Take Elavil exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking Elavil. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time Do not stop using Elavil without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Stopping this medication suddenly could cause you to have unpleasant side effects. It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment. Store Elavil at room temperature away from moisture and heat.