Drug Uses

Elavil is used to relieve the symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is expected to improve than other depressive states.

How Taken

Elavil comes in the form of a tablet and is to be taken orally, one to four times daily with or without food. Elavil must be taken regularly over a period of time for the full effect to be successful. It must be taken exactly as prescribed and you must continue taking Elavil even if you better. Consult with your doctor if you wish to stop taking Elavil as you may need to gradually decrease your dose.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, live disease, thyroid disease, heart disease, intestinal or stomach problems, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate, glaucoma and any other medical problems before taking Elavil. Particularly with these medical issues, you may not be able to take Elavil or you will have to adjust your doses. Discuss with your doctor if you become pregnant or are pregnant as Elavil may be harmful to your unborn baby. It passes through breast milk and may affect the nursing child. Those over 60 years of age may feel the side effects more therefore a consultation with your doctor is important in order for you to adjust your doses.

Missed Dose

Do not double dose, take the missed dose as soon as you can recall however if it is time for your next scheduled dose, then skip the missed one and take the following one.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are rare however they may be felt by older adults. Side effects may include: 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, 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, red or purple spots on skin, restlessness, ringing in the ears, seizures, sensitivity to light, stomach upset, strange taste, 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, rapid and/or fast, fluttery heartbeat, rash, 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.

Storage

Elavil should be stored in container away from light and moisture in temperatures below 30 degrees.

Overdose

If you overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Deaths can occur with Elavil. Critical symptoms include sever hypotension, coma, convulsions, cardiac dysrhythmias and CNS depression. Other signs include agitation, hyperactive reflexes, muscle rigidity, stupor, drowsiness, hyperpyrexia, hypothermia, vomiting, dilated pupils, confusion, visual hallucinations, impaired myocardial contractility and disorders of ocular motility,

More Information

Drowsiness and dizziness may occur when taking Elavil therefore caution must be taken when performing hazardous activities such as driving and operating machinery. Alcohol may also increase drowsiness and dizziness.