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Compare Elavil vs. Desyrel

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

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and trazodone (formerly branded as Desyrel) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, while trazodone is an atypical antidepressant known as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, whereas trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia. Amitriptyline can cause side effects like weight gain and sleepiness, and it has many interactions with other medications. Trazodone, on the other hand, is not a first-choice medication for depression and can cause side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and are not controlled substances.

  • Amitriptyline
    Trazodone
  • Amitriptyline
    Trazodone

  • Summary of Elavil vs. Desyrel

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.

    Summary for Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it isn't a first-choice option. In addition, trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This medication is taken by mouth, typically once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Brand name Desyrel has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Elavil vs. Desyrel

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Desyrel

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Available in many different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic form
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use
    •Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older
    Pros and Const for Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work within a week for treating depression
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for depression
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Desyrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 41%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 34%)
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (up to 28%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Blurred vision (up to 15%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (up to 13%)

  • Warnings of Elavil vs. Desyrel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke
    •Seizures
    •Glaucoma
    •Higher risk of falls
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Dizziness from lower blood pressure
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Desyrel

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Trazodone

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