Usual Adult Dose for Depression:
OUTPATIENTS:
-Initial dose: 75 mg orally per day in divided doses; this may be increased to 150 mg/day (if needed)
-Maintenance dose: 40 to 100 mg orally per day
-Maximum dose: 150 mg/day
Alternate outpatient treatment regimen: 50 to 100 mg orally as a single dose at bedtime; this may be increased by 25 or 50 mg as needed at bedtime to a total of 150 mg/day
INPATIENTS:
-Initial dose: 100 mg orally per day
-Maintenance dose: 40 to 100 mg orally as a single dose at bedtime
-Maximum dose: 300 mg/day
Comments:
-Dose increases should preferably be made in the late afternoon or at bedtime due to the sedative effect.
-The full therapeutic effect may take as long as 30 days to develop.
-Maintenance doses should be reduced to the lowest amount that will maintain relief of symptoms when satisfactory improvement has been obtained.
-Maintenance therapy should be continued for 3 months or longer to lessen the possibility of relapse.
Use: Relief of symptoms of depression
Usual Geriatric Dose for Depression:
10 mg orally 3 times a day AND 20 mg orally once a day at bedtime
Comments:
-The full therapeutic effect may take as long as 30 days to develop.
-Elderly patients should be monitored carefully and serum levels obtained as clinically appropriate.
-Dose adjustments should be made according to clinical response.
Use: Relief of symptoms of depression
Usual Pediatric Dose for Depression:
12 years or older: 10 mg orally 3 times a day AND 20 mg orally once a day at bedtime
Comments:
-The full therapeutic effect may take as long as 30 days to develop.
-Dose adjustments should be made according to clinical response.
Use: Relief of symptoms of depression
 Detailed Elavil dosage information
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of amitriptyline can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include irregular heart rhythm, feeling like you might pass out, seizures, or coma.
