IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
medication is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using Elavil.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin, Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Vivactil
What is Elavil
Elavil is a prescription medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis). Elavil may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has other uses as determined by your doctor.
How to Take Elavil
Use Elavil as prescribed. Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of
Elavil becomes apparent. Do not stop using Elavil without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if the
medication is suddenly stopped.
Elavil Side Effects
Elavil
side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. Elavil
may initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include heartburn, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking
Elavil at bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about this. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to
Elavil, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Elavil Precautions
Before using Elavil tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver or kidney disease, any
medication allergies. Use caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of
Elavil. Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat
stroke. Caution is advised when using Elavil in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the
medication (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). Elavil should
be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the
risks and benefits with your doctor. Elavil may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Elavil Medication Interactions
Inform your doctor about the medicines you take, especially if you take: clonidine, guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine, certain diet pills (e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type
medications (e.g., dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, isoproterenol- some of which may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma products), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride, St John's wort, any other prescription or nonprescription
medications you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Elavil Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms ofoverdose may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change in amount of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils, drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, or flushing..
Elavil Notes
Do not allow anyone else to use Elavil.
Elavil Missed Dose
If you miss a dose and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime, do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Elavil Storage
Store Elavil at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of Elavil.
Popular Misspellings - ealvil,
eavil, eelavil,
elaavil, elail,
elaivl, elaval,
elavel, elavi,
elaviil,
elavill, elavils,
elavl, elavli,
elavol, elavvil,
elevil, elivil,
ellavil, elovil,
eluvil, elvail,
elvil, lavil,
leavil
