Elavil is an FDA approved prescription only treatment that is administered to patients who have mental or mood problems or are depressed. When taken, Elavil tablets relieve depression symptoms including feelings of sadness, guilt, tiredness, insomnia or oversleeping, and suicidal thoughts. Amitriptyline, the active ingredient in this drug has received good news coverage on account of its positive benefits; it is also a hot topic of discussion in many depression related forums.