You should not use Elavil if you have recently had a heart attack.
Do not use Elavil if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant such as amitriptyline, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Elavil if you are allergic to amitriptyline, or:
if you have recently had a heart attack.
Do not use Elavil if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Tell your doctor if you have used an "SSRI" antidepressant in the past 5 weeks, such as citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline (Zoloft), trazodone, or vilazodone.
To make sure Elavil is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
bipolar disorder (manic-depression) or schizophrenia;
mental illness or psychosis;
liver disease;
heart disease;
a heart attack, stroke, or seizures;
diabetes (amitriptyline may raise or lower blood sugar);
glaucoma; or
problems with urination.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Elavil is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.
How should I take Elavil?
Take Elavil exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use Elavil. You may need to stop for a short time.
Do not stop using Elavil suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using Elavil.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
