Elavil: Drug Information

Brand Name: Celexa

Other names: Etrafon, Endep, Tryptizol, Perphenazine, Amit, Amitone, Eliwel, Sarotena, Tadamit, Tryptomer, Kamitrin, Latilin

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Elavil:

Elavil is used in the treatment of major depression with or without melancholia. It is also beneficial in treating depression associated with sleep disturbances. Elavil has shown significant improvement in the condition of patients suffering from anxiety associated with depression.

Elavil works by blocking the neuronal reuptake of non-adrenaline and serotonin at the synaptic cleft. Endogenous depression that does not respond to other medications can be treated with this medicine. Elavil is also known to exhibit sedative and anticholinergic properties.

Indications and Dosage:

Elavil is available in the form of tablets and should be taken orally. It is recommended that you stick to the dosage prescribed by your doctor and take it at equal intervals everyday. This medicine should not be stopped abruptly as it may worsen your condition.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take Elavil if you are hypersensitive to the drug.

This medicine should not be taken if you are receiving mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) following the recovery of chronic MI.

Tell your doctor in case you are pregnant of lactating before taking this medicine.

It id important for you to notify your doctor in case you have been diagnosed with conduction abnormalities, bipolar depression, psychosis, liver disease, cardiovascular disease or epilepsy.

Caution is advised when administering the medicine to the elderly.

DO NOT take alcohol when takingElavil.

Drug Interactions:

Elavil may result in reduced serum levels when taken with barbiturates. Neuroleptics are known to inhibit the metabolism of this medicine. Do not take this medicine along with antiparkinson and antipsychotic medicines. Elavil reduces the effect of antihypertensive medications. Mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not be taken along with this medicine as it may result in marked hyperpyrexia, convulsions and coma.

Side effects of Elavil:

Some of the most common side effects of this medicine include tachycardia, postural hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, conduction disturbances, dry mouth, blurring of vision, urinary tension, vertigo, confusion, stomach upset, fatigue, headache, weight gain and sexual dysfunction.