Elavil (no longer in use) was a brand name for a generic drug called amitriptyline or amitriptyline hydrochloride, in full.
Amitriptyline was also marketed under the brand name Endep, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has discontinued these brands.
Amitriptyline is still available under its generic brand name. It belongs to the broader class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. Most of these drugs work by enhancing the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
People with low levels of these brain chemicals are prone to depression and other mental health issues.
Amitriptyline addiction
Amitriptyline is not typically considered addictive in the same way as substances like opioids or stimulants. However, like many medications used to treat depression and other conditions, it is possible to develop a dependence on amitriptyline.
Dependence on amitriptyline can occur when the body becomes accustomed to the presence of the medication and relies on it to function normally. This dependence can lead to withdrawal symptoms if the medication is suddenly stopped or the dosage is significantly reduced.
It’s important to differentiate between dependence and addiction. Dependence refers to the body’s physiological adaptation to the presence of a drug, while addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.
While amitriptyline dependence is possible, addiction to the medication is rare. However, individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction may be at a higher risk of misusing or abusing amitriptyline.
Amitriptyline Side Effects
The side effects of amitriptyline use may include dry mouth, drowsiness, and headaches.
The most commonly reported side effects of the use of amitriptyline include:
- headaches
- drowsiness
- constipation
- dry mouth
- gastrointestinal upset
- dizziness
- weight gain
Albeit less common, the following side effects may also happen:
- Blurred vision
- difficulty passing urine
- Difficulty sleeping
- acute angle glaucoma, an eye condition
- tremors
- difficulty paying attention
- abnormal heart rate
- postural hypotension
- decreased sex drive
In some instances, amitriptyline may cause the following severe adverse reactions:
- heart attack
- heart arrhythmias
- prolonged QT, which is an issue with the electrical activity of the heart
- coma
- seizures
- temporary loss of consciousness
- stroke
- hallucinations
- delusions
- paralytic ileus, an intestinal obstruction
- conditions affecting the bone marrow
- allergic reaction
Apart from potentially causing side effects, amitriptyline may interact with other medications a patient is taking. Such medications include:
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Tricyclic antidepressants can be lethal if a person takes them along with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
MAOIs are a more traditional type of antidepressant medication. Although medical professionals have mostly phased out their use, some may still prescribe them when modern antidepressants are not efficient.
Sometimes, doctors also use MAOIs off-label to help people deal with bipolar disorder and Parkinson’s disease.
Using MAOIs along with amitriptyline or other tricyclic antidepressants can lead to dangerously severe convulsions, high fever, and even death.
Examples of MAOIs include:
- selegiline
- tranylcypromine
- isocarboxazid
- phenelzine
- moclobemide
Individuals should be careful when switching from using an MAOI to a tricyclic antidepressant. In such instances, experts recommend stopping the MAOI and waiting at least 14 days before starting on a minimal dosage of tricyclic antidepressants.
A doctor may increase the amount steadily, if necessary.
Other Antidepressants
Amitriptyline may also generate severe reactions when a person uses it along with other antidepressants, such as:
- fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
- sedatives
- citalopram (Celexa)
- phenobarbital (Bellatal, Solfoton)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- paroxetine (Paxil)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Central Nervous System Depressants
(CNS) depressants are drugs that slow brain activity down, relax the muscles, and calm the body. Doctors sometimes prescribe them to help manage acute stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Examples of CNS depressants include sedatives, tranquilizers, and hypnotics. Amitriptyline can increase the effects of these drugs, so people should not use both at the same time.
Alcohol is also a CNS depressant. Because amitriptyline can intensify the effect of alcohol, it increases the risk of overdose in people with alcohol addiction.
Heartburn medications
Cisapride is a medication that doctors used to prescribe to treat heartburn. The FDA withdrew the drug in 2000 following reports that it increased the risk of heart problems.
Doctors still prescribe the drug, but only in rare cases when it is crucial.
Taking amitriptyline together with cisapride further increases the risk of heart arrhythmias and other serious cardiac problems.
Other drug interactions
Amitriptyline also interacts with a few other drugs, including:
- ephedrine, a stimulant that treats low blood pressure during anesthesia
- norepinephrine, a drug that controls dangerously low blood pressure
- epinephrine, an emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions
- dronedarone, a treatment for certain types of heart arrhythmia
- lithium, a medication that can help treat bipolar disorder
Due to safety concerns, drug manufacturers advise against the use of amitriptyline while taking these drugs.
Get Started Today
If you’re struggling with Elavil addiction, it may seem hopeless. Luckily many rehab options are available to help you get on the road to recovery. Our therapists and counselors utilize a variety of treatment modalities in order to provide clients with the tools they need to achieve long-term sobriety. Contact Us today to speak with a specialist.
