Before taking Elavil, tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any heart problems, glaucoma, urinary problems, liver disease, seizures, or any other medical conditions. Also provide a list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking, as some may interact with Elavil.
Heart and Blood Pressure Effects
Elavil may affect your heart and blood pressure. It can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This may lead to:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Feeling faint.
- An increased risk of falls.
Elavil may also affect your heart rhythm by slowing the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. In rare cases, it can cause:
- An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
- Changes in heart rate.
- A prolonged QT interval, which may increase the risk of serious heart rhythm problems.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or fainting.
Anticholinergic Effects
Elavil has anticholinergic effects, which means it can reduce the activity of certain nerves in your body. These effects may cause:
- Dry mouth.
- Blurred vision.
- Constipation.
- Difficulty urinating or urinary retention.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Confusion, especially in older adults.
In rare cases, Elavil may trigger acute angle-closure glaucoma, a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden eye pain, blurred vision, redness of the eye, or see halos around lights.
Changes in Mood or Behavior
Like other antidepressants, Elavil may cause new or worsening depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly during the first few months of treatment or after a dose change.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or a caregiver notices:
- Worsening depression.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
- Agitation or irritability.
- Aggressive or impulsive behavior.
- Panic attacks.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Unusual mood or behavior changes.
Seek emergency medical attention if suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
Allergic Reactions
Do not take Elavil if you are allergic to amitriptyline, other tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or any of the ingredients in the medication.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- Rash or hives.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
If you have a history of allergies, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting Elavil.
Drowsiness, Dizziness, and Blurred Vision
Elavil commonly causes:
- Drowsiness.
- Dizziness.
- Blurred vision.
Until you know how the medication affects you, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform activities that require alertness or clear vision.
Avoid drinking alcohol, as it can increase these side effects. If you use marijuana (cannabis) or cannabis-containing products, tell your healthcare provider because they may also increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Surgery and Dental Procedures
Before having any surgery or dental procedure, tell your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Elavil.
Your healthcare provider may recommend temporarily stopping the medication a few days before surgery or adjusting the doses of other medications you take to help reduce the risk of complications.
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