Alt Eleveated

After being on Elavil 10 Mgs a day for 4 mos, my Alt level jumped up to 102, afer removing elavil after 2 weeks it lowered to 60, and now after being off of it a month it is only to 57, I have had Hepatitis Blood work all came back negative, Sono gram came back negative.  All other blood work is normal.  The Doctors have said that normal is 40 and that as long as I don't spike back to the 100's this is a non issue for them. They will just continue to monitor.  Could this still be from the  Elavil or could it be something else.  I am an ocasional alcohol user. 47 years old 185 pounds,  I get a lot of stomach gas when I eat.

Any way what do our think?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have undergone a pretty good initial evaluation for the elevated ALT.  With a normal hepatitis screen and ultrasound, many of the major liver disorders may be present.  

Alcohol can certainly play a role - you can recheck the liver function after a period of abstinence.

It is also possible that the Elavil could be playing a role - as evidenced by the improvement of the ALT after stopping the medication.  

A liver biopsy would be the next step, however the levels aren't quite elevated enough to warrant this procedure.

You can discuss these options with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com