is it safe to take elavil

is it safe to take elavil while pregnant ?

[Dr Vinod]

Elavil is Amitriptyline and controlled use during pregnancy is required.

Amitriptyline has been shown to cross the placenta.  There have been a few reports of adverse events, including CNS effects, limb deformities, or developmental delay, in infants whose mothers had taken amitriptyline during pregnancy.There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Amitriptyline should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit to the mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

If you have no other choice then the recommended dose is :150 mg/day or 3 mg/kg/day for a 50 kg patient.
This is the same during breast feeding also.