What is another name for amitriptyline?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

First approved by the FDA in 1961, amitriptyline is one of the oldest and most widely recognized tricyclic antidepressants. If you're asking, "What is another name for amitriptyline?", you are likely looking for its brand names, which include Elavil, Endep, and Vanatrip.

Quick Summary

Amitriptyline is known by several brand names, such as the now-discontinued Elavil and Endep, and is a generic tricyclic antidepressant used for depression, pain, and migraine prevention.

Key Points

Brand Names: Common former brand names for amitriptyline include Elavil®, Endep®, Vanatrip®, and Amitid®, though Elavil and Endep have been discontinued.
Generic vs. Brand: While the brand names may be well-known, the medication is currently available as the generic amitriptyline, which is therapeutically equivalent and often more affordable.
Class of Drug: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, though it is no longer a first-line treatment for depression.
Diverse Uses: Besides its FDA-approved use for depression, amitriptyline is widely used off-label for treating chronic neuropathic pain, preventing migraines, and managing certain cases of insomnia.
Side Effect Profile: Amitriptyline has a notable side-effect profile, including sedation, dry mouth, and weight gain, and carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts in young adults.
Cardiac Risks: Patients with certain heart conditions or those receiving high doses are at risk for cardiac side effects, and caution is advised for the elderly.
Active Metabolite: Amitriptyline is metabolized to nortriptyline, which has a different side-effect profile and is sometimes preferred for better tolerability, especially in older patients.

Understanding Amitriptyline's Generic and Brand Names

Amitriptyline is the generic name for a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). While the generic name is universally recognized for the drug's active ingredient, it was historically marketed and sold under several brand names. The most well-known of these, and the most common answer to the question "What is another name for amitriptyline?", are Elavil® and Endep®. However, it is important to note that these specific brand-name formulations have been discontinued by the FDA, though the generic version remains widely available. Other brand names that have existed include Vanatrip® and Amitid®.

For patients and healthcare providers, understanding the difference between the generic and brand names is crucial. While the brand names may be more familiar due to historical marketing, the generic version is chemically identical and offers the same therapeutic effects. The generic version is also typically more affordable, making it a more accessible option for many patients.

The Pharmacology of Amitriptyline

As a tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline's primary mechanism of action is to increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system by blocking their reuptake into presynaptic nerve terminals. This action helps to regulate mood, modulate pain signals, and influence other neurological functions. In addition to its effect on serotonin and norepinephrine, amitriptyline also has a complex pharmacological profile that includes:

Blocking histamine (H1) receptors, which contributes to its sedative effects.
Blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation.
Antagonizing alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which can cause orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing).

It's this broad range of receptor interactions that classifies amitriptyline as a "dirty drug," meaning it affects multiple neurotransmitter systems rather than being highly selective like newer antidepressants. This characteristic is responsible for both its wide-ranging therapeutic uses and its more pronounced side effect profile.

Common Uses and Indications

While originally developed for depression, amitriptyline is also prescribed for several other conditions, often at lower doses than those used for mood disorders.

FDA-Approved Use

Major Depressive Disorder: Amitriptyline is FDA-approved for treating depression in adults. It is most effective for endogenous and psychotic depression. It can take several weeks for its full antidepressant effects to be realized.

Off-Label Uses

Chronic Pain Syndromes: Amitriptyline is frequently prescribed for chronic neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Its analgesic effects occur at lower doses than those required for depression.
Migraine Prevention: It is an effective prophylactic treatment for migraines and chronic tension-type headaches.
Insomnia: Due to its sedative properties, amitriptyline is sometimes used off-label to help with sleep, though newer agents with better side-effect profiles are now preferred.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Low doses can help manage symptoms, particularly in diarrhea-predominant IBS.

Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Despite its effectiveness, amitriptyline's broad pharmacological action means it has a number of potential side effects, some of which are serious.

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness or sedation
Dry mouth
Constipation
Dizziness
Weight gain
Blurred vision
Urinary retention

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Suicidal Thoughts: The FDA has issued a boxed warning for antidepressants, including amitriptyline, concerning an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults under 24.
Cardiac Issues: Amitriptyline can cause heart rhythm abnormalities, tachycardia, and changes in conduction time, especially at high doses. It is contraindicated in patients with a recent myocardial infarction or heart block.
Glaucoma: The anticholinergic effects can trigger an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack in susceptible individuals.
Tardive Dyskinesia: A rare but severe muscle control problem can occur, especially in older adults.
Drug Interactions: Amitriptyline can interact dangerously with other medications, including MAO inhibitors, SSRIs, and other CNS depressants.

Amitriptyline vs. Nortriptyline: A Comparison

Amitriptyline is metabolized in the body to its active metabolite, nortriptyline. While the two drugs share similarities as TCAs, they have different pharmacological profiles that can affect their side effect potential. Nortriptyline is known to have a more favorable side-effect profile, particularly less sedation and fewer anticholinergic effects.


Feature	Amitriptyline	Nortriptyline
Mechanism of Action	Inhibits reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.	Primarily inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine.
Sedation	Significantly more sedating due to potent H1-receptor blockade.	Less sedating.
Anticholinergic Effects	Strong anticholinergic properties (dry mouth, blurred vision).	Milder anticholinergic effects.
Use in Elderly	Appears on the Beers list; generally avoided due to higher risk of side effects.	Often preferred in elderly patients due to better tolerability.
Clinical Use	Broad range for depression, pain, and migraine.	Effective for similar conditions, but often used when amitriptyline side effects are intolerable.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "What is another name for amitriptyline?", the most common former brand names are Elavil® and Endep®, along with others like Vanatrip®. While these specific brand products are no longer available, the generic medication amitriptyline is still a valuable and effective treatment option for a range of conditions, including depression, chronic pain, and migraines. As an older tricyclic antidepressant, its broad mechanism of action gives it diverse uses but also results in a wider side-effect profile compared to newer drugs. Patients should always discuss the benefits and risks with their healthcare provider to determine if amitriptyline is the right choice for their specific medical needs, especially considering the availability of alternatives like its metabolite, nortriptyline, which may offer better tolerability for some.

For more detailed pharmacological information, consult authoritative medical resources such as the National Center for Biotechnology Information's StatPearls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amitriptyline is the generic name for the medication, while Elavil was a brand name under which it was formerly sold. Elavil has been discontinued, but the generic version, amitriptyline, is still available.

Amitriptyline is an older tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) with a broader and more pronounced side-effect profile than newer antidepressants, such as SSRIs, which are generally better tolerated by patients.

Yes, amitriptyline is commonly used off-label to treat various types of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, often at lower doses than those used for depression.

Yes, weight gain is a common side effect associated with amitriptyline, which is believed to be caused by its effect on histamine receptors, leading to an increased appetite.

Amitriptyline is not considered addictive or habit-forming like some pain medications. However, abruptly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms, so it should be tapered off under a doctor's supervision.

Individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid amitriptyline, including those with a recent heart attack, heart arrhythmias, or a history of angle-closure glaucoma. It should be used with caution in the elderly and in conjunction with other CNS depressants.

While the antidepressant effects can take weeks, the pain-relieving effects of amitriptyline may begin within the first few weeks, though it can take up to six weeks to feel the full benefit for chronic pain.