Elavil (Amitriptyline) belongs to a family of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is used to treat Depression. It works in the central nervous system (CNS) to elevate the mood of people with depression. It is believed to work by keeping the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the body, namely serotonin and norepinephrine. It may start to work within 3 to 4 days, but it may take up to 30 days to see the full effects.

Elavil (Amitriptyline) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Elavil (Amitriptyline) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Elavil (Amitriptyline) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Elavil (Amitriptyline) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Elavil (Amitriptyline) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Elavil (Amitriptyline) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Elavil (Amitriptyline) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The usual starting dose of Elavil (Amitriptyline) for depression in adults is 25 mg 3 times a day. The dose of Elavil (Amitriptyline) is usually started low and increased slowly as prescribed by the doctor until the medication is at a dose that is appropriate and effective. After symptoms improve, the dose may be reduced to the lowest amount that will relieve symptoms. The usual maintenance dose of Elavil (Amitriptyline) for adults ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg per day in divided doses. For some people, the daily dose can be given as a single dose, preferably at bedtime.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Elavil (Amitriptyline) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Elavil (Amitriptyline) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Elavil (Amitriptyline). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Elavil (Amitriptyline) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Elavil (Amitriptyline). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• Dry Mouth
• flushing
• headache
• increased or decreased appetite
• Low Blood Pressure (e.g., fainting, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, nausea)
• nausea
• tiredness or weakness (mild)
• unpleasant taste
• vision problems (e.g., blurred vision)
• weight gain

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• agitation
• anxiety
• confusion
• decreased or increased sexual ability
• decreased or increased sweating
• decreased coordination
• difficulty speaking
• disorientation
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• irritability
• loss of balance control
• mask-like face
• nervousness or restlessness
• nightmares
• numbing or tingling of the fingers or toes
• problems urinating
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• shuffling walk
• skin rash or itching
• slurred speech
• symptoms of Glaucoma (e.g., blurred vision, seeing halos of bright colors around lights, red eyes, increased pressure in your eyes, eye pain or discomfort)
• tremors or shakiness
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• symptoms of a Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) (e.g., swelling of face and tongue, difficulty breathing, Hives)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Elavil (Amitriptyline).

10 mg
Each round, blue, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved "10" on one side, contains Elavil (Amitriptyline) HCl 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, and Brilliant Blue FCF AL Lake 12%.

25 mg
Each round, yellow, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved "25" on one side, contains Elavil (Amitriptyline) HCl 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, and D&C Yellow No. 10 AL 14%-18%.

50 mg
Each round, brown, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved "50" on one side, contains Elavil (Amitriptyline) HCl 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, Sunset Yellow AL Lake 40%, and Indigotine AL Lake 12%-14% (Blue No. 2).

75 mg
Each round, orange, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved "75" on one side, contains Elavil (Amitriptyline) HCl 75 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, carnauba wax, and Sunset Yellow AL Lake 40%.

Do not take Elavil (Amitriptyline) if you:

• are allergic to Elavil (Amitriptyline) or any ingredients of the medication
• are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor ( MAOI; e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Moclobemide) or have taken one in the past 14 days
• have acute Congestive Heart Failure
• have recently had a Heart Attack
• have severely decreased liver function

There may be an interaction between Elavil (Amitriptyline) and any of the following:

