Elavil (generic name: amitriptyline/amitryptyline; brand names include: Amidon / Amitryn / Tryptanol / Endep / Elatrol / Tryptizol / Trepiline / Laroxyl / Saroten / Triptyl / Amitrip) is a potent tricyclic antidepressant drug.

Elavil is recommended for the treatment of depression.

It may also be used to treat nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting).

Elavil is also used in ankylosing spondylitis for pain relief and in some European countries it is officially approved as a preventive (prophylaxis) for patients with frequent/chronic migraines.

Elavil works by correcting chemical imbalance in the brain and helps relieve the symptoms of depression.

In broad clinical use Elavil has been found to be well tolerated.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Elavil exactly as directed.

Elavil may be taken with food or on an empty stomach.

The tablet(s) should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Taking your medicine at the same time each day may help you to remember to take it regularly.

Avoid eating or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Elavil.

Do not miss any doses. For depression, the treatment is usually continued for at least six months to prevent potential recurrence. You may not feel better immediately as most antidepressants take time to work. Do not stop taking Elavil even if you begin to feel better, unless your doctor tells you to do so. Make sure you do not run out of tablets.

If you miss a dose of Elavil, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Store Elavil at room temperature and out of reach of children. Avoid exposure to heat, light and moisture.

Precautions

Before you take it, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to amitriptyline or other medicines;
you are taking another medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have been taking a MAOI within the last 14 days;
you have recently had a heart attack;
you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: amitriptyline hydrochloride.