Elavil

Generic Name: Amitriptyline
US Brand Name: Elavil
Other Brand/Trade Name: Amitriptyline is sold under many brand names worldwide, including: APO-Amitriptyline.

Uses

Amitriptyline is used for the relief of symptoms of mental depression, treat bulimia, to control chronic pain, to prevent migraine headaches, and to treat a pathological weeping and laughing syndrome associated with multiple sclerosis.

Active Ingredients: Amitriptyline hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients: calcium phosphate, cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, starch, stearic acid, talc, and titanium dioxide, D&C Yellow 10, FD&C Yellow 6 and iron oxide.

Dosage and Forms

Amitriptyline can be found in form of syrup and tablets.
Take Amitriptyline tablets by mouth with full glass of water or with food as schedulled by your doctor.
Symptoms of Amitriptyline overdose may include the following: flushing, stupor, mydriasis, hyperpyrexia, paralytic ileus, fast or irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion, agitation, enlarged pupils, seizures, loss of consciousness, hallucinations, urinary retention, cardiovascular toxicity, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, respiratory depression, cyanosis, shock, diaphoresis, aspiration, hyperthermia, hypothermia, polyradiculoneuropathy, muscle rigidity, vomiting. If the overdose is suspected contact your doctor or emergency room immediately.

Contraindications and Precautions

Amitriptyline should be avoided by patients who are recovering from a heart attack, have a history of mental illness, considered or attempted suicide, alcoholism, glaucoma, an irregular heartbeat, heart disease, chest pain, liver disease, prostate problems, thyroid disease, or are unable to urinate, history of seizures, epilepsy, or porphyria.
Besides, Amitriptyline is contraindicated to pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Side Effects

Amitriptyline may cause the following side effects: blurred vision, change in sexual desire or ability, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, weakness, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, delusions, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, seizures, severe or persistent dizziness or headache, severe or persistent trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts or actions, unusual bleeding or bruising, vision problems.

Interactions

Amitriptyline should be avoided to be taken along with the following: grapefruit juice, antihistamines, cisapride, droperidol, ketolide, macrolide, mibefradil, pimozide, MAOIs, anticholinergics, bupropion, cimetidine, fluconazole, phenothiazines, SSRIs, terbinafine, valproic acid, carbamazepine, thyroid medicines, stimulants, warfarin, clonidine, guanethidine, or guanfacine.