Anti depressants - Im about to start using..
#297250 - 01/19/07 06:48 AM
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Devan
Reged: 02/14/06
Posts: 4
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Hi
Im about to start on the anti depressant Amitryptilline 5mg/day. This is after 5 years of IBS which has never really got better despite having seen dieticians, doctors specialists, acupuncture, exclusion diets etc etc!
Does anyone have any experience of using these drugs? Im in UK, so maybe most of you wont recognise the one ive been prescribed. Ive heard about drowsyness, constipation and stuff.
ALthough Im really hopeful they will help, does anyone have any advice on this?
Thanks!
D
IBS-D...although sometimes IBS-C!
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Good Morning Devan,
My GI Dr prescribed Amitriptyline 5mg/day for pain management. I took it for 2 months and did not notice a difference. I am IBS-C and Amitriptyline can be constipating. I stopped taking it, but everyone is different. I think some people on the boards have taken it with success. Good Luck.
Snookie, IBS-C
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Snookie, IBS-C
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Hi Devan,
I live in the UK too. I have had IBS for 30 years, but only given an 'official' diagnosis recently. I was prescribed amtriptyline 10mg daily for pain, which I started two weeks ago. I don't really understand why the gastro dr prescribed it for me, as I am IBS-C. Yes, I found it very constipating the first week, which was disappointing as I'd got myself regular using Acacia and the EFI diet. I have had to increase my Acacia (I now take 3 and a half tablespoons daily, in three doses)and also my IF.
As for pain relief - difficult to say, as although I had a couple of pain-free days, I am now in the second half of my menstrual cycle, and my IBS always flares during these two weeks anyway - and sure enough, the familiar bowel pains are back today as bad as ever. (I also suspect I have endometrosis on my bowel, but both my GP and the gastro dr didn't pursue this). I will let you know if the next two weeks are not as bad as they usually are, IBS wise.
Like you, I had concerns about drowsiness, as I don't take medicines if I can help it, so when I do, they tend to affect me alot. The first few days, I felt very drowsy about half an hour after taking the tablet, and a bit spacey the next morning. I am a bit better next day now, but if I am already tired, I have to go straight to bed, as I cannot stop myself falling asleep. As I have to get up early for work, I take my tablet mid-evening, but this is not always possible. I also find that although I sleep well, I dream alot!
I don't know if this is your experience, but I don't think doctors over here are as clued-up about IBS as they seem to be in the States. I went back to my GP and pushed for an official diagnosis because my IBS was worsening (I think, due to hormonal changes - I am 46) and I wanted other stuff ruled out. Well, it was - but his attitude was - 'you probably know more about IBS than I do'.Like you, I've seen nutritionists etc. over the years in the hope of some relief.
I have been told to take the amitriptyline for 6 months, then review it with the gastro dr. How long have you been told to take it? I am concerned because, even if it works, it is only a short-term help. I don't want to be on it forever.
Please let me know how you get on with it.
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Hi there. I have been on Elavil (Amitryptilline) for at least 4 months. I take 20mgs a night. I do not experience any side effects and I think the combination of medication, and diet management help me greatly. I hope you will experience some relief by using the medication. Good luck.
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I've been using amitriptyline for almost a year now for pain management (from IBS and lupus). I am mostly IBS-D, although I do get C at times. I also started at 5 mg each night, for about a month or two, and then went up to 10 mg. It's really helped, in combination with Heather's diet, and with very few side effects (just feeling slightly groggy when I wake up in the morning). I haven't experienced serious constipation, but I have noticed things slow down. I still have a bm everyday, but it's normal now - not D. I am also able to incorporate a bit more IF, so this should help with any constipation you may experience.
Please know that such a low dose of amitriptyline will not affect your mood or cause weight gain; according to my doctors, you would need to take at least 10 times the amount I currently take to experience weight gain or mood changes.
Good luck with this medication! 
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I've been taking 25mg of Elavil since just before Christmas. I used to alternate between D and C, now I am mostly C, but the pain is completely gone. It took a couple weeks to kick in, but now I am so thankful to have this medicine. I don't care if I have to take this for the rest of my life, this medicine has changed my life!!!!
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