A healthcare provider may prescribe amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil^®) to treat depression. This medication is a type of tricyclic antidepressant; it may work by allowing certain chemicals (including serotonin and norepinephrine) to stay in the brain longer. Amitriptyline comes in tablet form and is typically taken one to three times daily. Your healthcare provider will determine your amitriptyline dosage based on several factors, such as your age, the medical condition being treated, other medical conditions you have, and other medications you are taking.