Colonoscopy Results - SIDE EFFECTS NOT GOOD

[Queen of Poop]

I started taking amitriptyline about 3 months ago. I had two problems that it has done wonders for. I have been taking Neurontin for several neuropathic issues created by my Chemo and Radiation. I had maxed out on the Neutontin I could take, and the dose I was taking made me a stumble Bum. I couldn't walk anywhere without running into things. I researched and found amitriptyline was good for neuropathic pain. I got my primary to write a prescription for 50 mg that I started out taking 1/2 tablet at bedtime. I later went to the full tablet.

So far this drug has been a Godsend, since my pain levels are very manageble except in low pressure weather. I am sleeping all night for the first time in 5 years. A lot of nights I was up at 2 am soaking in the tub to ease my leg and foot pain. Also for the first time I have a normal stool now. Since I also had IBS I had lose stools or no stools for 5 years.

The only side effect I have seen so far is I have a little more dry mouth. It was worst in the beginning but is getting better and I'm not as dry. I have kept biotene gum in my mouth for 5 years to help diminish the effects of not having much saliva.

I have read a lot of horror stories on this drug and also heard a lot of good things about it also. It is working for me so I am staying with it until something happens that prevents me from taking it. I actually got 3 benefits from one very cheap drug. I say give it a try.

Thanks for the good report. I am so glad it is working for you. I just wanted to clarify, your pills are 50 mg each? I've been prescribed 10 mg.

[Grace]

I took amitriptyline (same dose as you - 10mg) many years back. It was to relieve neuropathy brought on by a severe ankle fracture.

It was the only drug that did give me any relief. However, after a few months I started having extremely vivid dreams that eventually turned into night terrors. So I stopped.

See how it works for you. There isn't a drug out there that doesn't cause some sort of side effect in someone.

[Catty1]

My sister was on this to control bladder spasms. Perhaps something similar happens in IBS? And others here have mentioned it helps with pain, so maybe that will help also.

10mg strikes me as a pretty low dose, so it might feel all right.

I was on it MANY years ago for depression (this was before SSRIs) and it was okay. My head was calm, but slightly spacy (no more than usual I guess! ) and the dry mouth I don't remember.

It's good to talk to your pharmacist...and glad your test results weren't dire.

HUGS

[kokopup]

Queen of poop

Thanks for the good report. I am so glad it is working for you. I just wanted to clarify, your pills are 50 mg each? I've been prescribed 10 mg.

__________________

Yes, I am now on 50 mg and started on 25. It looks like you are on a minimum dose. I hope you take it at bed time. If I am very late taking mine at night then I find I am sleepy after I get up. When I take it just before getting in bed I sleep very well and wake up refreshed. I have not had any nite horror type dreams, although I did have a disturbing dream that involved my ex-wife. I guess that is just a bad dream. I don't guess I have had any extreme horror type dream because I avoid that type of movie. Movies Jason like I avoid, I like suspense that has LOGIC not the type that defies all the laws of physic.

[Grace]

I don't guess I have had any extreme horror type dream because I avoid that type of movie. Movies Jason like I avoid, I like suspense that has LOGIC not the type that defies all the laws of physic.

I also avoid horror movies. I think the last one I saw was House of Wax, back in 1953

I did speak with a co-worker who was also on Elavil, and had a similar experience with vivid dreams. However, hers never progressed to the terror mode.

[kokopup]

Vivid is ok, I think I have the preset on my projector set to Vivid. Unless I start
having some real bad side effects I am staying on the elavil. Before I started on it I was a zombie most of the time from lack of sleep caused by pain. I am actually motivated to do things that a month ago was just not possible.

Queen of Poop, I hope the Elavil gives you the relief that you need. I will be sending my mail info to you since you are the name ahead of me for the PT Book.

[carole]

I also have had IBS for many years about 15 or so, and never did anything to treat it, just lived with it miserably, however i found when i went on Weight Watchers, it made a big difference, you really have to know what your triggers are, if i get stressed or nervous still can happen, but diet wise,i hardly ever get it due to that, only had two bouts in one year so far, and i put that down to my low fat and healthier diet.

However i did get prescribed a drug called gastrosoothe old name is buscopan (sp) this was for diverticulitis, and i read on the internet it is used widely for IBS, i take this when traveling and so far have found it wonderful, i think it could be a bit of mind over matter, as when i take it i feel secure in knowing i won't get IBS whilst traveling, and it seems to work for me.

As for Amitriptilene, i can only give you my experience, this drug was a complete nightmare for me, i was given a very low dosage, and i am very sensitive to drugs,for my fibromyalgia, i could not tolerate this drug at all, i was a complete zombie and i found the side effects worse than the treatment, however keep in mind this is me, not necessarily going to affect you the same way.