Description
Amitriptyline, sold under the brand name Elavil among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, a variety of pain syndromes such as neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, migraine and tension headaches. Due to the frequency and prominence of side effects, amitriptyline is generally considered a second-line therapy for these indications.
The usual starting dose of amitriptyline for depression in adults is 25 mg 3 times a day. The dose of amitriptyline is usually started low and increased slowly as prescribed by the doctor until the medication is at a dose that is appropriate and effective. After symptoms improve, the dose may be reduced to the lowest amount that will relieve symptoms. The usual maintenance dose of amitriptyline for adults ranges from 50 mg to 100 mg per day in divided doses. For some people, the daily dose can be given as a single dose, preferably at bedtime.
