Amitriptyline hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug from the tricyclic antidepressant group, which is sold under the trade names Elavil®, Tryptanol® or Endep®.
Its full chemical name is 3-(10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-5-ylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1-propanamine hydrochloride and its empirical formula is C20H23N·HCl. It is a white, odorless, crystalline compound which is freely soluble in water. It is usually dispensed in tablet form.
Chemical structure of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline
Amitriptyline affects serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake almost equally, and it is largely used to treat clinical depression, although SSRI drugs may be prescribed in preference as they are considered to have less side effects in some instances. Occasionally, amitriptyline may be prescribed for other conditions such chronic pain or fibromyalgia.
Elavil is prescribed for the relief of symptoms of mental depression.
Individuals being treated with Elavil and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly—especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior—and report them to the doctor immediately.
Elavil may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.
Elavil is a brand name for Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA.) It is a heterocyclic antidepressant - a class of drugs that inhibits the nerve cells' ability reuptake norepinephrine and serotonin and brings the levels of these neurotransmitters back up to normal.
Elavil effects may be felt after one to two weeks though some patients may take longer to feel its effects depending on the dosage and the patient.
Elavil is used primarily to treat major depression (both psychotic and endogenous), especially depression associated with a sleep disturbance.
Feeds |
Contact