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Generic Amitriptyline

The depression medicine amitriptyline is currently available only as a generic; Elavil, the brand name version of amitriptyline that was first manufactured, is no longer made. Generic amitriptyline is sold in a variety of strengths, ranging from amitriptyline 10 mg to amitriptyline 150 mg. The FDA has assigned generic amitriptyline an "AB" rating, meaning the generic version of the drug should be equivalent to the brand name medication.

 

Generic for Amitriptyline: An Overview

Amitriptyline hydrochloride (Elavil®) is a prescription medication that has been licensed to treat depression. Amitriptyline is part of a class of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants.
 
Amitriptyline was first manufactured under the brand name Elavil. This brand of amitriptyline was manufactured by Merck & Co. However, it has since come off patent and is available as a generic. In fact, brand name Elavil is no longer available.
 

Strengths of Generic Amitriptyline

Generic amitriptyline tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Amitriptyline 10 mg
  • Amitriptyline 25 mg
  • Amitriptyline 50 mg
  • Amitriptyline 75 mg
  • Amitriptyline 100 mg
  • Amitriptyline 150 mg.
     

Who Makes Generic Amitriptyline?

Generic amitriptyline is made by several manufacturers. Some of these manufacturers include:
 
  • Mylan Pharmaceuticals
  • Sandoz
  • Mutual Pharmaceuticals
  • Pliva.
     
You can talk with your pharmacist for more information about other companies that make a generic amitriptyline.
 

Is Generic Amitriptyline as Good as Elavil?

Because brand name Elavil is no longer manufactured, generic amitriptyline is the only choice.
 All generic medications must have certain tests to compare them to brand name medications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then looks at these tests to decide if the generic medications are equivalent to the brand name medications, and assigns each generic medication a rating. An "AB" rating means that the FDA has determined that a generic medication is equivalent to a brand name medication. All of the generic versions of amitriptyline that are currently available have an "AB" rating, meaning they should be equivalent to Elavil.
 
However, generic medications are allowed to have different inactive ingredients than the brand name medication. These inactive ingredients might include fillers, dyes, or other ingredients that may cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivities.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;