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Compare Elavil vs. Amoxapine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and amoxapine (formerly branded as asendin) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) used to treat depression, but they have some key differences. Amitriptyline, available as a generic, is also used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. It can cause side effects like sleepiness and weight gain, and it interacts with many other medications. Amoxapine, also available as a generic, is used for depression that comes with anxiety or agitation. It might work faster than amitriptyline but has a higher risk of side effects, including drowsiness and dry mouth. Unlike amitriptyline, amoxapine can cause a movement condition called tardive dyskinesia and a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in people under 24.

  • Amitriptyline
    Amoxapine
  • Amitriptyline
    Amoxapine

  • Summary of Elavil vs. Amoxapine

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is also known by the old brand name Elavil. It's a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that's approved to treat depression. But it's not used as often today for depression because it can cause a lot of side effects, like sleepiness and weight gain. It also has many drug interactions. Even so, amitriptyline is often used off label for other reasons, like nerve pain from diabetes and to help prevent migraines. Amitriptyline comes as a generic tablet that you take by mouth. The brand name Elavil is no longer available.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amoxapine is an antidepressant that's used for people who have both depression and anxiety. But, it's not a first-choice option because it has a higher risk of side effects. Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurry vision are the most common side effects of amoxapine. The brand name Asendin is no longer sold in the United States, but it's still available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Elavil vs. Amoxapine

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Depression that comes along with anxiety or agitation

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Amoxapine

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Can start to work within 2 to 4 weeks
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects, like dry mouth and sleepiness, and drug interactions
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, trouble urinating, or glaucoma or older adults
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Doses up to 300 mg can be taken once a day.
    •Might work faster than similar medications like amitriptyline or imipramine
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Causes a lot of side effects
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults
    •Not a good option for people with a history of seizures

  • Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Amoxapine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (14%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Constipation (12%)
    •Blurred vision (7%)

  • Warnings of Elavil vs. Amoxapine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Low sodium levels
    •Risk of seizure
    •Angle-closure glaucoma in certain people
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Possible bipolar disorder
    •Eye problems
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

  • Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Amoxapine

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Amoxapine

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