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Elavil for Anxiety

Submitted by Vanessa Taylor Thu 06/16/2011

Elavil (known generically as amitriptyline) is a tricyclic antidepressant that was approved by the FDA back in 1961 for treatment of major depression. Tricyclics were some of the first antidepressants available and are still in use today, although the newer SSRIs are now more frequently prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Amitriptyline is prescribed for a variety of conditions, including depressive and anxiety disorders, ADHD, migraines, eating disorders, nerve pain, and insomnia.

Dosages and Instructions

Amitriptyline comes in a tablet form and is usually taken 1 to 3 times per day, depending on your doctor's instructions. Dosage will also vary depending on the condition being treated and your reaction to the medication, but will start low and gradually increase. The drug should be taken at the same time each day and it will take several weeks to reach full effectiveness.

Side Effects and Withdrawal

The most common side effects of Elavil are drowsiness and dry mouth. Other relatively common side effects include weight gain, appetite changes, trouble concentrating, nightmares, nausea, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, changes in sexual function, and headaches.

Just as it takes several weeks before Elavil is reaches it's full effectiveness, it takes time to taper off the drug once you have finished your course of treatment. It is not recommended to stop taking Elavil all at once, as this can cause troublesome withdrawal symptoms.

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