What do you take with your Amitriptyline?

[JaniceB]

I'm in the NIDDK trial where they are studying Amitriptyline - I think I am on the real thing (vs placebo) as I have noticed a big improvement with my pain just in the last two days (only have been on it 4 days and only at 10mg) Quite an improvement from Monday when I was lying on the bathroom floor crying from the pain! Today I actually was able to scoop up my 2 year old and play with him and hug him - I haven't been able to do that for weeks.

Anyway, I was wondering what dr's usually prescribe with Amitriptyline. Since it seems like maybe it will help with the pain - but I still have the frequency issue . . I know everyone is different so I realize there is probably no one "right" combination to be on but I am curious to know, since it seems like most people take more than just the Amitriptyline for their IC.

Thanks,
Janice

[vm]

I was put on Detrol LA first, then we added Elavil, then Vistaril and then Elmiron. Then later on Lexapro was added for anxiety and depression - but it also helped my IC! :)

[SharonA]

Janice...Your story is much like mine. Before Amitriptyline (Elavil)...PAIN PAIN PAIN. The day after the first dose...RELIEF. I take 25mg in the early evening. It's been like that for 3 years, now. Most days I feel pretty darn good. Of course there is a bad day here and there, but mostly good days. Since you feel so much better now, you are probably getting the real thing. I am so happy for you and glad that it is working so well.

As far as the frequency question...I still go more than the "normal" person. I am so used to it that it really doesn't bother me that much. I just go when I have to go. I tried the usual meds (Ditropan, Detrol) but they both caused such bad retention that I stopped using them. Amitriptyline is my main med for IC pain.

[Iris]

Hi, I also am on Elavil and have been for three years now, it has really helped me so much. I was also put on Detrol for a while, but it did not help me at all. I now am on Elavil and Effexor, and pretty much lead a normal life. I do watch my diet and so far have been successful in keeping big flares away. I was on Pelvic Floor Therapy, that also was a big help to me. Iris. :flower:

[kadi]

When I started on Elavil, the first thing it did was calm the pain (didn't take it away, but reduced it), then the frequency reduced (for me, from 60+times a day down to about 15). I now also have heparin instillations and take a birth control pill continuously (to reduce menstrual flares), and take Ditropan at night.

I'm glad you're having success with the Elavil!

[emilyrose197377]

I am on elavil, atarax , pyruiduim and pain meds.

[ICPrincess]

Elavil (10 mg)
Calcium Citrate (1000 Mg Per Day HUGE help with burning)
Bendaryl (Instead of Atarax and usually towards the evening as it really helps me sleep)
Garlique
One A Day Cholesterol Formula
L'Arginine
Levothyroid (I have hypothyroidism so have to take this every day)
1/2 a Xanax at night which has been a godsend.

For break through pain and off the chart Flares:
1/2 Percocet
Pyridium

P.S. Awaiting Cysta Q from the ICN shopt to try so that I have something to help repair the bladder wall and heal things (Cystoprotek gave me bad headaches).

[gloriabono68]

Kadi what kind of birth control pill are u taking.........just curious?

kristi

[JaniceB]

IC Princess, if you don't mind, what is the Xanax used for?
Janice

[ICPrincess]

Xanax has been a lifesaver for me. My Urologist indicated that it has really helped many of his pateints with IC. I cannot believe how well it calms you down and sort of smooths out the bladder pain and spasming. It is also the med that really puts me to sleep at night. I was a nervous wreck when this thing first hit me. The pain was through the roof and I could not sleep. My heart would race and I had never felt that way before. I think this whole thing just scared the hell out of me (As you know, IC is an almost constant mind numbing pain). The Xanax acts like a salve on your nerves, your pain level and any anxiety or tension you may have. I tried Valium but I actually prefer Xanax (which is faster acting and stays in the system a much shorter time). It is also what literally gets me to sleep at night. I only take 1/2 at night and thats it, but that's all I need.

P.S. Xanax and Valium are known muscle relaxers (especially Valium).

[Pristine]

I'm just on Elmiron and Elavil and i take Aciphex to stop the bloating

[Morgana]

Ami (up to 50mg if I need it but currently 10mg) and Detrusitol...