Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Elavil as follows: Elavil takes some time to fairly balance the chemicals in the brain, before any improvement in mood and behavior are noted. It could take about 3 - 6 weeks to see this change in mood. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without consulting your physician, as you failed to see the improvement with depressive symptoms immediately after taking the medication. Elavil [...]

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, [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Elavil as follows: Elavil carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Elavil can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking Elavil along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Discuss with [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Elavil as follows: Elavil intake can result in pupillary dilation and obstruction to the flow of aqueous humor in the eye, and consequent increase in intraocular pressure, thus leading to glaucoma. Individuals can present with eye pain, headache, and blurred vision with haloes around light. Observe compliance with any periodical vision exams recommended. Report any eye pain and changes with vision, while taking Elavil, to [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Elavil as follows: Elavil intake can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, [...]