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Elavil vs. Imitrex

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

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

• Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

• Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
• Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
• Fatigue (2-3%)

• Heart problems and high blood pressure
• Stroke or other brain injury
• Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
• Serotonin syndrome
• Allergic reactions
• Seizures