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What is Elavil
AmitriptylineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryAmitriptyline hydrochloride, often referred to as Elavil, is a medication used to treat depression and chronic pain. It is a type of tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) and was approved by the FDA in 1977. It was originally manufactured by Sandoz.
Amitriptyline Hydrochlorideis the brand name
Elavil Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Amitriptyline Hydrochloride
Amitriptyline
1977
433
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Amitriptyline, commonly known as Amitriptyline Hydrochloride, is approved by the FDA for 18 uses including Neuropathic Pain and moderate Anxiety .Neuropathic Pain
moderate Anxiety
Used to treat moderate Anxiety in combination with Perphenazine
Tension Headache
Must Have Failed First-Line Therapy
Severe Depression
Used to treat Severe Depression in combination with Perphenazine
Depression
moderate Agitation
Used to treat moderate Agitation in combination with Perphenazine
Migraine
Schizophrenia
Nocturnal Enuresis
Chronic Physical Illness
Used to treat Chronic Physical Illness in combination with Perphenazine
Anxiety
Used to treat moderate to severe anxiety in combination with Chlordiazepoxide
Mental Depression
Used to treat Moderate Depression in combination with Perphenazine
Depression Acute
Anxiety
Used to treat severe Anxiety in combination with Perphenazine
Depression
prophylaxis of migraine headaches
severe agitation
Used to treat severe agitation in combination with Perphenazine
Effectiveness
How Elavil Affects PatientsAmitriptyline is a medication used to treat pain and depression. It is known to reduce post-herpetic neuralgia, diabetic pain, and other chronic non-malignant pain in up to 2/3 of patients. It may also be used to treat fibromyalgia. Amitriptyline has strong anticholinergic effects and can cause changes to the heart's electrical activity, as well as orthostatic hypotension and tachycardia (rapid heart rate) in some elderly patients. It can also cause increased glucose levels, and lower the convulsive threshold, meaning it can increase the risk of seizures
How Elavil works in the bodyThe way that amitriptyline works is not yet fully understood. It is thought to increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which are important in regulating mood. This drug is thought to counterbalance any deficiencies in these neurotransmitters and improve depressive symptoms. It is not clear if the pain-relieving effect of amitriptyline is related to its mood-altering activities or due to an unrelated action.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Elavil is subject to the diagnosed condition, including moderate Agitation, extreme agitation and Anxiety. The dosage also differs as per the means of delivery (e.g. Tablet, film coated - Oral or Syrup) featured in the table beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Anxiety
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Depression
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Nocturnal Enuresis
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
moderate Agitation
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Schizophrenia
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Anorexia Nervosa
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Neuropathic Pain
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Tension Headache
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Must Have Failed First-Line Therapy
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Mental Depression
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Bulimia Nervosa
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Migraine
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
prophylaxis of migraine headaches
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
severe agitation
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Insomnia
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Insomnia
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Diabetic Neuropathy
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Chronic Physical Illness
25.0 mg, , 50.0 mg, 100.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 75.0 mg, 150.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 14.0 mg, 27.98 mg, 1.0 mg/mg, 4.0 mg/mg, 2.0 mg/mL
, Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Kit, Kit - Topical, Topical, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup - Oral, Syrup, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Warnings
Elavil ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Myocardial Infarction
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions
Do Not Combine
Amitriptyline may interact with Pulse Frequency
Common Elavil Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Acepromazine
Major
Amitriptyline may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Acepromazine.
Aclidinium
Major
The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Amitriptyline is combined with Aclidinium.
Alfuzosin
Major
Amitriptyline may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.
Amoxapine
Major
Amitriptyline may increase the orthostatic hypotensive, hypotensive, and antihypertensive activities of Amoxapine.
Anagrelide
Major
The risk or severity of QTc prolongation can be increased when Amitriptyline is combined with Anagrelide.
