Precautions
Amitriptyline (Elavil) received an overall rating of 7 out of 10 stars from 153 reviews. See what others have said about Amitriptyline (Elavil), including the effectiveness, ease of use and side effects. ... Overall a good short term drug. Report . 3 Stars. Posted 29 months ago (11/1/2019) 3.
Is Elavil a good drug?
User Reviews for Elavil to treat Insomnia. Elavil has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 26 ratings for the treatment of Insomnia. 73% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect. “I was originally prescribed Elavil for a chronic cough, and it was amazing.
Can Elavil be used as a sleep aid?
Elavil is used in the treatment of chronic myofascial pain; anxiety and stress; fibromyalgia; depression; insomnia and belongs to the drug class tricyclic antidepressants. Risk cannot be ruled out during pregnancy. Elavil 10 mg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Images for ELAVIL 40
Is Elavil a controlled drug?
USES: This medication is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants.
What is Elavil used for other than depression?
Is Elavil a sleeping pill?
The drug amitriptyline (also known as amitriptyline HCl or by the brand names Elavil, Endep, Entrip and Trepiline) is one of a class of drugs that are not primarily sleeping tablets but can be used 'off-label' to treat insomnia. This is because amitriptyline can have a sedative effect on those who take it.
Is Elavil a narcotic?
Elavil (amitriptyline) is an antidepressant medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label to manage chronic back pain. It is one of the drugs in a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil is not a narcotic (opioid) drug, and there is not usually an addiction risk with the medication.
How does Elavil make you feel?
The drug produces euphoric and sedating effects in high doses, which makes it popular for abuse. People will abuse the drug and increase their dosages to amplify those effects. An Elavil overdose can cause severe health problems such as cardiac arrest, dangerously low blood pressure, and seizures.
Why is Elavil taken at night?
It's best to take your amitriptyline in the evening or before you go to bed. This is because it can make you feel sleepy. You may start to feel better after 1 or 2 weeks, but it can take 6 weeks for amitriptyline to work as a painkiller.
Why was Elavil taken off the market?
In 2000, Elavil was discontinued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the severe side effects people experienced while using the medication. Although you cannot get the brand name version, you can still get the generic alternative of Elavil, amitriptyline.
Is amitriptyline stronger than Xanax?
In a six week, double-blind, parallel study of alprazolam and amitriptyline hydrochloride in 130 outpatients suffering from moderate to severe nonpsychotic depression, alprazolam was as effective as amitriptyline hydrochloride in relieving depressive symptoms and significantly more effective in relieving symptoms of ...
Is Elavil a muscle relaxer?
Brand names for amitriptyline include Elavil and Endep. Cyclobenzaprine and amitriptyline belong to different drug classes. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant and amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA).
Does Elavil help anxiety?
This medication is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants.
How long does it take for Elavil to kick in?
The low dose of amitriptyline won't treat depression, but it should reduce your pain, relax your muscles and improve your sleep. You may feel a bit better after one or two weeks. But it can take four to six weeks for amitriptyline to work as a painkiller. You'll probably take it for as long as it helps your condition.
Does Elavil cause weight gain?
Tricyclic antidepressants, also known as cyclic antidepressants or TCAs, may cause weight gain. These drugs include: amitriptyline (Elavil)
Is amitriptyline stronger than tramadol?
Tramadol is more effective than morphine and amitriptyline against ischaemic pain but not thermal pain in rats. Pharmacol Res.
What drugs should not be taken with amitriptyline?
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication.
Why is amitriptyline called a dirty drug?
Amitriptyline is known as being a rather "dirty" drug. This is because it works on several different systems in the human body - it doesn't cleanly target one system only. One example of the system it works on is the system that controls your mood. Another example is the system that controls your pain.
Is amitriptyline stronger than tramadol?
Tramadol is more effective than morphine and amitriptyline against ischaemic pain but not thermal pain in rats. Pharmacol Res.
Does Elavil show up in a drug test?
Because antidepressants are not considered "drugs of abuse," they are not included in common urine drug screens.
Is amitriptyline an abused drug?
Abstract. Amitriptyline is a potent anticholinergics, rarely used as a drug of abuse.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Elavil if you are allergic to amitriptyline, or: 1. if you have recently had a heart attack.Do not use Elavil if you have used a...
How Should I Take Elavil?
