I. Elavil Fact File
Elavil is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines in over 20 therapeutic categories.
II. Elavil Medication
Elavil medication is indicated for the relief of symptoms of depression. Endogenous depression is more likely to be alleviated than are other depressive states.
Elavil medication belongs to a class of tricyclic antidepressants.
Antidepressants: Elavil Information
Antidepressants (Elavil) are medication that relieve the symptoms of depression. They were first developed in the 1950s and have been used regularly since then. There are almost thirty different kinds of antidepressants available today and there are three main types:
- Tricyclics
- MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
- SNRIs (Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors)
Antidepressants (Elavil) work by altering the way in which certain chemicals work in our brains. These chemicals are made by our body and are called neuro-transmitters. They pass signals from one brain cell to another.
Some of the neurotransmitter systems, In depression, particularly those of Serotonin and Noradrenaline, do not seem to be working properly. We think that antidepressants work by increasing the activity of these chemicals in our brains.
After 3 months of proper treatment, the proportions of people with depression who will be much improved are 50% and 65% if given an antidepressant compared with 25 - 30% if given an inactive "dummy" pill, or placebo.
Depression: Information
More than 19 million Americans each year are affected with common Clinical depression. Unfortunately, only one-third of sufferers seek treatment even though the illness can be effectively treated in 80 percent of all cases. Although depression is a real medical illness, many people still mistakenly believe it is a personal weakness.
Symptoms of Depression
The symptoms of clinical depression can be different from person to person. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and the causes of depression can often be complex.
If a person have experiencing five (5) or more of the below symptoms for more than two (2) weeks, if suicide is a serious concern, or if the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with a daily routine -- see your doctor or qualified mental health professional.
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Sleeping too much or too little; middle-of-night or early-morning waking
- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
- Irritability, restlessness
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Causes of Depression
A single factor may be triggering the illness, For some people, a combination of many factors may be causing clinical depression. For others, Depression often is related to the following.
(A). Imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters -
Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or contribute to clinical depression.
(B). Certain diseases or illnesses -
Ailments such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and hormonal disorders can often trigger clinical depression. This is referred to as co-occurring depression.
(C). People with Negative thinking patterns -
People who are pessimistic, have low self-esteem, worry excessively, or feel they have little control over life events are more likely to develop clinical depression.
(D). Family history of depression -
A genetic history of clinical depression can increase one's risk for developing the illness. But depression also occurs in people who have had no family members with depression.
(E). Difficult life events -
Events such as the death of a loved one, divorce, financial strains, history of trauma, moving to a new location or significant loss can contribute to the onset of clinical depression.
(F). Certain medications -
Some medication can actually cause clinical depression. Therefore, it is important that people inform their doctors of all medications they are taking and report any depressive symptoms.
(G). Frequent and excessive alcohol consumption -
Drinking large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can sometimes lead to clinical depression. Excessive alcohol consumption is also sometimes a symptom of depression.
Side effects of Elavil (Antidepressants)
Side effects of Elavil commonly cause a dry mouth, a slight tremor, fast heartbeat, constipation, sleepiness, and weight gain. Particularly in older people, they may cause confusion, slowness in starting and stopping when passing water, faintness through low blood pressure, and falls. If you have heart trouble, it may be best not to take one of this group of antidepressants. Men may experience difficulty in getting or keeping an erection, or delayed ejaculation. Tricyclic antidepressants are dangerous in overdose.
Uses of Elavil (Antidepressants)
- Moderate to severe depressive illness (Not mild depression)
- Severe anxiety and panic attacks
- Obsessive compulsive disorders
- Chronic pain
- Eating disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
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III. Useful links
Government http://www.cdc.gov/
http://www.fda.gov/
http://www.fda.gov/cder/ogd/
http://www.nih.gov/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/
National Library of Medicine
World Health Organization
Health Sites
http://www.mayoclinic.com/index.cfm
MedicineNet.com
Drugdigest.org
Healthsquare.com
http://www.redoakpsychiatry.com/medications/Elavil.html
http://www.merck.com/product
http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-e01.html
http://www.depression-screening.org/symptoms/symptoms.htm
Pharmacy sites
http://www.roche.com/home/company/com_hist.htm
http://www.healthdigest.org/Bactrim-DS(Oral)_2006_PRO.php
http://www.hsforum.com/stories/storyReader$1509
http://www.hsforum.com/stories/storyReader$1516
http://www.hsforum.com/stories/storyReader$1504
http://www.people.vcu.edu/~urdesai/atc.htm#Process%20of%20clotting
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