It is whats known as atricyclic antidepressant.
In 2000, Elavil was discontinued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The reasons why the brand name form of the drug was discontinued remain unclear.
Edwin Tan / Getty Images
Amitriptyline works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers likeserotoninandnorepinephrinein your brain.
This article breaks down the uses and side effects of Elavil.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
It usually takes several weeks to experience the full effects.
Severe Side Effects
Experiencing severe side effects while using amitriptyline is uncommon.
However, you shouldnt discontinue the medication without talking to your doctor first.
Suddenly stopping amitriptyline could cause withdrawal symptoms likeanxiety, nausea, headaches, and dizziness.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
In sporadic cases, Elavil can cause a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
NMS is a reaction to antipsychotic drugs that causes muscle stiffness, fever, or an altered mental state.
While using this medication, there are some safe ways to cope with the common side effects.
People who experience dry mouth could also increase their water intake or chew on some ice chips for relief.
But, if the headaches persist or increase in severity, you should speak to your doctor about them.
Elavil has sedative effects and could cause you to become a little dizzy or drowsy.
The maximum dose is 150 mg per day.
Dosages for the treatment of other health conditions can vary.
If you miss a dose of your medication, take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, simply skip your missed dose.
Never take two doses at once to make up for missing a dose.
Certain drugs interact dangerously with Elavil and, in some cases, could cause fatal results.
This is because it can cause very high fevers, convulsions, and death in the most extreme cases.
Theres some evidence to suggest that when Elavil is used with epinephrine, it could cause high blood pressure.
Alcohol
Like with most medications, you shouldnt consume alcohol when using Elavil.
Alcohol could heighten its sedative effects and cause the medicine to be ineffective in treating symptoms of depression.
Who Should Not Take Elavil
Here are some populations that Elavil is not recommended for.
People With Heart Problems
One of the more uncommon side effects of using Elavil is an irregular heartbeat.
This is why people with heart problems might be discouraged from taking this medication.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Research shows that they tend to have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants.
Undurraga J, Baldessarini RJ.Randomized, placebo-controlled trials of antidepressants for acute major depression: Thirty-year meta-analytic review.Neuropsychopharmacol.
2017;356:j603.
doi:10.1136/bmj.j603
Thour A, Marwaha R.Amitriptyline.
StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
U.S National Library of Medicine.Amitriptyline.
Food and Drug Administration.Amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, USP.
Berman BD.Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.Neurohospitalist.
2011;1(1):41-47.
NHS UK.Amitriptyline: A medicine used to treat pain and prevent migraine.
Saraghi M, Golden LR, Hersh EV.Anesthetic considerations for patients on antidepressant therapypart i.Anesthesia Progress.
2017;64(4):253-261.
2015;350:h517.
doi:10.1136/bmj.h517
Steffens DC, Krishnan KR, Helms MJ.Are Ssris Better than Tcas?
Comparison of Ssris and Tcas: A Meta-Analysis.Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK); 1997.
Driessen E, Hollon SD.Cognitive behavioral therapy for mood disorders: efficacy, moderators and mediators.Psychiatr Clin North Am.
