ELAVIL DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of
your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It
should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin, Aventyl, Elavil,
Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil,
Vivactil
USES: This medication is used to treat depression,
obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children
over 6 years of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used to treat
nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has other uses as
determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Use this as prescribed. Try to use each dose
at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely use
it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of this
medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using this medication
without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can
occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased
sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially cause dizziness
and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or
lying position. Other side effects include heartburn, loss of
appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety,
restlessness or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or
irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing
in the ears, excessive drowsiness, uncoordinated movements,
fainting. Taking this medication at bedtime may help minimize
side effects. Talk to your doctor about this. In the unlikely
event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical
attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug tell your doctor your
medical history, especially of: glaucoma, prostate problems,
decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing problems,
seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional
problems, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use
caution when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as
driving or operating machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it
may increase the drowsiness and dizziness effects of this drug.
Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because
they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g.,
confusion may occur or worsen). This drug should be used during
pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk.
The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about the medicines
you take, especially if you take: clonidine, guanadrel,
guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid,
phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs
(e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine, certain
diet pills (e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type
drugs (e.g., dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine,
phenylephrine, isoproterenol- some of which may be found in
cough-and-cold or asthma products), narcotic pain medications
(e.g., codeine), cisapride, St John's wort, any other
prescription or nonprescription drugs you take. Do not start or
stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
ofoverdose may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations,
fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change in
amount of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils,
drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, dizziness,
unconsciousness, unusually fast or slow heartbeat, or flushing..
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose and are taking more than
1 daily: do not take it if it is almost time for the next dose,
instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime, do not take it
the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double the dose
to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from moisture and
sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid
forms of this medication.
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