Elavil is in a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and may cause depression. Amitriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.

Elavil Dosage

The usual starting dosage is 75 milligrams per day divided into 2 or more smaller doses. Your doctor may gradually increase this dose to 150 milligrams per day. The total daily dose is generally never higher than 200 milligrams.
The usual dose for adolescents 12 years of age and over is 10 milligrams, 3 times a day, with 20 milligrams taken at bedtime.

Uses of Elavil

Elavil is used to relieve symptoms of depression including such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Amitriptyline is also sometimes used to treat chronic pain, eating disorders, and certain skin problems.

Side Effects of Elavil

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Elavil. Side effects may include:

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

Warnings and precautions before taking Elavil:

If you are taking Elavil, then it may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So try to stay out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and apply a sun block.
Elavil may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; So, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.
You should use Elavil with caution if you have ever had seizures, urinary retention, glaucoma or other chronic eye conditions, a heart or circulatory system disorder, or liver problems.
Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure, then you should tell the doctor that you are taking Elavil.
You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amitriptyline or any other medications.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Elavil, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Elavil medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Elavil with the following:

Airway-opening drugs such as Sudafed and Proventil
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Ethchlorvynol (Placidyl)
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Parkinsonism drugs such as Cogentin and Larodopa
Quinidine (Quinidex)
Tranquilizers such as Librium and Xanax
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Overdose

When you are taking Elavil, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Elavil overdose may include:-

Abnormally low blood pressure
confusion
convulsions
dilated pupils and other eye problems
disturbed concentration
drowsiness
hallucinations
impaired heart function
rapid or irregular heartbeat
reduced body temperature
stupor
unresponsiveness or coma

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