How does Amitriptyline hydrochloride (generic Elavil) treat?
Amitriptyline hydrochloride (generic Elavil) contains the active ingredient amitriptyline hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). There may be a decreased amount of the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin released from nerve cells in the brain when a depression occurs. When these chemicals are released from nerve cells they act to lighten mood. When they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood. Amitriptyline hydrochloride (generic Elavil) exhibits its mechanism of action by inhibiting the re-absorption of noradrenaline and serotonin back into the nerve cells. Thereby Amitriptyline hydrochloride (generic Elavil) helps prolong the mood-lightening effect of any released noradrenaline and serotonin. This helps relieve depression. The full benefits of treatment with Amitriptyline hydrochloride (generic Elavil) may not occur for two to four weeks.
