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.