• Abiraterone
• acetylsalicylic acid (Asa)
• aclidinium
• alcohol
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antiarrythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Dronedarone, Flecainide, procainamide, quinidine)
• anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine, Oxybutynin)
• azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• asunaprevir
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• Benztropine
• beta-2 agonists (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol, terbutaline)
• botulinum toxin
• brimonidine
• bupriopion
• Buspirone
• cannabis
• chloroquine
• cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine)
• Cimetidine
• Cinacalcet
• ciprofloxacin
• Clonidine
• Cobicistat
• Dantrolene
• Darifenacin
• Decongestant Nasal sprays (e.g., oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, naphazoline)
• delavirdine
• Desmopressin
• Domperidone
• efavirenz
• Entacapone
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• Flavoxate
• glycopyrrolate
• Guanfacine
• HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, tipranavir)
• levodopa
• Levothyroxine
• lithium
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., moclobemide, phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Methadone
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• mifepristone
• Mirabegron
• Mirtazapine
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, orphenadrine, Tizanidine)
• nefazodone
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• opioid analgesics (e.g., Fentanyl, Morphine)
• potassium chloride
• Pramipexole
• Primaquine
• protein kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinibi, Lapatinib, Nilotinib, Pazopanib, Sunitinib)
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin)
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Ropinirole
• St. John's wort
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Levetiracetam, phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Sertraline)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• Solifenacin
• sulfonylureas (e.g., Gliclazide, Glyburide, Tolbutamide)
• terbinafine
• Tetrabenazine
• thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone)
• tiotropium
• tolcapone
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• other tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Clomipramine, Desipramine, Trimipramine)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan)
• Tryptophan
• umeclidinium
• Warfarin
• Yohimbine
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Elavil (Amitriptyline). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Elavil (Amitriptyline).

Abnormal heart rhythms: Elavil (Amitriptyline) has been linked to changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Elavil (Amitriptyline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Elavil (Amitriptyline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: Do not combine Elavil (Amitriptyline) with alcohol or other medications (e.g., antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications) that cause drowsiness because     Elavil (Amitriptyline) can also cause drowsiness and the combinationcan be dangerous.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Elavil (Amitriptyline) may reduce mental or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Do not undertake such activities until you have determined that it does not have this effect on you.

Heart diseases:  Elavil (Amitriptyline) can worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have a history of heart attack, angina, Stroke, "mini-stroke", or are at risk of experiencing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, taking medications for high blood pressure), discuss with your doctor how Elavil (Amitriptyline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Elavil (Amitriptyline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Low blood pressure: Symptoms of low blood pressure, such as weakness or dizziness, particularly when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position, may occur. People who are prone to low blood pressure (e.g., people taking diuretics) should be cautious when using Elavil (Amitriptyline).

Mania or hypomania: Elavil (Amitriptyline) may cause activation of mania or hypomania. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually over-excited or uninhibited), or delusional thinking, or notice them in a family member who is taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Elavil (Amitriptyline).

Medical conditions: People with the following conditions should discuss with their doctor how Elavil (Amitriptyline) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Elavil (Amitriptyline), and whether any special monitoring is needed:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
• certain blood disorders
• increased eye pressure
• reduced liver function
• narrow-angle glaucoma
• seizures
• urinary retention

Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking antidepressants such as Elavil (Amitriptyline) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, trouble sleeping, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you notice any changes in mood, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings in yourself or someone who is taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for behaviour changes, especially at the start of treatment or when your dose is increased or decreased.

Surgery: Using Elavil (Amitriptyline) before, during, and after surgery may increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms. The risks and benefits of continuing Elavil (Amitriptyline) during elective surgery should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend to stop or reduce the dose of Elavil (Amitriptyline) several days prior to the scheduled surgery.

Thyroid disease: Patients who have an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) or are taking thyroid medication should be monitored closely by their doctor when taking Elavil (Amitriptyline). People who are taking certain thyroid medications have an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat when taking Elavil (Amitriptyline).

Withdrawal: Stopping Elavil (Amitriptyline) abruptly after taking it for a long time may produce nausea, headache, and a general feeling of being unwell. Gradual dosage reduction has been reported to produce (within 2 weeks) transient symptoms including irritability, restlessness, and dream and sleep disturbance. Experiencing these symptoms does not mean you are addicted. Do not suddenly stop taking Elavil (Amitriptyline) if you have been taking it for a while. If you are to stop taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact your doctor, who will advise you on how to gradually stop Elavil (Amitriptyline).

Pregnancy: Elavil (Amitriptyline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Elavil (Amitriptyline) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Elavil (Amitriptyline) have not been established for children under 12 years of age.