Take Elavil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller...
Elavil Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Elavil for Depression:Outpatients:Usual dose: 75 mg orally per day in divided doses; this may be increased to a total of 150 mg...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amitriptyline can be fatal.Overdose symptoms may in...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Elavil?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death can occur when alcohol is combined with Elavil.See also: Elavil and alcohol (in more detail)T...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Elavil?
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking Elavil with a sleeping pill, narco...
How to use Elavil Tablet
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking amitriptyline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Are you currently using Elavil Tablet?
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How to contact Elavil for help?
12. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
Why are antidepressants effective?
Antidepressants are effective at treating pain because of their impact on neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain and nervous system). They're believed to change the activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in pain processing.
How does amitriptyline work?
Amitriptyline treatment is typically titrated, meaning that you start with a smaller dose and gradually increase the dose until the desired effect is achieved , which can help avoid significant side effects. 2
Is elavil a tricyclic?
Frequently Asked Questions. Elavil (amitriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's sometimes prescribed off-label for back pain, neck pain, and migraines. The Elavil dosage for pain is different than it is for depression, and it may depend on exactly where your pain is, as well. Because Elavil works on the nervous system, ...
Is amitriptyline FDA approved?
Amitriptyline is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one use only: major depression. It's also used off-label (without specific FDA approval) for several types of chronic (long-lasting) pain that are related to nerve damage or dysfunction, including: 2.
Can you take Elavil with amitriptyline?
If you have neuropathic pain, migraine, or chronic back or neck pain that hasn't responded to other treatments, your doctor may suggest amitriptyline. Be sure you understand the potential benefits and risks of this medication and are alert to possible side effects before you start taking it. It's vital to follow Elavil dosage instructions and titrate up as directed by your doctor.
DESCRIPTION
Amitriptyline HCl is 3- (10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene-5-ylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1- propanamine hydrochloride. Its empirical formula is C 20 H 23 N•HCl, and its structural formula is:
INDICATIONS
For the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Dosage should be initiated at a low level and increased gradually, noting carefully the clinical response and any evidence of intolerance.
HOW SUPPLIED
10 mg tablets are blue, round, unscored, film coated tablets, debossed “2101” on one side and debossed “V” on the reverse side. They are supplied as follows:
DRUG INTERACTIONS
The biochemical activity of the drug metabolizing isozyme cytochrome P450 2D6 (debrisoquin hydroxylase) is reduced in a subset of the Caucasian population (about 7 to 10% of Caucasians are so called “poor metabolizers”); reliable estimates of the prevalence of reduced P450 2D6 isozyme activity among Asian, African and other populations are not yet available.
SIDE EFFECTS
Within each category the following adverse reactions are listed in order of decreasing severity. Included in the listing are a few adverse reactions which have not been reported with this specific drug.
WARNINGS
Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs.
Is Elavil a monoamine oxidase inhibitor?
Amitriptyline hydrochloride is an antidepressant with sedative effects. Its mechanism of action in man is not known. It is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, and it does not act primarily by stimulation of the central nervous system.
Is Amitriptyline Hydrochloride safe for children?
Amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients (see Warnings: Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk, Precautions: Information for Patients, and Precautions: Pediatric Use.) The Elavil brand name has been discontinued in the U.S.
What is a tricyclic antidepressant?
This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricycli c antidepressants.
What medications affect amitriptyline?
These drugs include cimetidine, terbinafine, drugs to treat irregular heart rate (such as quinidine/propafenone/flecainide), antidepressants (such as SSRIs including paroxetine/ fluoxetine /fluvoxamine).
What is amitriptyline used for?
Elavil (amitriptyline) is an antidepressant medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label to manage chronic back pain. It is one of the drugs in a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants .
Can you take Elavil over 60?
Elavil can cause problems for people who have arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and other forms of heart disease, and it is not generally given to people over the age of 60. (The newer antidepressants may be a better choice for this age group.) 1 .
Is Elavil a depression medication?
The way antidepressants relieve back pain is independent from the anti-depressant effect, so the dosing is different. When Elavil is used for managing back or neck pain, the dose is lower (approximately half, although this will vary) than when it is taken for depression. 4
Does Elavil help with back pain?
