Elavil contains the active ingredient amitriptyline hydrochloride in tablet form for oral administration, available in dosages of 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg. It is categorized as a dibenzocycloheptadiene derivative. Key inactive ingredients include croscarmellose sodium, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate.

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a drink of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take the tablets with or without food. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly except upon the advice of your care team. Stopping this medication too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Heart rhythm changes— fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing -Serotonin syndrome—irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea -Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss -Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Change in appetite or weight -Change in sex drive or performance -Constipation -Dizziness -Drowsiness -Dry mouth -Tremors

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Asthma, trouble breathing -Bipolar disorder or schizophrenia -Difficulty passing urine, prostate trouble -Frequently drink alcohol -Glaucoma -Heart disease or previous heart attack -Liver disease -Seizures -Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member -Thyroid disease -An unusual or allergic reaction to amitriptyline, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following: -Arsenic trioxide -Certain medications used to regulate abnormal heartbeat or to treat other heart conditions -Cisapride -Droperidol -Halofantrine -Linezolid -MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate -Methylene blue -Other medications for mental depression -Phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine -Pimozide -Probucol -Procarbazine -Sparfloxacin -St. John's Wort This medication may also interact with the following: -Atropine and related medications like hyoscyamine, scopolamine, tolterodine and others -Barbiturate medications for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital -Cimetidine -Disulfiram -Ethchlorvynol -Thyroid hormones such as levothyroxine -Ziprasidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. It may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medication, and it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your care team. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your care team. This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies while you are taking this medication without asking your care team for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating eye drops may help. See your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe. This medication can cause constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your care team. This medication can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps, tanning beds, or tanning booths.

What are the most serious risks of this medication?

This medication may increase thoughts of suicide. This may be more common in children, teenagers, and young adults. The risk may increase after first starting the medication and after dose changes. Talk to your care team right away if you have changes in mood and behavior or thoughts of self-harm or suicide.