Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Elavil as follows:
- Elavil can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on Elavil, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with Elavil. Also, if you have been taking Elavil for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of Elavil intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Do not take Elavil with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by Elavil, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by Elavil and so, must be avoided taking along with Elavil.
- Elavil carries significant risk for obstruction to the flow of aqueous humor, increasing the intraocular pressure, eye pain, headache, blurred vision with haloes around light, and compromised vision. So, Elavil use is contraindicated in individuals with history of glaucoma, especially the closed-angle glaucoma.
