| |
Elavil
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin, Aventyl, Elavil, Endep,
Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Vivactil
USES:
Elavil is used to treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disOrders,
and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES:
Elavil 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 Elavil 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 Elavil 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 Elavil 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 Elavil. Limit exposure
to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke. Elavil should be used during
pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. Elavil 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);
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 of overdose 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 Elavil.
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 Elavil.
|
