|
Amitryptyline (generic Elavil)
Generic Name: E: AMITRIPTYLINE (a-mee-TRIP-ti-leen)
Common Uses of Amitryptyline
This medicine is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat chronic pain and other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Possible Amitryptyline Side Effects
Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, diarrhea, excess sweating, heartburn, unpleasant taste, weight gain, or an increased appetite especially for sweets. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience constipation; blurred vision or other vision changes; eye pain; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hair loss; shakiness; fainting; nervousness or restlessness; twitching of the face or tongue; mood swings; loss of balance; uncontrolled movements of arms and legs or stiffness; difficulty speaking and swallowing; unusual bleeding or bruising; sore throat or fever; skin rash and itching; swelling of hands, face, lips, eyes, throat, or tongue; irritability; ringing in the ears; seizures; yellowing of the skin or eyes; hallucinations; or chest pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
General Cautions
After you start using this medicine, several weeks may pass before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit your alcohol consumption while you are taking this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. This medicine may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Caution should be used in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. For Women: this medicine has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. This medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.
 |
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CONSUMERS
Product data and health claims are for general information purposes only and should not be used as official
medical advice. We strongly advise consumers to consult with their personal physicians on the proper and effective
use of prescription drugs and medications.
|
|
|
Subscription trials to Health magazines and related pubs:
 Flex
Additional Trials:
|
| Magazine Shop » |
|
