ELAVIL DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT 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 this
drug.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL,
INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin,
Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil, Tofranil,
Vivactil
USES: This medication is used to treat depression,
obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting in children over 6 years
of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES: This medication 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 this
medication 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 this medication 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 this drug 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
this drug. Limit exposure to hot weather as it may lead to heat stroke.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly, because they may
be more sensitive to the effects of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or
worsen). This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug 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), cisapride,
St John's wort, 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
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..
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to use this
medication.
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
this medication. |
