Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Elavil as follows:
- Avoid using Elavil with other antidepressant medications that act along the same line as Elavil and increasing the serotonin levels in the body. Elavil use along with antidepressants, such as, citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline, can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome, thus resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate and dangerous arrhythmias, mania, agitation, and hallucinations. Caution must be exercised even when discontinuing on any of the above mentioned antidepressant medications with potential to increase serotonin levels and starting on Elavil, by observing a window period of atleast 2 weeks, before the transition to Elavil is made, to prevent development of serotonin syndrome.
- Elavil can also induce retention of urine in the bladder and difficulty with emptying the bladder and so, must be avoided/administered with caution in individuals with history of difficulty passing urine. Individuals with history of retention of urine and frequent urinary tract infections must be aware of this side-effect, as Elavil can exacerbate this condition significantly. Observing compliance with proper hydration measures, compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations, timed voiding, hygienic practices, and other UTI prevention measures can help reduce the risk of urinary retention and prevent development of any UTIs, secondary to Elavil intake.
- Observe compliance with all physician visits and periodical lab draws ordered, while taking Elavil, for an update on improvement/deterioration with symptoms of mood disorder and side-effects developed. This will also allow your physician to make appropriate changes in your plan of care, as needed.
