ElavilDepression (with or without symptoms of anxiety or sleep disturbance), chronic pain (from migraines, tension headaches, diabetic disease, tic douloureux, cancer, herpes lesions, arthritis, and other sources), pathologic laughing or weeping caused by brain disease, and bulimia.Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants block the movement of certain stimulant chemicals (norepinephrine or serotonin) in and out of nerve endings, having a sedative effect and counteracting the effects of a hormone called acetylcholine (making them anticholinergic drugs). One widely accepted theory of depression says that people with depression have a chemical imbalance in their brains and that drugs such as Amitriptyline work to reestablish a proper balance. It takes 2 to 4 weeks for Amitriptyline's clinical antidepressant effect to come into play. If symptoms are not affected after 6 to 8 weeks, contact your doctor. Tricyclics can also elevate mood, increase physical activity and mental alertness, and improve appetite and sleep patterns in depressed people. These drugs are mild sedatives and are useful in treating mild forms of depression associated with anxiety. Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants have been used in treating nighttime bed-wetting in young children, but they do not produce long-lasting relief. These drugs are broken down in the liver.Usual Dose����������������������������� Adult: 25 mg 3 times per day, increased to 150 mg per day if necessary. Dosage must be tailored to your specific needs. Adolescent and Senior: lower doses are recommended, generally 30 to 50 mg per day."American Medical Association"
