Amitriptyline and Elmiron ???

[Unique13_]

Hi everyone, I’m new to the ICN board but not new to IC. I’ve been suffering for more then 6 years.

Quick question, is anyone on Amitriptyline and Elmiron? :loco:

I’ve pretty much do my own research with interstitial cystitis and then make suggestions to my doctor. I’m currently on 20mg of Amitriptyline and I’m having great results with nighttime relief but it seems that during the day it only lasts until about 3pm then I start having pain again. I was going to suggest maybe going back on Elmiron again for the daytime relief. I was on Elmiron before got some relief with it but not enough to have it as my only med.

Thanks for listening!!

[vm]

A lot of us find that one med in isolation doesn't provide all the relief we need. I am on 5 meds (I know - sounds awful, but seems routine now...) and they ALL in combination help take my symptoms away. You might try going back on Elmiron - since it helped a little bit. How long were you on it? Over time, for those of us it helps, it seems to help more and more. Each year on it I feel better and go longer between flare ups.

[Unique13_]

Thanks Kim for your feedback.

I just left my doctor's office and I'm back on Elmiron 100mg two capsules twice daily, as well as the increased 25mg of Amitriptyline.

I was on the Elmiron before for about 6 months with some relief but my previous doctor suggested that maybe we should try other options, so he took me back off it again. He believed that only diet and exercise would help me as it did another patient of his. That isn’t the case with me and everyone’s bodies are different.

My current doctor that I am seeing now is great, when I was leaving his office today he told me how much he enjoys seeing me, he said I'm always prepared with information and willingness to work with him to fix my issues.

I know not everyone has as much luck with their doctors, but this is my third doctor in 6 years, I think I'm going to stick with him for a while. :woohoo:

Thanks for listening.

[vm]

That's awesome that you've found a good doc. That's wonderful that he recognizes you've done your footwork AND that he appreciates that. :)

It's too bad your previous doctor took you off of Elmiron so soon - it really can take up to a year to show a big difference. The studies have shown that the longer you are on it the more it will help. Sooo, hopefully this time you'll see big results!!!! :) :)

[Unique13_]

I'm also keeping my fingers crossed that this time around the Elmiron works for me. I just remember it being expensive, I have a drug plan but they reimburse me for my meds, I have to pay up front which is sometimes hard. I also find that the Amitriptyline makes me very drowsy, if the Elmiron works for me I would sooner come off the Amitriptyline but for now it is the only relief I get from my IC, plus it helps me sleep. :)

[ICB]

If Elmiron does not work; and since you are good at doing research, you may want to take a look at CystoProtek. It's a lot less expensive than Elmiron and has helped many IC patients. You can find information at www.algonot.com and you can purchase the product on this website.

In addition to the CystoProtek, you may want to research Cymbalta. It is a new drug that is FDA approved to treat Diabetic Neuropathic Pain and is working very well for many IC patients. One of the benefits is that it does not make you as sleepy as Elavil and can be taken in small doses a couple of times a day. This may help to spread out the coverage you receive and control your pain better.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB :flower:

[Unique13_]

Thank you ICB. Although I haven’t had a chance to look yet, I will as soon as I get time.

I picked up a two week supply of Elmiron yesterday and it cost me $105 Cdn. Holly moley it is expensive and hopefully well worth it.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Cheers

[Unique13_]

Well I do not think that I can take Amitriptyline and Elmiron together, separate no problems, but together is an issue. The other night before bed I took both drugs together taking a total of 3 pills, 2 capsules of 100mg Elmiron and just 10mg of Amitriptyline. Well as I cuddled into my hubby I woke up about 20 minutes later with a big jolt. I was dreaming that I had been free falling and the scare woke me up. As I was lying in bed my heart was racing, I was sweating, my body was tremoring (shaking) and I felt weak. I talked to myself trying to calm myself down, it’s all in my head, it’s all in my head, just get comfortable, sleep and it will pass. As I would get comfortable to fall back to sleep I would catch myself and it was almost like I was forgetting to breathe. I would take a deep breath then my heart would start racing again. It took me hours to settle down and to be able to finally get sleep. Scared me a little. The reaction I had was a very similar but not as severe as the one I had on Celexa.

I’ve remained on the Elmiron but haven’t been taking the Amitriptyline, have had no problems as of yet, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed

I’m known for having a sensitive body to prescription medications, I will react very much in the same way but more severe.

Anyone else have problems like this with taking prescription medications?