Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant. The generic version, amitriptyline, is used to treat conditions such as depression, IBS, anxiety, and chronic pain.
The information below is presented as a generalized and educational overview. The specific details of treatment protocols mentioned in this article may not reflect the protocols utilized by A Mission for Michael.
If you would like to learn more about AMFM’s individualized programs to aid those struggling with mental health disorders, please reach out.
We look forward to hearing from you: (844) 993-2217
Elavil medicine, which goes by the generic name amitriptyline, used to be prescribed for the treatment of multiple conditions. It was originally most used to manage depression.
However, current research also shows that Elavil uses include helping treat chronic pain in adults. Many doctors regard it as a great choice for those who suffer from chronic pain, estimating that it can help nearly one in four people.1
Both the Elavil medication and Endep, another amitriptyline medication, have been discontinued, but the Elavil generic version, amitriptyline, is currently available. All these medications are considered to be tricyclic antidepressants, which is one of the earliest antidepressant types to be developed.
In addition to treating depression, Elavil uses include helping with OCD, bedwetting, migraines, tension headaches, PMS, and many other conditions. The medication has been prescribed to patients ever since the 1960s, and it is more affordable than newer medications on the market today.
Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitters while blocking a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. It is believed that tricyclic antidepressants balance chemicals in the brain in a way that relieves depression. In addition, this type of antidepressant triggers sedation and slightly blocks the effects of histamine.
Like any medication, there are side effects when it comes to taking Elavil generic. It’s important to be aware of amitriptyline interactions as well.
Although most symptoms are considered mild and typically go away within a few days, some amitriptyline side effects are serious and warrant a call to the doctor.
Common Elavil side effects include:
Headache
Dry mouth
Heartburn
Mask-like facial expressions
Decreased libido
Sweating
Constipation
Sudden drop in blood pressure
Drowsiness
Dizziness and blurred vision
Trouble urinating
Tremors
Although these are the most common amitriptyline side effects, this list is not all-inclusive. Speak with your medical provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing to find out if your medication could be causing it.
Some amitriptyline side effects, although rare, are life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if you experience the following symptoms:2
In addition, all antidepressants were given a black box warning by the FDA in 2007. Researchers found that antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal ideation in individuals compared to the placebo pill. This is particularly true for young adults, especially children and teenagers, who took part in short-term studies on major depressive disorder, or MDD.
Anyone who is considering antidepressants must weigh this risk against their clinical needs. Additionally, patients should be monitored when starting medication for suicidal behavior and worsening depression.
Keep an eye out for the following behavior:
These symptoms may indicate a potential for suicidal behavior. Parents and caregivers need to be alert for any sudden changes since these symptoms can be abrupt. If you notice someone exhibiting any of the listed behaviors, it should signal you to monitor them more closely and consider having them change to a different medication at the guidance of their healthcare provider.
No two individuals are the same. Your body size, gender, metabolism, and age are just some of the many unique factors that will influence how the medication affects you. It is important to speak with your doctor about your dosage to ensure that you are prescribed the appropriate dose of Elavil.
The dosage for depression is much higher than the dose required to manage chronic pain. The standard dose for amitriptyline is 75mg administered throughout the day or anywhere from 50mg to 100mg all at once in the evening. Typically, the dosage is no more than 150mg per day, unless the individual is in the hospital, which may come with the need for higher doses. Amitriptyline dosage for anxiety should be at the discretion of a medical professional.3
Older adults are more sensitive to the effects of Elavil amitriptyline. As a result, they should start with a lower dosage, starting at 10mg three times a day, plus 20mg at bedtime.3
It should be noted that Elavil is not typically given to people over the age of sixty. Newer forms of antidepressants are generally considered a better choice for this age group, which are at a higher risk of more serious side effects.
Teenagers are recommended lower doses of Elavil amitriptyline. The standard recommended dosage is 10mg three times per day or 20mg per night.3
There is no safety study for children younger than twelve years old. As such, children are typically not prescribed Elavil. However, there are exceptions to this commonality. In those cases, the uses and dosages are determined on a case-by-case basis by a doctor.
Take an amitriptyline dose right away if you notice that you have missed your dosage. If you are close to your next dose, skip the one you missed and take your next one regularly. Do not double your doses to make up for the one you didn’t take.
Amitriptyline doses can be extremely harmful in large amounts. If you or your loved one overdoses, call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Symptoms of an overdose can include the following:
Slow and difficult breathing
Difficulty urinating
Blurred vision with dilated pupils
Eye pain
Irregular heartbeat
Seizures
Coma
Agitation
Hallucinations
Shock
Low blood pressure
Stiffness in the limbs
Lack of coordination
Inability to concentrate
Vomiting
Constipation
Before calling, information that is important to have ready includes the following:
The individual’s weight, age, and current condition
The name of the product
The ingredients and strength of the medication
When the medication was taken
The amount of medication that was swallowed
Whether or not the person was prescribed the medication
An overdose is very serious, and hospitalization is likely in the event of an overdose. The faster you can get help for you or your loved one, the better the outcome will be.
Elavil is not suitable for everyone. Individuals who are taking other medications could experience severe side effects, especially if one of those medications has poor interactions with amitriptyline. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions about the warnings or interactions of Elavil.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the medication has the potential to affect your child. It is best to stay away from Elavil medicine if you are pregnant. Additionally, Elavil is also not suited for people who have heart conditions, such as arrhythmias and heart disease. If these circumstances apply to you, be sure to talk to your doctor about other alternative options.
Multiple drugs can have interactions with amitriptyline. Some of the most common medicines and their interactions include Quinidine, MAOIs, opioids, topiramate, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Keep in mind that this is not a complete list of every medication that can interact poorly with Elavil amitriptyline. Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor. Be sure to mention over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements in your conversation.
Some questions that you might have about Elavil could include:
Sleep is frustrating and elusive for many of us. In fact, according to the CDC, over 35% of American adults are not getting the sleep that they need every night.4 As a result, many of us need help falling and staying asleep.
Sometimes, doctors consider prescribing amitriptyline to improve sleep because it is less expensive than traditional sleep medication. Plus, it’s not habit-forming. Amitriptyline has a mild tranquilizing effect, so it is widely prescribed to assist individuals with insomnia.
Most tricyclic antidepressants differ in how they affect norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine in the brain. Elavil amitriptyline, in particular, is known to cause sedation because of its effect on the neurotransmitters and the way by which it blocks histamines.
However, do not drink alcohol if you take Elavil for sleep because the combination can result in severe drowsiness. Also, avoid driving or operating machinery until your body is well-adjusted to the medication. The amitriptyline dose for sleep is typically 1mg to 5mg thirty minutes to two hours before bed.
Elavil is not considered a narcotic. Unlike most pain medications, Elavil amitriptyline is neither a narcotic nor is it considered addictive.
Low doses of amitriptyline are considered to be a well-tolerated and effective form of therapy for patients with diarrhea-dominant IBS (IBS-D).5 However, it does take time for the medication to work. In most cases, it typically takes two months for the full effects of Elavil to present themselves.
The medicine is frequently utilized to treat patients with either refractory or severe IBS symptoms. Experts believe that amitriptyline has neuromodulatory and analgesic benefits in addition to its psychotropic effects.
Elavil amitriptyline is only FDA-approved for the treatment of depression. However, doctors can prescribe medication for purposes that are not FDA-approved, such as chronic pain and anxiety.
AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
Copyright 2024 © A MISSION FOR MICHAEL. All rights Reserved | Privacy Policy