In case a patient is allergic to amitriptyline or if he/she has suffered from a recent heart attack then the pateint should not consume Elavil. IF cisapride (Propulsid), MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) have been used in the past 14 days by the patient the he/she must not take Elavil.
Suicidal thoughts are common and patients should not be taken aback in case this happens as it is a normal happening when patient takes antidepressants.
If you are allergic to any ingredient of Elavil or have recently had a heart attack then do not use Elavil.
The patient will need to go for regular checkups with his doctor, especially in the first 12 weeks of treatment.
If the symptoms of depression worsen like there is drastic chane in mood or behavior, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself then emergency medical help should be sought.
Elavil should be avoided if you have taken cisapride (Propulsid) or used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days.
Inform you doctor of any heart disease, history of heart problems, bipolar disorder, diabetes, overactive thyroid, glaucoma or urinatory problems.
Elavil may be harmful to pregnant women, unborn babies and nursing babies. What is Elavil?

Elavil is a drug which includes tricyclic antidepressants. It affects help the human brain fight the depression caused by chemical unbalancing in the brain.

Uses

Elavil is used to treat major depressive disorder and basic depression.

How should I take Elavil?

If you have been prescribed a surgery during the course then inform your doctor if you have been taking Elavil. You might need to freeze the course.
Do not stop the use of Elavil without informing your doctor about this. The course gradually decreases the daily intake of the medicine so that there is not sudden stop in the intake of Elavil.
If the intake of Elavil is stopped suddenly the patient might face unpleasant side effects. This medication may improve your symptoms after 1 month of use. If after 4 weeks your symptoms don't improve then contact your doctor immediately.

What happens if I overdose?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if the patient uses too much of this medicine. Avoid using more than the prescribed amount because an overdose of Elavil can be fatal.
An overdose's symptoms include: Confusion; Agitation; Vomiting; Sweating; Light headed feeling; Fainting; Seizures; or Coma.

Elavil side effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you face the following side effects:

• Mood changes;
• Anxiety;
• Aggressive Feeling;
• Insomnia;
• Hyperactive;
• Depression; or
• Suicidal thoughts.

Serious side effects may only affect the patient in rare conditions. These side effects include:

• Chest Pain;
• Nausea;
• Uneven heartbeat;
• Weakness;
• Headache;
• Confusion;
• Vision Loss;
• Hallucinations;
• Tremors; or
• Less urination.

The patient may face side effects other than these. If the patient faces some bothersome side effects get medical help.

Proper storage of Elavil

Elavil is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Elavil away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Elavil out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information

For more information about Elavil consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Elavil is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If the patient misses a dose then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.