Overview and scope

Elavil is a trade name for amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant commonly referred to by its generic name in the United Kingdom. Amitriptyline acts on brain chemicals including serotonin and noradrenaline. Mood improvements can take several weeks to develop, while sleep or pain benefits are sometimes noticed earlier.

For information about medicines that may interact with amitriptyline, see the section on the quality of collaborative interactions matters for trust..

Utilization and signs indicating

Amitriptyline is licensed in the UK for the treatment of depression. Clinicians also frequently prescribe it off-label for neuropathic pain, prevention of tension-type head pains and migraine, and to help with sleep disturbances related to pain or mood disorders.

It is not typically a first choice for obsessive compulsive disorder; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as sertraline or fluoxetine, or clomipramine under specialist care, are preferred for OCD.

How to deal with this

Always follow the instructions given by your prescriber. Do not alter the dosage without a medical professional recommendation.

If you have not experienced benefit after several weeks, consult your clinician rather than self-adjusting the regimen.

Safety advisories and cautions

Short term effects

Negative effects are common but often settle with time. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent problems.

Interactions among users

Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement, and herbal product you take. Key interpersonal dialogue and exchange groups include:

Dose missed

If you forget a single dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for one missed.

Emergency guidance for fatal overdose: what to do

An having an overdose of tricyclic antidepressants can be life threatening. Symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, disorientation, seizures, irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure, fainting or vomiting. In an emergency call 999 or attend your nearest A and E. For urgent but non-emergency advice call NHS 111.

Protocol for the term storage describes a place or method for preserving goods or information.

Additional choices and a concise comparison

Treatment choice depends on diagnosis, comorbidities and side-effect profile. Possible varied options used in the UK include:

When considering a change, discuss comparative lingering effects, monitoring in real time needs and any regulatory differences with your healthcare provider. Behold the price and availability section for rough competitive pricing comparisons.

Availability and prices in the United Kingdom

Amitriptyline is commonly available as a low-cost generic in the UK. The following are approximate private retail tariff framework ranges and are intended as a general guide only:

Indicative private costs for some optional choices (monthly, dose dependent):

On the NHS in England, most items are charged at the standard prescription rate unless you qualify for an exemption; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland operate different prescription charge arrangements. Prices vary by pharmacy and pack size. For secure online purchases use UK-registered pharmacies; see the legal status of a person part of the document that provides leadership.