Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Elavil
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Elavil vs. Valium [posted
12/02/98]
Question: I have been taking valium as a muscle relaxant for
myofacial pain syndrome, as I am allergic to all other muscle relaxants. My physician
wants to change me to elavil, will this have the same effect? I am not depressed,
and do take a pain med. hydrocodone. I am not sure if this is a good idea to change
to, I understand that Valium is not in the same class, but will this elavil work in a
similar way?
Answer: Elavil is an antidepressant used to enhance Stage IV
sleep. This is a common disorder in myofascial pain syndromes and a standard treatment.
Valium belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and works very differently. You can
use both at the risk of sedation. Avoid Narcotics if you can in this syndrome. They may be
necessary;but, are addicting(so is Valium by the way) Elavil is not.
Elavil & Serotonin Levels [posted
11/24/98]
Question: What is the relationship between tryptophan levels and seratonin levels
in obese patients with red meat diets versus those with white diets, specifically fowl not
pork, and does elavil correct these levels?
Answer: Elavil clearly elevates serotonin levels. I really don’t know
about tryptophan levels. However, levels can be checked pre and post medication.
Why Does Elavil Cause a Sweet Tooth
[posted 11/11/98]
Question: Why does Elavil cause patients to have a Sweet Tooth? It also causes
weight gain? use. Why is that? What part of its composition does this?
Answer: It seems to have some effect on the “hunger center” in the
brain, exactly what it is isn’t clear;but, appears to center around serotonin.
Elavil General Information
[posted 10/9/98]
Question: please tell me the do’s and don’t with this new pill called elavil
Answer: Elavil belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclics. They are effective
for depression and pain control. Elavil is relatively sedating which can limit it
usefulness. It takes about 3 weeks or longer for the antidepressant effect to begin, you
will also experience a dry mouth and constipation. This pill can be very toxic in high
doses and can cause cardiac arrthymias if not monitored correctly.
Elavil [posted 7/21/98]
Question: I’ve been prescribed Elavil for chronic pain and have been concerned
about the long term side effects. Is there anything to worry about, or is this drug pretty
safe?
Answer: Not habit forming if that is what you mean. It does produce sedation and
can produce cardiac irregularities in some. You should have an EKG done from time to time.
However, the doses used for chronic pain are usually smaller than for depression and less
likely to cause the cardiac problem. Long term appears to be similar safety to short term.
That is, no extra problems to be concerned about.
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