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Elavil vs. Cafergot

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.

• Depression

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Weight gain

• 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

Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

• Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

• Nausea

• Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
• Fibrosis (scarring)
• Allergic reaction to yellow dye