Warnings & Recalls for Elavil
Black Box Warnings for Elavil
Antidepressants, such as Elavil, have received an FDA warning for the risk for increased thoughts of suicide in adolescent and young adult patients. This risk if especially high in patients who also suffer from bipolar disorder or who have a history of mania. Patients should be closely monitored for any changes in mood, worsening of symptoms, or suicidal actions, particularly in the initial stages of treatment or when dosage is adjusted.
Warnings and Precautions when using Elavil
If too much medication is absorbed by the blood, or if multiple medications are consumed at one time, a serious overdose may occur. In some cases this may be fatal, and patients should exercise caution. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following signs of overdose, seek medical help immediately:
- dangerously low blood pressure, which can cause fainting or dizziness
- hallucinations or confusion, impaired reflexes
- rigid muscles
Elavil should be used with caution in patients who with a history of heart problems, glaucoma, thyroid disorders, liver problems, mania or paranoia, seizures, or who have undergone or are undergoing surgery.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also exhibit caution, as Elavil is a Category D pregnancy medication whose effects on unborn children are unknown.
Elavil is contraindicated in patients who are taking medications which contain MAOI or cisapride components, as well as patients who are allergic to any of the ingredients found in Elavil.
Elavil Treatment and Use
Elavil | Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant which is used to treat the symptoms of depression. Elavil is considered to be most effective in the treatment of endogenous depression, or depression that manifests internally due to a chemical imbalance, versus reactive depression, which is caused by external events. Elavil may alleviate symptoms of depression, such as:
- loss of interest in everyday activities
- persistent feelings of despair, such as hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
- unexplained exhaustion or fatigue
- changes in mood such as irritability or aggressiveness
Elavil also has a variety of off-label uses including, but not limited to, the treatment of other mood or anxiety disorders, bulimia, ADHD, and pain management.
How does Elavil work?
Elavil’s exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is thought to interfere with the absorption of certain chemicals that alter mood, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, and as a result prevents any imbalances and promotes a healthy state of mind.
Elavil Dosing Information
Elavil is available as both a tablet and injection, and has been approved for use in patients 12 years of age or older. Elavil should not be used in patients younger than 12, as the safety of this medication in this age group has not been evaluated.
Tablet/Oral Dosage
- Initial dosing should be started at a lower level, with gradual increases based on effectiveness and occurrence of side effects.
- Adults: initial dosage of 75 mg/daily, divided, with a maximum dosage of 150 mg/daily
- Adolescents: suggested dosage of 10 mg, three times a day accompanied by 20 mg before bed
Injection/Intramuscular Dosage
- Initial dose of 20-30 mg, four times a day
- Effects of injection occur more rapidly than those of tablet
Elavil was discontinued in the U.S. market after the expiration of its patent. However, amitriptyline, the generic version of Elavil, is still available.
