elavil, tofranil, and retention

[s@ssy]

I took Tofranil 10mg a few months ago for just 3 days, and had horrible bladder burning and retention, so I stopped. That was before diagnosis.
Now my doc (different uro) has prescribed Elavil 25mg. I am concerned about possible retention with Elavil, since it is in the same class as Tofranil. Also concerned about heart palpitations. Any thoughts on if Elavil will have the same side effects as the Tofranil?

[SharonA]

First off, I want to say :welcome: to the ICN. :)

I do not know anything about Tofranil but I do take Elavil 25mg. I have been on this med for going on four years. I have not noticed any retention from it. The only side effect I seem to have is weight gain. I have gained about 20 pounds since the beginning. I had horrible bladder pain before Elavil. Now, I feel pretty good most of the time. I still have a few flares once in a while, but they are no where as bad as before and they only last a few hours. My good days far out number my bad ones. I will take these 20 pounds in trade for the amount of relief I get from Elavil at any time. I say it's a good exchange even though I am always trying to get rid of the extra pounds. :)

[Briza]

I am not familiar with Trofanil, but have had success with Elavil. I haven't experienced any weight gain or retention. Others do experience weight gain. Elavil has helped me with pain and helps me sleep through the night without trips to the bathroom. I take 10 mg at night. From what I've read, that seems to be the most commonly prescribed dosage to start with.

[ISONormal]

I had very quick pain relief with Elavil, but horrible urinary retention. I had to go to the bathroom but it just wouldn't work! It was awful. I had a similar but lesser problem with another tricyclic (Pamelor). So I very recently asked to try an SNRI, which is like the tricyclics but without the retention side effect. I'm still at only two pills a day and there is a little less pain, but the whole effect has yet to occur. I'm working my way up to four pills a day. I would be interested to hear how things go with you, and wish you good luck.