Elavil (Amitriptyline) for Lupus

Overview
Many people with lupus experience depression because of disease activity, medication side effects, or the stress of living with a chronic illness. Elavil is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Elavil may help manage neuropathic pain. Elavil is also known by its drug name, Amitriptyline.

Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant. Elavil is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Elavil is generally taken once or twice a day.

Elavil comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Elavil lists common side effects including drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Elavil may also cause weight gain, constipation, trouble urinating, and blurred vision.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Elavil include worsening depression and suicidal thoughts.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Elavil – RxList
http://www.rxlist.com/elavil-drug.htm

Lupus and depression: Know the signs and how to get help – Lupus Foundation of America
http://www.resources.lupus.org/entry/lupus-and-...