Drug Uses Elavil is indicated for the relief of symptoms of
depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than
are other depressive states.
How Taken Elavil comes as a
tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to four times a day
and may be taken with or without food. Take Elavil exactly as directed.
Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by
your doctor. Continue to take Elavil even if you feel well. Do not stop
taking Elavil without talking to your doctor, especially if you have
taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to
decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a
few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Warnings/Precautions Before
taking Elavil, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; kidney
disease; asthma; thyroid disease; diabetes; stomach or intestinal
problems; high blood pressure or heart disease; had a heart attack in
the last 6 weeks; an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating; or
glaucoma. You may not be able to take Elavil, or you may require a
dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have
any of the conditions listed above. Elavil may be harmful to an unborn
baby. Do not take Elavil without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Elavil passes
into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Elavil
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience
side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, feeling
uncoordinated and low blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a lower
dose of this medication.
Missed Dose Take the missed dose as
soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next regularly
scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed.
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Possible Side Effects Side effects cannot be
anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor
as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for
you to continue taking Elavil. Older adults are especially liable to
certain side effects of Elavil, including rapid heartbeat,
constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, sedation, and confusion, and
are in greater danger of sustaining a fall. Side effects may include:
Abnormal movements, anxiety, black tongue, blurred vision, breast
development in males, breast enlargement, coma, confusion,
constipation, delusions, diarrhea, difficult or frequent urination,
difficulty in speech, dilation of pupils, disorientation, disturbed
concentration, dizziness on getting up, dizziness or light-headedness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive or spontaneous flow of milk,
excitement, fatigue, fluid retention, hair loss, hallucinations,
headache, heart attack, hepatitis, high blood pressure, high fever,
high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, inability to sleep,
increased or decreased sex drive, increased perspiration, increased
pressure within the eye, inflammation of the mouth, intestinal
obstruction, irregular heartbeat, lack or loss of coordination, loss of
appetite, low blood pressure, nausea, nightmares, numbness, rapid
and/or fast, fluttery heartbeat, rash, red or purple spots on skin,
restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light,
stomach upset, strange taste, stroke, swelling due to fluid retention
in the face and tongue, swelling of testicles, swollen glands, tingling
and pins and needles in the arms and legs, tremors, vomiting, weakness,
weight gain or loss, yellowed eyes and skin. Side effects due to rapid
decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Elavil include: Headache, nausea,
vague feeling of bodily discomfort Side effects due to gradual dosage
reduction may include: Dream and sleep disturbances, irritability, and
restlessness.
Storage Store Elavil tablets in a well-closed
container. Avoid storage at temperatures above 30�C (86�F). In
addition, Elavil tablets 10 mg must be protected from light and stored
in a well-closed, light-resistant container.
Overdose Critical
manifestations of overdose include: cardiac dysrhythmias, severe
hypotension, convulsions, and CNS depression, including coma. Changes
in the electrocardiogram, particularly in QRS axis or width, are
clinically significant indictors of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity.
Other signs of overdose may include: impaired myocardial contractility,
confusion, disturbed concentration, transient visual hallucinations,
and dilated pupils, disorders of ocular motility, agitation,
hyperactive reflexes, stupor, drowsiness, muscle rigidity, vomiting,
hypothermia, and hyperpyrexia. Deaths may occur from over dosage with
this class of drugs.
More Information Use caution when
driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Elavil may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness
or dizziness, avoid these activities. Dizziness is likely to occur when
you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent
dizziness and a possible fall. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may
increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Elavil. Do not
stop taking Elavil suddenly. This could cause symptoms such as nausea,
headache, and malaise.
Disclaimer This drug information is
for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this
information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions,
precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It
should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any
particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and
reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from
the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences
to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No
warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this
information.
