Basic Information: Common Brand Names - Elavil / Triptomer

Generic Name - Amitriptyline

How should this medicine be used?

Amitriptyline 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. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take amitriptyline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Continue to take amitriptyline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking amitriptyline 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

Amitriptyline also is used occasionally to treat chronic pain and eating disorders. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition

Before taking amitriptyline,

* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amitriptyline or any other drugs.

* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; cimetidine(Tagamet); estrogens; fluoxetine (Prozac); cisapride (Propulsid); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins.

* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, seizures, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver, kidney, or heart disease.

* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking amitriptyline, call your doctor immediately.

* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking amitriptyline.

* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you take amitriptyline once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side effects from amitriptyline are common:

* upset stomach
* drowsiness
* weakness or tiredness
* excitement or anxiety
* insomnia
* nightmares
* dry mouth
* skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
* changes in appetite or weight Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: * constipation
* difficulty urinating
* frequent urination
* blurred vision
* changes in sex drive or ability
* excessive sweating

* jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
* slow or difficult speech
* shuffling walk
* persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
* fever
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* severe skin rash
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* irregular heartbeat

Information:

Elavil, or Amitriptyline, an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.