Elavil (Amitriptyline) for Fibromyalgia

Overview

Elavil is a prescription medication originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1961 for the treatment of depression. The drug name of Elavil is Amitriptyline. In cases of fibromyalgia, Elavil can reduce pain and improve sleep problems and fatigue. Elavil should be used with caution in people with a history of depression, bipolar disorder, glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, trouble urinating, or alcohol dependence. Elavil is not suitable for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is believed that Elavil works in cases of fibromyalgia by interfering with nerve signals that communicate pain.

How do I take it?

Elavil is a taken orally as a tablet one or two times a day. Elavil can also be injected into muscles. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Elavil, since it can exacerbate some side effects. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Elavil, since it can interfere with the effects of the drug. Be careful while driving or operating machinery while taking Elavil, since side effects of the medication can impair alertness and reaction time. Elavil can cause your skin to become extra sensitive to sun exposure. Use sunscreen and limit your exposure to daylight while taking Elavil. Always follow your doctor’s instructions exactly when taking Elavil.

Results

An article published in 2012 reviewed the results of 21 studies examining the effectiveness of Amitriptyline (Elavil) as a treatment for fibromyalgia. A total of 1,437 people with fibromyalgia participated in the studies. Approximately 38 percent of participants given Amitriptyline experienced a significant reduction in their pain levels.

Side effects

Common side effects of Elavil include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Elavil may also cause weight gain, constipation, trouble urinating, and blurred vision. Call your doctor if you experience confusion, dark urine or stools, seizures, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, decreased libido or sexual ability, or yellowing of your eyes or skin while taking Elavil. Some people experience neurological symptoms including worsening depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Elavil. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects. Elavil can also cause allergic or hypersensitive reactions. Get medical help immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.