Elavil

• Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Elavil include:
  Headache, nausea, vague feeling of bodily discomfort

• Side effects due to gradual dosage reduction may include:
  Dream and sleep disturbances, irritability, restlessness

These side effects do not signify an addiction to the drug.

Why should Elavil not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Elavil or similar drugs such as Norpramin and Tofranil, you should not take this medication. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take Elavil while taking other drugs known as MAO inhibitors. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you are recovering from a heart attack.

Special warnings about Elavil

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Elavil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Elavil is not approved for treating children less than 12 years old.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. 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. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Do not stop taking Elavil abruptly, especially if you have been taking large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dosage gradually. This will help prevent a possible relapse and will reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms.