Amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil^®) is a drug that is licensed to treat depression. This prescription medication is a type of tricyclic antidepressant and is thought to work by affecting certain chemicals in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine). Amitriptyline comes in the form of a tablet and is typically taken one to three times a day. A few of the common side effects seen with amitriptyline include dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion.