Should I allow my 14 yr old to take her perscription of amitriptyline ( elavil ) for head aches?

{This is a log list taken from the Drug search at top of this page. Please read and awear of problem that could arise}

Expand this post...

Important safety information:
Elavil may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Elavil . Using Elavil alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medicines that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking Elavil . Elavil will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
Elavil may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
Involuntary and uncontrollable movements may develop in patients taking Elavil . Occurrence is highest among the elderly, especially women. The risk of developing these involuntary movements and the likelihood they will become permanent are increased with long-term use and with high doses. However, it is possible to develop these symptoms after short-term use at low doses. Contact your health care provider at once if any of the following occur: involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, protrusion of tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), sometimes accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs.
Elavil may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other ultraviolet light (eg, tanning beds). Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing until tolerance is determined.
Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur.
Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Elavil may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Elavil closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
Diabetes patients - Elavil may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Elavil .
Use caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially lightheadedness upon standing; rapid heartbeat; breathing problems; difficult urination; and constipation.
PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Elavil has been shown to cause harm to the human fetus. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Elavil during pregnancy. Elavil is excreted in the breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Elavil .
Possible side effects of Elavil :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; change in sexual desire or ability; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; tiredness; trouble sleeping; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion; dark urine; delusions; difficulty speaking or swallowing; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; numbness or tingling in an arm or leg; one-sided weakness; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness or headache; severe or persistent trouble sleeping; slurred speech; suicidal thoughts or actions; tremor; trouble urinating; uncontrolled muscle movements (eg, of face, tongue, arms, legs); unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision problems; yellowing of the skin or eyes.