The client receiving Elavil (amitriptyline HCL) should be given which of the following instructions?

The client receiving Elavil (amitriptyline HCL) should be given which of the following instructions?

• A. Appearance of blue-green urine is normal.
• B. Antidepressant effects should be seen within 2 days.
• C. Take medication on an empty stomach.
• D. No sedation effects should be evident.

Answer: (A)

With amitriptyline, a color change in urine to blue-green can occur and is harmless. Instruct the client that this change is normal and does not signal a problem or a need to stop the medication. Antidepressant effects take time to develop—usually several weeks—not within the first few days, so expecting a mood boost in two days isn’t accurate. Taking amitriptyline on an empty stomach isn’t a standard recommendation and can increase GI upset for some patients, so it’s generally advised to take it with or after meals if needed. Sedation is a common early effect, so clients should be cautious with activities requiring alertness until they know how the drug affects them.

With amitriptyline, a color change in urine to blue-green can occur and is harmless. Instruct the client that this change is normal and does not signal a problem or a need to stop the medication.

Antidepressant effects take time to develop—usually several weeks—not within the first few days, so expecting a mood boost in two days isn’t accurate. Taking amitriptyline on an empty stomach isn’t a standard recommendation and can increase GI upset for some patients, so it’s generally advised to take it with or after meals if needed. Sedation is a common early effect, so clients should be cautious with activities requiring alertness until they know how the drug affects them.