Elavil

Description

Drug Uses

Elavil is used for treatment of depression.

How Taken

Elavil comes as a tablet to take orally. The general dosage for it is 1–4 times daily. It may be taken with or without a meal. For best effect Elavil should be taken regularly for a couple of weeks. Even you feel better do not stop taking Elavil without your doctor`s approval. If you have been taking Elavil in large doses or for a long time, your doctor will most likely want to gradually lower your dose before you stop taking Elavil. Do not take more or less of this drug, than your doctor has prescribed to you

Warnings/Precautions

You may not be able to take Elavil or you may need dosage adjustment or monitoring while you are taking Elavil 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. Do not take Elavil if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or breast feeding as there have not been adequate studies of this drug`s effect during pregnancy. It is known that Elavil passes into breast milk. Patients over 60 years old may be more sensitive to the side effects of Elavil, so a lower dose of Elavil might be prescribed to them.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are– Side effects may include– 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. Some side effects that may occur in case of rapid decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Elavil are– Headache, nausea, vague feeling of bodily discomfort. Elderly patients may be especially sensitive to some side effects of Elavil. These include– rapid heartbeat, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, sedation, and confusion, and are in greater danger of sustaining a fall.Storage Store this drug in a well closed container at a temperature not higher than 30°C (86°F) Keep away from children and excess heat, light and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Overdose

Overdosage of this drug may be fatal. If overdose is suspected seek medical attention immediately. Some of the serious symptoms of 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. Some of other symptoms of overdose are– 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.

More Information

Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Be careful when taking alcohol during your treatment. It may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Elavil. Do not stop taking Elavil without your doctor`s approval.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.