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Compare Elavil vs. Propranolol

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

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (generic, formerly branded as Elavil) and propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat depression, though it is also used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. On the other hand, propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used to manage high blood pressure, chronic chest pain, migraines, and other heart-related conditions. It works by slowing down the heart rate and relaxing blood vessels. Amitriptyline can cause side effects like sleepiness and weight gain, while propranolol commonly causes dizziness, tiredness, and weakness. Additionally, propranolol is sometimes used off-label for performance anxiety, whereas amitriptyline is used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Amitriptyline
    Propranolol
  • Amitriptyline
    Propranolol

  • Summary of Elavil vs. Propranolol

    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 Beta blocker
    Prescription only

    Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.

  • Indications of Elavil vs. Propranolol

    Indications for
    •Depression
    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    •Chronic chest pain
    •Migraine
    •Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis
    •Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)
    •Heart protection after a heart attack
    •Tremors
    •Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)

  • Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Propranolol

    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 Beta blocker
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day
    •Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills
    •Available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions
    •Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment
    •Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacks

  • Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Propranolol

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Weakness
    •Fatigue
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Weight gain
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Tiredness
    •Feeling weak

  • Warnings of Elavil vs. Propranolol

    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 of chest pain or heart attack
    •Higher risk or worsening of heart failure
    •Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar
    •Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid
    •Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Greater risk during surgery

  • Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Propranolol

    Learn more about Amitriptyline
    Learn more about Propranolol

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