Key takeaways
Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, while Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that primarily raises serotonin levels. Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, whereas Prozac is also approved for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, panic disorder, and depression from bipolar 1 disorder. Prozac is typically taken once daily, but it can also be taken weekly in a delayed-release form for depression, while amitriptyline is usually taken multiple times a day or once at bedtime. Common side effects of amitriptyline include sleepiness and weight gain, whereas Prozac may cause headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals.
