ELAVIL - ORDER ONLINE

Elavil (amitriptyline) may be used in depressive illness of psychotic or endogenous nature and in selected patients with neurotic depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.

Elavil (amitriptyline), because of its sedative action, is also of value in alleviating the anxiety component of depression.

Elavil is available as generic elavil (amitriptyline). We have included general information about generic drugs at the bottom of this page.

Generic drugs are identical to brand drugs in all clinical respects, but at a much reduced cost, so you get the same drug but make big savings at the same time.

ELAVIL INFORMATION

Elavil (amitriptyline) is in a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil (amitriptyline) affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Elavil (amitriptyline) is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia and thoughts of death or suicide.

Elavil (amitriptyline) is also sometimes used to treat bulimia, prevent migraine headaches and and to treat a pathological weeping and laughing syndrome associated with multiple sclerosis.

How to Take Elavil (amitriptyline)

Take Elavil (amitriptyline) as prescribed. Try to take of elavil at the same times each day so you remember to routinely use it.

It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of elavil (amitriptyline) becomes apparent. Do not stop using elavil (amitriptyline) without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if elavil (amitriptyline) is suddenly stopped.

Side effects

The following side effect may occur: 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

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to elavil (amitriptyline), seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to elavil (amitriptyline) include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before using elavil (amitriptyline) 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 drug 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 (amitriptyline). Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Caution is advised when using Elvil (amitriptyline) in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Elavil (amitriptyline), (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen).

Elavil (amitriptyline) should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Elavil (amitriptyline) may be excreted into breast milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug 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 drugs (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 drugs you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Elavil (amitriptyline) Overdose

If elavil (amitriptyline) overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an elavil (amitriptyline) overdose 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.

Notes

Do not allow anyone else to use your elavil (amitriptyline). Keep out of reach of children.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of elavil (amitriptyline) 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 elavil (amitriptyline) once daily at bedtime, do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Elavil (amitriptyline) Storage

Store elavil (amitriptyline) at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of elavil (amitriptyline).

Information About Generic Drugs

Generic drugs are identical, or bioequivalent to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use.

Despite the fact that generic drugs are chemically identical to the branded counterpart, generic drugs are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.

When drugs manufacturers are developing new drugs, they are developed under patent protection, this protects the investment in the development of the drug by giving the manufacturer the sole right to sell the drug while the patent is in effect.

When patent expires, other manufacturers can apply to the FDA to sell generic versions. It is not required of the manufacturers to repeat costly animal and clinical research on ingredients or dosage forms, as this has already been performed by the original manufacturer, and the drug has already been approved for safety and effectiveness.

Therefore, manufacturers of generic drugs are able to market the product without the expense of research and development. This allows them to offer generic versions of a drug at a much reduced price.

Generic elavil is available as amitriptyline with big savings over brand elavil.