What is amitriptyline Elavil used for?

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.

What does Elavil do to the brain?

Amitriptyline works by increasing the amount of serotonin your brain makes. Serotonin is a chemical, called a neurotransmitter, that the brain sends out to nerves in the body. It’s thought to improve your mood, emotional state, sleep and the way your body responds to pain.

What is the generic name for Elavil?

Elavil (now discontinued) was a brand name for a generic drug called amitriptyline hydrochloride, or simply amitriptyline. Amitriptyline was also available under the brand name Endep, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have discontinued these brands. Amitriptyline is still available under its generic name.

Can taking amitriptyline long term cause problems?

Amitriptyline is safe to take for a long time. There do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months or years.

Does amitriptyline damage the brain?

Overdose of amitriptyline might be associated with irreversible brain damage.

Is Elavil still prescribed?

However, Elavil is still commonly prescribed because of its effects on chronic pain as well as any depression or anxiety stemming from that pain.

Will 20mg of amitriptyline help me sleep?

There is a distinct lack of evidence that amitriptyline has any beneficial effect on sleep in insomnia. It can cause daytime sleepiness and grogginess, which can interfere with daily life. It can reduce the overall quality of sleep in those who take it.

Can I lose weight on amitriptyline?

Will I gain or lose weight? Amitriptyline can change how hungry you feel. Some people feel more hungry when they’re taking it – others feel less hungry. So your weight may change when you first start taking it.