Chemical Name:      Amitriptyline HCl

 Brand Name:            Elavil

Manufacturer:           Merck & Co., Inc. for AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

Description:            A tricyclic antidepressant with sedative effects.  Its mechanism of action in man is not known.

Indications and Use:  For the relief of symptoms of depression.  Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.

Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions:  Do not give concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.  Not recommended for use during the acute recovery phase following myocardial infarction.  Elavil may block the antihypertensive action of guanethidine or similarly acting compounds.  Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures, urinary retention, angle-closure glaucoma or increased intraocular pressure.  Watch patients with cardiovascular disease closely.  Tricyclic drugs, including Elavil, when given in high doses, have been reported to produce arrhythmias, sinus tachycardia and prolongation of the conduction time.  Close supervision is required when giving Elavil to hyperthyroid patients or those receiving thyroid medication.  Do not use with alcohol.  There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.  Amitriptyline is excreted into breast milk.  Use cautiously in patients with impaired liver function.  After prolonged administration, abrupt cessation of treatment may cause nausea, headache and malaise. 

Adverse Reactions:  Possible common side effects may include orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia and dry mouth.  Less common side effects may include constipation, urinary retention, photosensitivity, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, ECG changes, blurred vision, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and edema.

Dosing Range:  In adults, the initial dose may be 50 to 100mg every evening, increasing to 150mg per day.  The maximum dose is 300mg per day, if needed.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007