Elavil Side Effects

While most people tolerate Elavil well, it is still possible for side effects to occur. Common side effects of Elavil include hair loss, weight gain, and erectile dysfunction. In many cases, these side effects are minor and easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. If you experience more serious side effects (such as suicidal thoughts or an allergic reaction), contact your healthcare provider immediately.
 

An Introduction to Elavil Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Elavil® (amitriptyline hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes the medicine will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If people do develop side effects, in many cases, they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Elavil. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 

Side Effects of Elavil to Report

There are a number of less common, but more serious side effects with Elavil that you should report to your healthcare provider.
 These include but are not limited to:
 
  • A heart attack or stroke
  • Changes in heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
  • Fast heart rate (tachycardia) or feelings of a rapidly or forcefully beating heart (palpitations)
  • Seizures
  • Confusion, delusions, or hallucinations
  • Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
 
    • An unexplained rash
    • Hives
    • Itching
    • Unexplained swelling
    • Wheezing
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
 
  • Any breast changes, including breast enlargement or breast discharge
  • Swelling of the testicles
  • Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior (see Amitriptyline and Suicide)
  • Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks.
 
(Elavil Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;