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.