IMPORTANT ELAVIL NOTE: The following
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should
not be construed to indicate that use of Elavil is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using this drug.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON ELAVIL BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin, Aventyl,
Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil,
Tofranil, Vivactil
ELAVIL USES: Elavil is used to treat depression,
obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in
children over 6 years of age (enuresis).
OTHER ELAVIL USES: Elavil may also be used to treat
nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has
other uses as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USEELAVIL : Use this as prescribed. Try to
use each Elavil dose at the same time(s) each day
so you remember to routinely use it. It may take 2
to 3 weeks before the full benefit of Elavil becomes
apparent. Do not stop using Elavil without your doctor's
approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if
Elavil is suddenly stopped.
ELAVIL SIDE EFFECTS: Elavil may cause drowsiness,
dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision.
Elavil may initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness
when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
Other Elavil side effects include heartburn, loss
of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety,
restlessness or sweating. If any side effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest
pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating,
nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive drowsiness,
uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking Elavil at
bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your
doctor about this. In the unlikely event you have
an allergic reaction to Elavil, seek medical attention
immediately. Elavil symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects while using
Elavil not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
ELAVIL PRECAUTIONS: Before using Elavil tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma,
prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid
disease, breathing problems, seizure problems, alcohol
use, heart disease, mental/emotional problems, liver
or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use caution
when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as
driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption
as it may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects
of Elavil. Limit exposure to hot weather as it may
lead to heat stroke. Caution is advised when using
Elavil in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive
to the effects of Elavil (e.g., confusion may occur
or worsen). Elavil should be used during pregnancy
only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. Elavil may be excreted into breast
milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this
time. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
ELAVIL DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about
the medicines you take, especially if you take: clonidine,
guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine),
cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline),
warfarin, carbamazepine, certain diet pills (e.g.,
phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type drugs
(e.g., dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine,
phenylephrine, isoproterenol- some of which may be
found in cough-and-cold or asthma products), narcotic
pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride, St John's
wort, any other prescription or nonprescription drugs
you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
ELAVIL OVERDOSE: If Elavil overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Elavil symptoms ofoverdose may include
agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fever, irregular
movement of the eyes, seizures, change in amount of
urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils,
drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness,
unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat,
or flushing..
ELAVIL NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to use Elavil.
MISSED ELAVIL DOSE: If you miss an Elavil dose and
are taking more than 1 daily: do not take Elavil if
it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip
the missed Elavil dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. If you take Elavil once daily at bedtime,
do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor.
Do not double the Elavil dose to catch up.
ELAVIL STORAGE: Store Elavil at room temperature
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store Elavil
in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of Elavil.
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