Elavil Toxicity & Overdose RiskToxicity Data: If a child swallows 4167 micrograms of amitriptyline per kilogram of body weight, or an adult swallows 714 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (intermittently), or an adult swallows 10 milligrams per kilogram, it can result in severe toxicity. Symptoms of overdose include low blood pressure, confusion, seizures, dilated pupils and other eye issues, difficulty concentrating, drowsiness, hallucinations, weakened heart function, rapid or irregular heartbeat, low body temperature, stupor, and unresponsiveness or coma.
Elavil Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Elavil?
1230 active studies are currently being conducted to assess the utility of Elavil in treating Depression, Bulimia Nervosa and Migraine Headaches.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Chronic Physical Illness
0 Actively Recruiting
Mental Depression
4 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2
moderate Agitation
0 Actively Recruiting
moderate Anxiety
0 Actively Recruiting
Insomnia
89 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
9 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 2
Schizophrenia
174 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 1
Depression
198 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Early Phase 1
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
70 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Tension Headache
0 Actively Recruiting
Bulimia Nervosa
15 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Nocturnal Enuresis
3 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Neuropathic Pain
27 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, Not Applicable, Phase 4
Depression
694 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 4
Severe Depression
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Diabetic Neuropathy
22 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 1
Anorexia Nervosa
0 Actively Recruiting
Anxiety
0 Actively Recruiting
Insomnia
28 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 4, Phase 3, Phase 1
Depression Acute
0 Actively Recruiting
Elavil Reviews: What are patients saying about Elavil?
5Patient Review
4/9/2015 Since I've been taking Elavil, my migraines have slowed down significantly. I can finally get a good night's sleep without being interrupted by pain. I wish you all the best if you decide to try this medication.
4.7Patient Review
1/20/2015 I have chronic pain syndrome and insomnia. My physician has prescribed 25 mg. for sleep and pain relief because of stiff muscles, and spasms that make it hard to get the rest I needed. Taking a tablet a bedtime helps me fall asleep and if I wake during the night I go back to sleep right away. It works!
4.7Patient Review
10/2/2017 Elavil has been a game-changer for me. I was getting 4-5 migraines per day, and after just 3 weeks on the medication, that number dropped to less than one. I've been taking it for a little over 3 years now with great results. Just be sure to drink plenty of fluids and take it at least 2 hours before bedtime to avoid dry mouth and grogginess in the morning.
4.7Patient Review
3/28/2022 After sustaining multiple concussions, I began experiencing chronic migraines. This medication really helped to lessen the frequency and intensity of my headaches.
4Patient Review
5/4/2016 Not sure what would be considered an overdose, but this treatment was really effective for me.
3.7Patient Review
10/5/2015 I was prescribed Elavil because of debilitating migraines caused by a head injury. I've been taking it for eight years now, and it's really helped me. The side effects were tough to deal with at first (weight gain, nightmares, forgetfulness, grogginess), but they've decreased over time.
3.7Patient Review
8/12/2015 This medication helped reduce my symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, increased my appetite, and let me sleep through the night. However, I experienced weight gain and began to snore.
3Patient Review
1/5/2022 Elavil helped me to reduce the frequency of my migraines, which was great. However, when I tried it again 4 years later it caused incessant ringing in my left ear that was incredibly difficult to tolerate. In retrospect, the migraines were easier to deal with.
2.3Patient Review
8/12/2016 I've been taking Elavil for around five months now. I took four tablets altogether and started with a 10mg dosage for my jaw pain. As a result, I have really dry mouth and often feel lazy. Additionally, there are some pretty bad side effects that come along with this medication.
2Patient Review
5/26/2015 This medication made me feel absolutely insane. I didn't know who or where I was; add seizures to that and it became too much for me.
1Patient Review
8/30/2015 This medication was really bad for me. I constantly felt like I was about to die because my heart rate was so high. Every part of my body hurt when I moved and I had terrible anxiety.
Patient Q&A Section about elavil
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.Is Elavil a sedative?
"Amitriptyline is a drug that can be used to treat insomnia, even though it is not primarily a sleeping pill. This is because it can have a sedative effect."
Answered by AI
Why did they discontinue Elavil?
"Elavil was discontinued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000 due to the severe side effects people experienced while using the medication."
Answered by AI