Amitriptyline

[Dreamlove15]

I was just prescribed 25mg by my Uro/gyn today. And this is one med I was not wanting to take...because of weight gain issues. UGH...I guess since It had a different name, I assumed it wasn't elavil. but I just looked it up ands its the generic. Im just spazzing about weight at the moment...but I guess I will give it a shot for the PFD, which was diagnosed today. I totally feel like a train wreck. IC and now PFD...grrr...

Anyways my question is, are there any noticable side effects that I should look out for?

besides locking the fridge...:tsk:

replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks:angel:

[OrlandoP]

I don't know why docs don't start with Tofranil, a much better tolerated drug than Elavil. I'm on 25 mgs, and finally got some pain relief (some folks here are on 10, that wasn't enough for me). I'm sleepy, and I can't imagine what Elavil would be like--I doubt I'd be able to work.

While none of the tricyclics are a walk in the park weight-wise, from what I can see Tofranil isn't the weight-packer that Elavil is. And, the other good news is, it doesn't kill your sex drive as badly (or at all) as some of the new SSRIs/SSNIs. While Cymbalta and Lexapro are often better for weight, some friends of mine have referred to them as "castration in a pill".

The other thing too is that sweets cravings is only part of the issue with the tricyclics. You can resist sweets if you force yourself to. However, tricyclics and other antidepressants affect the uptake of many hormones that have metabolic regulation. For instance, it is now widely acknowledged that some antihistamines can make you gain weight. They affect H1 and H2 receptors. So do the tricyclics.

Some people get weight loss, then weight loss then weight gain, then visa versa. Personally, I'm at the point where I prefer a little pain relief than fussing about the scale. If you want to keep the pounds off, weigh yourself regularly. If you are gaining more than 5 lbs in a month, you may want to consider changing meds. 5lbs isn't a lot to take off, either, you can catch it before it gets out of hand.

[jen74]

Unfortunately all these type drugs have side effects. I cannot tolerate any of these type meds. They are anticholergenic drugs which means they slow everything down. Many people with stomach issues cannot tolerate these type meds. They also tend to be very constipating and they do effect your sex drive. This is what my husbands neurologist said. Maybe if you can take it at a very very low dose you wont have as many side effects.
Jen

[dg2901]

I had no problems with Elavil other than a bit of drowsiness when I first started taking it.

With any hope you'll see relief from this med. If not, remember there are other meds that are available to you that might help.

Wishing you well.
Diana

[crazy_beautiful]

I think I would look up the side effects on the internet. I did not do very well with that.
remember we all are different with ic, on medicine may work for you and not for me.

[lan]

Dreamlove - I take 50mg of Elavil each day and it works very well for me. If I forget to take a dose I feel the difference. It makes me very tired about 2 hours after I take it (so take it in the evening) and it is a little hard getting up in the morning but after I take my shower I am fine for the rest of the day.
If the 25 mg makes you too tired you can ask about starting at a lower dose like 10mg. I have gained 5 lbs in a year - so the weight issue has not been too bad for me. I hope it works for you - just ask if you have any questions. Linda

[Claredale]

I have weight issues with Elavil too, but I am doing better. It has taken some will power, but I am not so drawn to sweets anymore. I am also walking after work everyday. I did gain weight over the winter, and I wasn't even on Elavil the entire time. I tried Trofinal as well as Noritriptyline and Vistaril. None of them worked as well as the Elavil, so for me it's just more important to continue with some type of exercise, which walking works the best for me. I take 50 mgs too, but I don't have problems with it causing me to be groggy anymore. I actually lost 5 pounds since my appt last month. I was quite excited!

T83

[kadi]

Elavil has helped me a lot. I did not gain weight at 10mg on it, but did at 20mg. If I could do it again, I'd weigh myself frequently & keep a food journal to make sure my weight didn't go up. I've lost 1/3 of the weight I gained on it & am struggling with losing the rest. Just stay aware & notice what you're doing with food.

[mlzippy7]

I can't take it at all due to stomach issues and vomiting from it.
I hope it works for you.
Here are some of the side effects to watch for:

Elavil side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate, chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;

sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;

sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;

hallucinations, or seizures (convulsions), feeling light-headed, fainting;

restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, uncontrollable shaking or tremor;

skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

easy bruising or bleeding;

extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness; or

urinating less than usual or not at all.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite;

dry mouth, unpleasant taste;

feeling dizzy, drowsy, or tired;

trouble concentrating;

nightmares;

blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears;

breast swelling (in men or women); or

decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

[amartaingirl]

elavil is wonderful...i will never give it up.

weight...hmm...well i did gain some...from 115 to 139
but its not tottally elavils fault..


i entered into a way way new relationship...i mean new state...new job...new boyfiend...which caused....new eating habits....with dwindeled exercise...
(as i moved from FL to PA) and my first winter up here was way too cold to exercise...

so yes..i gained weight...but...its not all elavils fault
i am currenty dieting..and am down to 136
so it appears...with effort...weight loss will happen

however, im not going to lie to you.
its comming off SLOW
i mean 2 months...lost 3 lbs

but do not let this stop you
elavil is wonderful

the first few nights on it..i could not sleep at all
i was wired...

after the first week....boy..i sleep like a baby