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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is It Safe To Elavil For Headache During Pregnancy?

HI i was just wondering if you find out your pregnant or have the symptoms of being pregnant and you were taking Elavil (25mg) for major headaches that you were carrying for 3 days straight, but only took the pill once, will there be any problems in the baby and its growth and health?
Fri, 24 Jul 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Elavil contains amitriptyline in composition. Amitriptyline falls under category C which means it can be used in pregnancy with caution only if benefits outweigh risks.
You have not mentioned about the duration of your pregnancy. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported in neonates whose mothers had taken tricyclic antidepressants during the last trimester of pregnancy. Cardiac problems, irritability, respiratory distress, muscle spasms, seizures, and urinary retention have been reported in infants whose mothers received tricyclic antidepressants immediately prior to delivery. Limb deformities and developmental delay have been reported in infants whose mothers had taken this drug during pregnancy.
If you are in early pregnancy and have taken this medication once, there would be no problem with the development of your fetus. You can continue your pregnancy and swich to another drug to treat your headache which is safe in pregnancy. If you are taking the drug chronically then there may be a withdrawal syndrome. So please contact with your health provider before stopping the drug.
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Is It Safe To Elavil For Headache During Pregnancy?

Elavil contains amitriptyline in composition. Amitriptyline falls under category C which means it can be used in pregnancy with caution only if benefits outweigh risks. You have not mentioned about the duration of your pregnancy. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported in neonates whose mothers had taken tricyclic antidepressants during the last trimester of pregnancy. Cardiac problems, irritability, respiratory distress, muscle spasms, seizures, and urinary retention have been reported in infants whose mothers received tricyclic antidepressants immediately prior to delivery. Limb deformities and developmental delay have been reported in infants whose mothers had taken this drug during pregnancy. If you are in early pregnancy and have taken this medication once, there would be no problem with the development of your fetus. You can continue your pregnancy and swich to another drug to treat your headache which is safe in pregnancy. If you are taking the drug chronically then there may be a withdrawal syndrome. So please contact with your health provider before stopping the drug.