Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Elavil (Amitriptyline).
Abnormal heart rhythms: Elavil (Amitriptyline) has been linked to changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Elavil (Amitriptyline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Elavil (Amitriptyline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: Do not combine Elavil (Amitriptyline) with alcohol or other medications (e.g., antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications) that cause drowsiness because Elavil (Amitriptyline) can also cause drowsiness and the combinationcan be dangerous.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Elavil (Amitriptyline) may reduce mental or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Do not undertake such activities until you have determined that it does not have this effect on you.
Heart diseases: Elavil (Amitriptyline) can worsen symptoms of heart disease. If you have a history of heart attack, angina, Stroke, "mini-stroke", or are at risk of experiencing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, taking medications for high blood pressure), discuss with your doctor how Elavil (Amitriptyline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Elavil (Amitriptyline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Low blood pressure: Symptoms of low blood pressure, such as weakness or dizziness, particularly when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position, may occur. People who are prone to low blood pressure (e.g., people taking diuretics) should be cautious when using Elavil (Amitriptyline).
Mania or hypomania: Elavil (Amitriptyline) may cause activation of mania or hypomania. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually over-excited or uninhibited), or delusional thinking, or notice them in a family member who is taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while using Elavil (Amitriptyline).
Medical conditions: People with the following conditions should discuss with their doctor how Elavil (Amitriptyline) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Elavil (Amitriptyline), and whether any special monitoring is needed:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
- certain blood disorders
- increased eye pressure
- reduced liver function
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- seizures
- urinary retention
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking antidepressants such as Elavil (Amitriptyline) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, trouble sleeping, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you notice any changes in mood, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings in yourself or someone who is taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for behaviour changes, especially at the start of treatment or when your dose is increased or decreased.
Surgery: Using Elavil (Amitriptyline) before, during, and after surgery may increase the risk of developing abnormal heart rhythms. The risks and benefits of continuing Elavil (Amitriptyline) during elective surgery should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend to stop or reduce the dose of Elavil (Amitriptyline) several days prior to the scheduled surgery.
Thyroid disease: Patients who have an overactive thyroid (Hyperthyroidism) or are taking thyroid medication should be monitored closely by their doctor when taking Elavil (Amitriptyline). People who are taking certain thyroid medications have an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat when taking Elavil (Amitriptyline).
Withdrawal: Stopping Elavil (Amitriptyline) abruptly after taking it for a long time may produce nausea, headache, and a general feeling of being unwell. Gradual dosage reduction has been reported to produce (within 2 weeks) transient symptoms including irritability, restlessness, and dream and sleep disturbance. Experiencing these symptoms does not mean you are addicted. Do not suddenly stop taking Elavil (Amitriptyline) if you have been taking it for a while. If you are to stop taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact your doctor, who will advise you on how to gradually stop Elavil (Amitriptyline).
Pregnancy: Elavil (Amitriptyline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Elavil (Amitriptyline) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Elavil (Amitriptyline), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Elavil (Amitriptyline) have not been established for children under 12 years of age.
