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Amitriptyline

 

Amitriptyline (generic Elavil) Review

brand names: Elavil, Vanatrip, Endep
generic names: Amitriptyline, perphenazine, Amitriptyline hydrochloride

How does it work?

Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCA).

In depression, it is thought that there is a decreased amount of the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain. Normally, when these chemicals are released from nerve cells they act to lighten mood. When they are reabsorbed back into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood.

Amitriptyline works by preventing the re-absorption of noradrenaline and serotonin back into the nerve cells. It therefore prolongs the mood-lightening effect of any released noradrenaline and serotonin. This helps relieve depression.

Perphenazine belongs to a group of medicines known as the phenothiazine antipsychotics. It is sometimes referred to as a 'major tranquilliser'.

It acts by blocking a variety of receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors. Dopamine is involved in transmitting signals between brain cells. When there is an excess amount of dopamine in the brain it causes over-stimulation of dopamine receptors.

Dopamine receptors normally act to modify behaviour and it is thought that over-stimulation may result in anxiety and psychotic illness. Perphenazine blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, thereby helping to control anxiety.

The combination of these two medicines is used to treat depression with associated anxiety. The full benefits of antidepressant treatment with amitriptyline may not occur for two to four weeks.

This medicine should not be used for longer than three months, as the perphenazine component should only be used on a short term basis for the treatment of anxiety.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Amitriptyline (Elavil) can be fatal.

Symptoms of an Amitriptyline overdose may include uneven heartbeats, seizure (convulsions), fainting, feeling light-headed, muscle stiffness, sweating, feeling hot or cold, blurred vision, vomiting, agitation, confusion, extreme drowsiness, or coma.

What are Amitriptyline (Elavil) tablets?

Amitriptyline (Elavil ® , Endep ® ) is an antidepressant. Amitriptyline can lift your spirits by treating your depression, especially if it is associated with sleep disturbance. Improvement of sleep patterns can be the first benefit of treatment. Your prescriber or health care professional may prescribe Amitriptyline (Elavil) for other conditions, such as relief from nerve pain. Generic Amitriptyline tablets are available.

Special warnings about Elavil

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Elavil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Elavil is not approved for treating children less than 12 years old.

Do not stop taking Elavil abruptly, especially if you have been taking large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dosage gradually. This will help prevent a possible relapse and will reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Elavil and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, extreme hyperactivity, restlessness, panic, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Warning!

• Regular medical examinations are recommended during therapy with this medicine.
  
  
• If you should require local or general anaesthesia, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist you are taking this medicine.
  
  
• Treatment with this medicine should not be stopped suddenly, but withdrawn gradually according to directions from your doctor. Abrupt withdrawal may cause symptoms such as chills, giddiness, headache, loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, insomnia or anxiety.
  
  
• This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.
  
  

Special warnings about Amitriptyline (Elavil) hydrochloride

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Elavil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Elavil is not approved for treating children less than 12 years old.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Elavil and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, extreme hyperactivity, restlessness, panic, hostility, anxiety, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Elavil may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Try to stay out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and apply a sun block.

While taking Amitriptyline (Elavil) hydrochloride, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

Use Elavil with caution if you have ever had seizures, a heart or circulatory system disorder, glaucoma or other chronic eye conditions, urinary retention, or liver problems. Be cautious, too, if you are receiving thyroid medication. You should discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before starting Elavil therapy.

Before having surgery, dental treatment, or any diagnostic procedure, tell the doctor that you are taking Elavil. Certain drugs used during surgery, such as anesthetics and muscle relaxants, and drugs used in certain diagnostic procedures may react badly with Elavil.

Do not stop taking Elavil abruptly, especially if you have been taking large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dosage gradually. This will help prevent a possible relapse and will reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.

Elavil may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Amitriptyline (Elavil) hydrochloride affects you.