Elavil appears to be most effective for neuropathic (relating to nerves) chronic back pain. 2 For spine pain sufferers, this usually means your pain radiates down an arm or leg. You may also have tingling or a pinprick sensation in your arm or leg.
Is Elavil a narcotic?
1 . Elavil is not a narcotic (opioid) drug , and there is not usually an addiction risk with the medication.
Does Elavil work for depression?
It's not certain exactly how Elavil works, but the mechanism appears to be different than how it works for depression. A smaller dose is usually used. There are both mild and serious side effects with amitryptyline and it's important to talk to your doctor about these.
Does Elavil work?
Although Elavil's pain-relieving abilities are independent of its antidepressant effect, the drug works by increasing the number of certain brain chemicals necessary for mental balance. Amitriptyline is also used to treat fibromyalgia, which is a condition marked by widespread pain and tender points.
What is the brand name of Elavil?
Amitriptyline (Elavil) Brand Names: Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip. Last Updated: June 23, 2020. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that is used to treat symptoms of depression. Amitriptyline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What antidepressants are used in the past 5 weeks?
Tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: bipolar disorder (manic-depression) or schizophrenia;
What are the side effects of Elavil?
Taking Elavil can improve mood, motor skills, and energy levels in patients that are experiencing depression or chronic pain. In addition to these benefits, the medication can produce a variety of negative and potentially harmful effects as well. These side effects can range from mild to severe and include any of the following: 1 Drowsiness 2 Dizziness 3 Blurred vision 4 Headache 5 Constipation 6 Weight gain 7 Dry mouth 8 Problems urinating 9 Nausea 10 Rash or itching 11 Increased hunger 12 Unusual taste
Why do people abuse Elavil?
An individual might abuse Elavil in order to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. Chronic use of the drug can then cause physical dependence; a person that was simply taking a higher dose of Elavil due to pain can become accustomed to the presence of the drug in the system and effectively develop a dependence.
How do you know if you have an Elavil addiction?
Signs that indicate someone may have an Elavil addiction include: Taking Elavil after it’s no longer needed or longer then prescribed. Losing interest in activities previously engaged in, including school, work, relationships, and hobbies. Needing more and more Elavil to elicit the same effects.
What is the name of the medication that is used to treat arthritis?
Understanding Elavil (Amitriptyline) Elavil is the brand-name for Amitriptyline, a prescription antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil is also sometimes prescribed for pain management stemming from arthritis, fibromyalgia, damaged nerve endings, and some cases ...
What happens if you stop taking Elavil?
When someone that is addicted to Elavil attempts to stop taking it or reduce doses, he or she will start to experience withdrawal symptoms. The severity of withdrawal is dependent on a variety of factors such as the time span over which the drug was taken, the dosage, and the physiology of the individual taking Elavil.
Is Elavil a drug?
Professionals generally consider antidepressants to be non-addictive; however, there is evidence that Elavil addiction is possible. Elavil depresses the central nervous system, and some people find these effects to be desirable, which can lead to misuse. An individual might abuse Elavil in order to feel relaxed, mildly euphoric, or sedated. Chronic use of the drug can then cause physical dependence; a person that was simply taking a higher dose of Elavil due to pain can become accustomed to the presence of the drug in the system and effectively develop a dependence. In time, dependence can lead to addiction if left unchecked.
Can Elavil cause euphoria?
Unusual taste. Another potential side effect of Elavil is overdose if an individual takes too much of the drug. In high doses, the drug produces euphoric and sedating effects, which make it popular for abuse. People will abuse the drug and increase dosages to amplify those effects.
Side Effects of Elavil
Even in its generic form, the side effects you might experience when using Elavil can be split broadly into two categories: mild or severe.
Coping With the Side Effects of Elavil
While the more common side effects of this medication are not deadly, they can be bothersome. While using this medication, there are some safe ways to cope with the common side effects. For instance, if you are constantly constipated, you should increase your fiber intake and drink a lot of water.
Warnings and Interactions
Before prescribing Elavil, a doctor will take a thorough look into your medical history and find out if you are taking any other medications.
Additional Things to Know
Although Elavil and other brand-name forms of amitriptyline have been discontinued, you can still get this medication under its generic name.
A Word From Verywell
Elavil is an effective drug for treating depression. Unfortunately, you might experience some side effects while using this drug that will range in severity. If you experience mild side effects like dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, and headaches, they are typically nothing to worry about.
