Go back


Elavil is a medication often prescribed to treat symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you struggle with depression or anxiety, relief is out there. Talk to your doctor about Elavil to see if it’s right for you. As a tricyclic antidepressant, this medication works by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain, which has a positive impact on your central nervous system, or CNS. In turn, Elavil helps to improve your mood, emotional state, quality of sleep, and the way that your body interprets and reacts to pain.
Though we don’t carry Elavil at Nurx™, we do offer generic antidepressants with similar uses and benefits, like Nortriptyline.


  • How Is Elavil Used?

    Elavil is a tablet that's typically taken between one and four times a day. You should take Elavil exactly how it's directed by your pharmacist or doctor and preferably at the same time(s) each day. Because Elavil can be sedating, most physicians recommend taking your dose at bedtime. Physicians usually start patients on a low dosage of Elavil and slowly increase it over time. Like with other antidepressants, it generally takes two to four weeks to feel the full benefits of this medication.

    Elavil should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, away from moisture, direct light, and extreme cold or heat. Because of this, it's wise to avoid storing this medication in the bathroom. If at any point you decide you'd like to stop taking Elavil, speak with your doctors so they can lower your dosage gradually over time. Abruptly stopping this medication could have adverse effects and cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

  • Is Elavil Easy to Get?

    Because Elavil is commonly prescribed as both an antidepressant and migraine-prevention medication, it is usually available at most pharmacies with approval from a doctor. Even though you can't get this specific brand at Nurx, you do have access to other generic antidepressants that effectively prevent and treat migraines. We make ordering easy; you don't even need insurance or a prescription from your general practitioner. Our physicians are here to make the process of getting the medications you need as painless and hassle-free as possible.

  • What Precautions Should I Take Before Using Elavil?

    As with any medication, you should consult with a doctor before taking Elavil. Let your physician and pharmacist know if you're allergic to amitriptyline, the active ingredient, or any other medications. It's best to inform your prescribing physician of any and all medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past, including prescription and nonprescription medications, herbal products, supplements, and vitamins, as they could negatively interact with Elavil.

    Because Elavil can be a sedative, it's best that you avoid driving a car or operating machinery until you have taken the medication for a few days and know how it affects you. Additionally, alcohol can compound the drowsiness often associated with this medication. Let your doctor know if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol before taking Elavil.

    Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking Elavil. Additionally, it's important that you do not breastfeed while taking this medication. Before undergoing any kind of surgical procedure, make sure that your doctor or dentist is aware that you are taking Elavil. Be sure to share your medical history with your physician, including if you have a history of:


    An enlarged prostate.

    Trouble urinating.


    An overactive thyroid gland.



    Kidney, liver, or heart disease.

    Bipolar disorder.

  • Are There Any Side Effects?

    Though a majority of people take Elavil without experiencing any issues, there are possible side effects associated with it, just like with any medication. Some of the more common side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, headache, and constipation. A few of the less common but more serious side effects are:

    Trouble speaking.

    Thoughts of self-harm.

    Tingling, burning, or pain in the hands or feet.


    Fatigue or weakness.

    Blurred vision.

    Changes in sexual ability or desire.


    Changes in weight or appetite.


    Low blood pressure.

    Fast or irregular heartbeats.

    Pain, redness, or swelling in and around the eye.


    Muscle cramps.


    Sweating excessively.


    Yellowing skin and/or eyes.

    It's important to note that this isn't a comprehensive list of possible side effects, so you may have an adverse reaction that isn't listed here. If you have a symptom that seems worrisome or unusual while taking this medication, like the ones listed above, seek medical help right away. Your physician or another healthcare professional can assess how serious the situation is and guide you through what you should do to address it.

  • Does Elavil Interact With Other Drugs?

    Like with other medications, Elavil can interact with other drugs, which is why it's so important to tell your doctor about other vitamins, supplements, and medications that you're taking. Most notably, you should not take a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within 14 days of taking Elavil because it can lead to serious complications, such as confusion, restlessness, high temperatures, high blood pressure, and convulsions. Taking this medication along with cisapride can also increase your chances of experiencing serious side effects.

    It's best to avoid consuming alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking Elavil because they can compound the sedative effect of the medication, causing intense drowsiness that lasts several days. Some examples of CNS depressants are:




    Prescription pain medicine.



    Sleeping medicine.


    Muscle relaxants.

    Seizure medication.

  • How Do I Get a Prescription for Elavil Through Nurx?

    We don't prescribe Elavil at Nurx, but we do carry other generic antidepressants that can also be used as migraine preventatives, such as Nortriptyline. Before prescribing any medications, we try to learn a bit more about your overall health and your struggle with headaches through an online assessment. After you complete the assessment, one of our physicians reviews your medical history and then develops a migraine treatment plan that's right for you.

  • Can I Buy This Drug Online Through Nurx?

    You can purchase medications just like Elavil online and have them shipped straight to your front door. We make getting treatment and medication simple, allowing you to avoid the hassle of a trip to the pharmacy. Once you take our online assessment and one of our providers reviews your medical history, you will receive a personalized treatment plan and a prescription.


    All of our orders are shipped for free through UPS using one to three-day priority shipping. After your prescription is filled at our pharmacy, you can expect to receive your medication within approximately three to five days.

  • Is There a Generic Version of Elavil?

    Yes, the generic version of Elavil is simply called Amitriptyline, named after the drug's active ingredient.

  • Who Makes This Drug?

    Elavil is manufactured and marketed by Sandoz.

  • Can Elavil Help Alleviate Pain?

    Elavil is often prescribed in lower doses to alleviate and prevent all kinds of pain, including nerve pain and migraine headaches.

  • Does Elavil Cause Dry Mouth?

    Dry mouth is a common side effect when Elavil is taken in doses greater than 40 mg.

  • Does Elavil Cause Weight Loss?

    In some cases, Elavil does lead to a loss of appetite that results in weight loss.

  • Can Elavil Help With Headaches?

    Elavil is often used to treat migraine headaches as well as chronic tension headaches.

  • Does Elavil Help With Sleep?

    Because Elavil can have a strong sedative effect, it is often prescribed to help those that struggle with insomnia.

  • Can Elavil Increase Heart Rate?

    In some cases, Elavil can cause QT prolongation, a condition that impacts a patient's heart rhythm.

  • How Does Nurx Work?


Back to top