Drug Uses
Elavil is commonly prescribed as an anti-depressant and is used for the treatment of major depression.
How it is taken
Elavil can be taken by mouth with or without food. The ideal dosage is 1 to 4 times daily. Please maintain a regular dosage schedule for taking Elavil and take the drug at the same time each day. If you plan to stop taking Elavil, then consult your doctor who will lower your dosage gradually. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.
Missed Dosage
If you miss a dose of Elavil, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Some of the symptoms of an Elavil overdose include cardiac dysrhythmias, severe hypotension, convulsions, and CNS depression, including coma, changes in the electrocardiogram, particularly in QRS axis or width, are clinically significant indictors of tricyclic antidepressant toxicity, impaired myocardial contractility, confusion, disturbed concentration, transient visual hallucinations, and dilated pupils, disorders of ocular motility, agitation, hyperactive reflexes, stupor, drowsiness, muscle rigidity, vomiting, hypothermia, and hyperpyrexia.
Please note that an overdose of Elavil can be dangerous and fatal. Contact a medical emergency center immediately if you suspect an overdose.
Warnings/Precautions
You may not be able to take the drug or may require constant dosage monitoring if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, thyroid disease, diabetes, stomach or intestinal problems, high blood pressure or heart disease, had a heart attack in the last 6 weeks, an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating, or glaucoma.
If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Elavil and contact your doctor immediately.
Elavil is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
It has been noted that elderly patients (over 60 years of age) are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
Possible Side Effects
Some of the possible side effects of Elavil are 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 lightheadedness, 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
You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.
A sudden and immediate withdrawal from the drug may lead to side effects like Headache, nausea, vague feeling of bodily discomfort.