Amitriptyline? Amitriptyline HCI is a common misspelling and variation of amitriptyline.
Amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil®) is a prescription drug licensed for the treatment of depression. This medication is also used "off-label" to treat a number of conditions, including ADHD, bulimia, and fibromyalgia.
While it is not entirely clear how amitriptyline works, it is known to affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. This drug comes in a tablet form that is usually taken one to three times a day, and may be taken with or without food. Seek medical attention immediately if you happen to overdose on amitriptyline.
A few of the conditions you should let your healthcare provider know about before taking this drug include schizophrenia, severe anxiety or agitation, diabetes, and heart problems (including heart disease).
(Click Amitriptyline for the full eMedTV article, which provides detailed information about other uses for this medication, potential side effects, overdose symptoms, and general dosing guidelines. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)