What Is Amitriptyline and How Does It Work? Amitriptyline is a prescription medication used to treat mental/mood problems such as Depression. Amitriptyline is available under the following different brand names: Elavil, Levate Amitriptyline Tablets Amitriptyline is a medication that treats depression. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. These hormones help regulate your mood. Brand names for this medication include Elavil® and Vanatrip®. Find out how amitriptyline treats pain and prevents migraine and how to take it. NHS medicines information on amitriptyline – what it's used for, side effects, dosage and who can take it. Amitriptyline may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these adverse effects, tell your doctor right away. Amitriptyline belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is commonly used to help ease certain types of nerve pain, and also to help prevent migraines. It can also be used to help children with bedwetting problems. Amitriptyline is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, neuropathic pain, and for the prevention of migraine and chronic tension headache. It can be used for the treatment of nocturnal enuresis in children older than 6 after other treatments have failed. [11] Detailed Amitriptyline dosage information for adults, the elderly and children. Includes dosages for Depression; plus renal, liver and dialysis adjustments. Why is this medication prescribed? Amitriptyline is used to treat symptoms of depression. Amitriptyline is in a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance. Find patient medical information for Amitriptyline (Amitid, Elavil, Endep) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and, off-label, conditions like insomnia, anxiety, migraines, and chronic pain.