ELAVIL DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The
following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using Elavil.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin,
Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil,
Tofranil, Vivactil
USES: Elavil is used to
treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting
in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES: Elavil may
also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia),
and has other uses as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Use Elavil as prescribed.
Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember
to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit
of Elavil becomes apparent. Do not stop using Elavil
without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can
occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: Elavil May cause drowsiness,
dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially
cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from
a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include heartburn,
loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness
or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat,
difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive
drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking Elavil
at bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about
this. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this
drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma,
prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing
problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional
problems, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use caution
when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating
machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness
and dizziness effects of Elavil. Limit exposure to hot weather
as it may lead to heat stroke. Caution is advised when using this
drug in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects
of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). Elavil should
be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks
and benefits with your doctor. Elavil may be excreted into breast
milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your
doctor about the medicines you take, especially if you take: clonidine,
guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid,
phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g.,
fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine, certain diet pills
(e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type drugs (e.g.,
dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine,
isoproterenol- some of which may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma
products), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride,
St John's wort, any other prescription or nonprescription drugs
you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of Elavil overdose may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations,
fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change in amount
of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils, drowsiness,
slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually
fast or slow heartbeat, or flushing..
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else
to use Elavil.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose
and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take it if it is almost
time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime,
do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do
not freeze liquid forms of Elavil.
Click to visit the Elavil Wikipedia page.
Click to visit the Elavil page on drugs.com.
Click to visit the Amitriptyline page on medicinenet.com.
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