Elavil is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Elavil affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced. Elavil is used to treat symptoms of depression. Elavil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. What is the most important information I should know about Elavil? Do not use Elavil if you are allergic to amitriptyline, or if you have recently had a heart attack. Do not use Elavil if you have taken cisapride (Propulsid) or used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment
