Elavil is an antidepressant medication available only by prescription. Elavil is the trade-name for the generic drug Amitriptyline hydrochloride.

Elavil is a member of the tricyclic antidepressant category. It is used primarily to treat the symptoms of depression. Elavil may also be used to treat a range of other medical conditions including chronic pain, migraine headaches (prevention of), the eating disorder Bulimia, and syndromes related to multiple sclerosis.

Elavil can prove very effective when taken as prescribed under the care of a medical professional. However, Elavil use does present some danger to certain individuals who take other medications for depression and a number of conditions unrelated to depression or mood disorders. As Elavil can affect heart function and heartbeat, use by people with a history of or predisposition for heart dysfunction may not be safe. For these reasons, it is very important that candidates for Elavil prescription give detailed information to their treating physician and include all other medications (prescription and non-prescription) they are taking and a complete medical history.

Elavil is a drug that needs to be gradually built-up in the system to become effective. Early on, it is not uncommon for patients to feel like the drug is not working, but this is often only because the drug has not been taken long enough and there is not enough medication in the system. Sometimes patients are tempted to stop taking the medication because they feel it is not working, but Elavil should not be stopped except under the close supervision of the treating physician.

Like all drugs, Elavil is subject to some serious side effects and does carry the possibility of allergic reaction. Also, side effects may be severe if Elavil dosing is stopped abruptly; further, abruptly stopping Elavil may result in a relapse of the conditions it was prescribed for. Any changes in symptoms, any new symptoms (which may or may not be obviously related to your condition and this drug), or any increase in symptoms must be reported to the treating physician so that the doctor can make a determination about the safety and continued dosing of Elavil.

It should also be noted that Elavil can be very harmful—even fatal—if an overdose is taken. Effects of Elavil overdose can range from confusion and changes in body temperature and heart rate to confusion and loss of consciousness. Patients must be vigilant about proper use and dosing of Elavil, and seek medical attention right away if overdose is suspected. Learn more about the drug Elavil, its side effects, uses, dosing, and storage.

Elavil should be stored in an airtight container, out of the reach of children at room temperature and away from light and heat.