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Elavil

Antidepressants: Get the Facts »

What does the new study say about the ineffectiveness of antidepressants?

In findings published in the February issue of the journal PloS Medicine, researchers conclude that when taken as a whole, the data show that only a small group of the most severely depressed patients benefit from taking one of the antidepressants.

For less severely depressed patients, the antidepressants were found to work no better than placebos, leading the researchers to conclude that most patients who take antidepressants probably shouldn't be on them.

Does this study contradict numerous positive studies on antidepressants?

Yes, it does. In a statement, American Psychiatric Association President-elect Nada Stotland, MD, maintains that studies like this one, which compare a single drug to placebo, do not accurately reflect the way doctors prescribe antidepressants today.

Stotland says many people who are depressed do n...

Read the Antidepressants: Get the Facts article »

Elavil

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Discontinued Warning IconPlease Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Elavil Drug Center

Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Elavil (amitryptiline) belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. It is available in generic form. Elavil is used to treat depression and mood disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions including nerve pain, eating disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Elavil is taken by mouth in tablet form. The medication may take up to four weeks to take full effect. You should not use Elavil if you are taking drugs of the MAOI class or have taken these medications in the past 14 days. This is not a complete list of potential drug interactions with Elavil, and other medications may interact with this drug. Elavil has been shown to cause harm to the developing fetus. You should discuss with your doctor the risk and benefits of using Elavil during pregnancy. Women using Elavil should not breastfeed since Elavil is excreted in breast milk.

Our Elavil Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information as well as related drugs, user reviews, supplements, and diseases and conditions.

What is Prescribing information?

The FDA package insert formatted in easy-to-find categories for health professionals and clinicians.

Elavil Prescribing Information: Indications & Dosage

For the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.

Read the complete drug monograph for Elavil »

What is Elavil Prescribing Information?

Drug Description - Indications & Dosage - Side Effects & Drug Interactions - Warnings & Precautions - Contraindications - Medication Guide and More

What is Consumer information?

A concise overview of the drug for the patient or caregiver from First DataBank.

Elavil Consumer Information: Uses

This medication is used to treat mental/mood problems such as depression. It may help improve mood and feelings of well-being, relieve anxiety and tension, help you sleep better, and increase your energy level. This medication belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by affecting the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescr...

Read the complete consumer information for Elavil »

What is Elavil Consumer Information?

Warnings - Uses - How to Use - Side Effects - Precautions - Drug Interactions and More

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© Elavil Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Elavil Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.

Additional Elavil Information

Elavil - User Reviews

Elavil User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Elavil sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

See User Reviews

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