Amitriptyline is the generic equivalent of Elavil®, Amitril®, Amitid®, and Endep®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Amitriptyline is FDA approved for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

Amitriptyline may be used off-label for:

• Migraine prevention

• Postherpetic neuralgia

• Nerve pain

• Eating disorders

• Fibromyalgia

Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It works by blocking the brain’s absorption of norepinephrine and serotonin, “feed good” chemicals in your brain. The end result? An increased level of norepinephrine and serotonin in your brain, which is thought to improve mood.

The most common side effects of amitriptyline include:

• Dry mouth

• Constipation

• Nausea/vomiting

• Blurred vision, lightheadedness

• Low or high blood pressure

• Allergic reaction (i.e. skin rash, swelling of the face and tongue, itching, trouble breathing)

• Drowsiness

• Altered sex drive

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

• Weight gain or loss

• Withdrawal symptoms—abrupt discontinuation of treatment can cause nausea, headache, and general discomfort

• Changes in blood sugar levels

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine.

This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of amitriptyline. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for amitriptyline here.

Amitriptyline (Elavil®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in adolescents and young adults*

• Serotonin syndrome—a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain

• Manic episodes or hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder

• Increased risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack in people with a history of heart disease

• Seizures

• Glaucoma

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.