Elavil - 25, 50 & 75MG

Drug Name: ELAVIL

IMPORTANT ELAVIL NOTE:
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS INTENDED TO SUPPLEMENT, NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR, THE EXPERTISE AND JUDGMENT OF YOUR PHYSICIAN, PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO INDICATE THAT USE OF THE DRUG IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE, OR EFFECTIVE FOR YOU. CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ELAVIL.

TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION

COMMON ELAVIL BRAND NAME(S):
Adapin, Asendin, Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil, Vivactil

ELAVIL USES:
Elavil is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years of age (enuresis). Elavil may also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia), and has other uses as determined by your doctor.

HOW TO USE ELAVIL:
Use Elavil as prescribed. Try to use each Elavil dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely use Elavil. Elavil may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit of Elavil becomes apparent. Do not stop using Elavil without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if Elavil is suddenly stopped.

ELAVIL SIDE EFFECTS:
Elavil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. Elavil may initially cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position. Other Elavil side effects include heartburn, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If any Elavil 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 while taking Elavil. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to Elavil, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Elavil include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects of Elavil not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

ELAVIL 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 while taking Elavil. 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. Caution is advised when using Elavil in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Elavil (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). Elavil should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits of Elavil 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 while taking Elavil or before taking Elavil.

ELAVIL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Inform your doctor about the medicines you take that may conflict with Elavil, 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), cisapride, St John's wort, any other prescription or nonprescription drugs you take. Do not start or stop Elavil or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ELAVIL OVERDOSE:
If Elavil overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms ofoverdose 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.

ELAVIL NOTES:
Do not allow anyone else to use Elavil.

MISSED ELAVIL DOSE:
If you miss a Elavil dose and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take Elavil if it is almost time for the next Elavil dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual Elavil dosing schedule. If you take Elavil once daily at bedtime, do not take Elavil the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double the Elavil dose to catch up.

ELAVIL STORAGE:
Store Elavil at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store Elavil in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of Elavil.