriptyline) may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills.
Patients using Elavil should exercise caution until they have adapted to
therapy.
Elavil can cause serious side effects. Only you can decide if Elavil is the best
means of treating depression symptoms. It is important to discuss the side
effects of Elavil with your physician.
Elavil Side Effects:
_ Seizures.
_ Fast or irregular heartbeat.
_ Heart attack.
_ High blood pressure.
_ Difficulty urinating.
_ Fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness, or severe muscle weakness.
_ Weakness.
_ Ringing in the ears.
_ Nausea.
_ Agitation.
_ Sweating.
_ Headache.
_ Dizziness or drowsiness.
_ Tremors (shaking) or muscle twitches.
_ Decreased appetite.
_ Abdominal pain.
_ Constipation.
_ Dry mouth and eyes.
_ Blurred vision.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience: An allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or
tongue; or hives). Stop taking amitriptyline and contact your doctor immediately
or seek emergency medical treatment if you also experience seizures, a fast or
irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache), a heart
attack, fever with increased sweating, muscle stiffness, or severe muscle
weakness or difficulty urinating. Contact your doctor immediately if you
experience yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Symptoms of Elavil overdose may include: Symptoms of an amitriptyline
overdose include seizures, hallucinations, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness,
fatigue, agitation, low blood pressure and fainting.
Before taking Elavil, tell your doctor if you have or have had:
_ Asthma.
_ Thyroid disease.
_ High blood pressure.
_ Heart disease.
_ Had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks.
_ Stomach or intestinal problems.
_ An enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating.
_ Liver disease.
_ Kidney disease.
_ Diabetes.
_ Glaucoma.
_ Seizures.
What should I avoid while taking Elavil? Use alcohol cautiously while
taking amitriptyline. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
What other drugs will affect amitriptyline? Amitriptyline can increase
the effects of many other drugs, leading to serious side effects. If taking
Elavil, talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking drugs that cause
drowsiness including other antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives,
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
People seeking depression relief should carefully evaluate Elavil information
and side effects before deciding to take Elavil. Consult your healthcare
professional before using Elavil.
The natural antidepressant Deprex is a safe and effective depression treatment
scientifically formulated to elevate mood without the potentially harmful side
effects commonly associated with Elavil. Self-help techniques, psychotherapy,
diet and lifestyle changes or a combination of approaches have also successfully
worked at treating depression.
If you want to eliminate depression and start living a more fulfilling and
satisfying life without the cost or side effects of prescription depression
medications, Deprex is perfect for you. Safely order Deprex online today on this
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*This antidepressant drug information does not endorse Elavil, diagnose patients
or recommend therapy. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible warnings, uses, precautions, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse side effects of Elavil. If you have questions about the drugs you are
taking, check with your health care provider or pharmacist. The information
provided should not be construed to indicate that Elavil is safe, effective or
appropriate.
Do not stop taking Elavil without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may
need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping Elavil completely. Suddenly
stopping Elavil can cause unpleasant and potentially serious side effects.
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