|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

The Side Effects of Elavil

Elavil---also known by its generic name, amitriptyline---is a tricyclic anti-depressant prescribed to treat clinical depression and other mood disorders. The medicine works to enhance the mood, as well as to mitigate tension, anxiety and nervousness. It also works to boost energy levels and assist with insomnia and other sleeping problems. As with any type of medicine, there are possible adverse side effects that can occur if you take Elavil.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Common side effects associated with Elavil are generally not cause for alarm, as they tend to go away as the body becomes accustomed to the medicine. However, alert your physician if the symptoms persist or become more intense. Common side effects include changes in sexual ability and libido, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, nausea, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, weakness and fatigue.

    Serious Side Effects

    • If any of the following serious side effects occur while taking Elavil, alert your psychiatrist or physician as soon as possible. Physical effects include extreme or persistent dizziness or headache, jaundice, abnormal bruising or bleeding, passing out, irregular or rapid heartbeat, weakness on one side of the body, involuntary muscle movements, difficulty urinating, seizures, sleep problems, restlessness, chills, sore throat, fever, dark-colored urine, problems swallowing or speaking and tingling or numbness in one leg or arm.

      Psychological and cognitive side effects can include abnormal mood or mental changes, disorientation, confusion, panic attacks, hostility, irritability, aggression, anxiety, agitation and impulsiveness.

    Allergic Reactions

    • If you suspect you are having an allergic reaction, have someone drive you to the emergency room or contact emergency-medical personnel. Some signs of an allergy to Elavil are chest tightness, trouble with breathing, hives, skin rash, and swelling of the face, mouth, lips and tongue.

    Caution

    • Consult your psychiatrist or physician when considering taking Elavil, and be honest with her about your medical history and any past or present conditions you might have, especially overactive thyroid, manic depression, heart disease, seizures, stroke, heart disease, glaucoma, urination difficulties, schizophrenia (or any other mental condition) and diabetes (this is due to the fact that the medication could increase or decrease your blood-sugar levels).

    Overdose

    • If you suspect that you or another person has taken too much Elavil, seek emergency medical help. Some symptoms of Elavil overdose include severe drowsiness, sweating, stiffness of the muscles, uneven heartbeats, lightheadedness, passing out, coma, convulsions, feeling cold or hot, blurry vision, vomiting, agitation, confusion and disorientation.

Depression - Related Articles