Amitriptylene Question...new user

[angelgirl]

Question :

Is this drug like prozac and zoloft where it takes time to get maximum benefits because it builds up serotonine levels, or is it a type of drug where you take it and the maximum benefits are per dosage not a build up?

[Annie2]

Prozac and Zoloft are in a totally different class of antidepressants and work in very different ways. Amitriptyline (same as Elavil) is in the older class of tricyclic antidepressants. When used to treat pain in IC, amitriptyline is given in MUCH smaller doses than what is used to treat depression. It is believed to help with pain reduction by blocking pain signals being transmitted by the nerves. Some ICers find Amitriptyline helps immediately and some find it takes a couple of weeks before it helps.

[angelgirl]

Thanks Annie

That is the answer I was looking for. I'm somewhat leary of using it as I understand one of the side effects is possible weight gain. I AM already overweight and struggle with being disciplined and can't afford to really take anything that would possibly increase appetite, slow metabolism (already have low thyroid), and I think someone mentioned increased desire for sweets (Oh my gosh).

I think I will begin to take it tonight and see what it does and possibly get on the treadmill as much as possible ( I developed a foot neuroma which at present is killing me everytime I walk! OUCH).

Thanks!

[JaniceB]

Annie is completely right, it is a whole different class than prozac (which is an SSRI), and is given in doses much lower than for depression.

I've been on it since August, I saw major improvement in my pain within 4 days. I haven't gained any weight while on it. I would say give it a fair try. . I see alot of people stop it only after a couple days, but those of us who stick with it seem to have good results from it. I was told you should see some improvement within a week (or else you can raise the dosage at that time).

Right now I am taking 25mg along with 25mg hydroxyzine. . I just added the hydroxyzine last week, between the two I have not had to take any additional pain meds for awhile now.

Good luck!
Janice

[charmedx3]

I have been on amitriptyline since sept. i haven't had any weight gain (actually losing weight). At 1st I was taking 25mg each night, uro changed me to 50mg. She said I could increase if needed. I was thinking of trying 25mg in am & 50 at night and then I realized I was feeling better! so i think it does take some time --at least on me.

[angelgirl]

why does it take time? What does it do that it requires time? Thanks.

I tried it last night and other than making me feel sorta tired I didn't get any relief from the pain. Of course it is only 10 mgs so I guess within a week I will raise it.

[Dessica]

Hi I am very newly diagnosed and currently taking 25mg of Amtrip and 25mg. of Hydroxine and Literally a few days after taking Amtrip (I had already been taking the Hydro for a couple weeks) I was off my perkistat, which I was taking three or four a day for the six weeks prior (while being diagnosed). I too am worried about weight gain, but so glad it is helping the pain that I don't care right now. I did start out at 50mg and that was too much I was oh so tired. I am hoping I can even go down lower than 25mg in the future. I would say that for the last few days I almost feel normal. I do have some side effects from the amtrip. that I don't like, weird dreams and joint pain, mostly in my knees while I am sleeping, but still better than all that PAIN!!!!

[angelgirl]

Well Ive been on the drug for a week and I do feel better. I am still taking a low dosage because when I upped it, my sleep apnea got worse (dang I've got too many problems! :) ) I haven't noticed weight gain but have been trying to watch it!

I think the skinny people will lose and the already heavy ones gain.....its just the way it goes LOL.

So how are you all doing with it?

[ehme]

Hi all

I am also taking Amitriptyline and Hydroxyzin and have been for almost a month. They help me sleep but I find if I miss a dose I am very very Irritable. I can't stand myself let alone anyone else being able to stand me. Why do I feel like this? as for the weight gain no idea I haven't gained any.

HELP!!!!!!!! Amy

[angelgirl]

Hi Ehme:

Im not taking Hydroxyzin (what is that anyway?) so not sure why your feeling so irratible when you miss a dose. Let me know how you m ake out.

[ehme]

hi angelgirl

Hydroxyzin is an antihistamine and I take 10 mg of that and the amitriptyline I take 25 mg of that's the anti-depressant. so maybe it's that one that makes me feel that way i'm just wondering if you get hooked on those and then can't get off of them.

Amy

[JaniceB]

Amy
I dont think either amitriptilyne or hydroxyzine is considered addictive.

The worst effect I've read from most people with stopping them is their symptoms come back. but you can always go back on them again.

Janice