Elavil
Elavil is a brand name for amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It works by increasing the levels of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance. It also has significant sedative and anticholinergic properties.
Dosage by Body Weight
For depression, the typical starting adult dose is 25 mg to 75 mg daily, often taken at bedtime due to sedative effects, and may be increased up to 150 mg per day. For chronic pain or migraine prevention, lower doses of 10 mg to 25 mg at bedtime are commonly used. Not recommended for pediatric use unless specifically directed by a child psychiatrist.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated in infants due to high risk of severe adverse effects.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- N/A
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Contraindicated in infants due to high risk of severe adverse effects. |
| 5-7 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in children. |
| 8-10 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in children. |
| 11-15 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in children. |
| 16-20 kg | Not recommended | N/A | Safety and efficacy have not been established in children. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treats major depressive disorder, and is prescribed off-label for neuropathic pain, migraine prophylaxis, fibromyalgia, and chronic insomnia.
Generic Name
AmitriptylineScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.