Does Elavil help you sleep??

[VCNJ84]

I started elavil yesterday (as a Vulvodynia treatment, not an IC treatment). Obviously, it didn't do much for pain after just one day, doctor says it takes at least 2 weeks to start seeing effects. But what I did notice after just one pill, is that it helped me sleep!

If it's a side effect I think I like it. I have had insomnia on and off for years. And I fret badly at night over my health and other past issues and have trouble dosing off. I was watching TV on the couch and my mind didn't race at all and I fell asleep. Got up 3 hours later, went to bed...had no bad thoughts and fell asleep with in 10 minutes.

I have read other threads about people being groggy in the AM...but knock on wood I have had a wonderful morning not much pain...no grogginess and was able to walk for exercsie.

[ruthbro]

I had the same experience. I take it about 5/6pm and then by 10 I am ready to sleep! I have been taking it for about 7 weeks now. I take 10mg, how much do you take?

[VCNJ84]

I had the same experience. I take it about 5/6pm and then by 10 I am ready to sleep! I have been taking it for about 7 weeks now. I take 10mg, how much do you take?

Taking 10 mg right now...and in 4 days I am supposed to up it to 20mg...and in another 4 days 30 mg...etc. and then once I feel I am at level that helps me I am supposed to stabilize there until I see my vulvar doctor again on June 4th and we are gonna decide a long term MG level.

[ruthbro]

That sounds much better than my situation. I was given 10mg and told to come back in 8 weeks.
After about 2 weeks I felt improvement and after about 5 weeks I got a week and a bit with no symptoms at all, but now its back. Mine too is for vulva issues, burning, soreness etc. I have never had any relief in 2 years so for that week and a bit it was fantastic! I rang my dr but the nurse told me to continue until my appointment. It is only next Monday so not long to wait now but I expect he will increase it. Your way sounds so much better. I guess I am not taking enough but it definately did something as nothing else I have tired gave me that much relief. I would also say that although it has come back it is not as severe. Good luck

[mouse]

Elavil has definitely helped me sleep, especially in the beginning. I started of with 25mg plus 5 mg of valum and slept like a baby. But now, it's almost year later and I am starting to have trouble falling asleep and I wake up a couple of times a night!!

[VCNJ84]

That sounds much better than my situation. I was given 10mg and told to come back in 8 weeks.
After about 2 weeks I felt improvement and after about 5 weeks I got a week and a bit with no symptoms at all, but now its back. Mine too is for vulva issues, burning, soreness etc. I have never had any relief in 2 years so for that week and a bit it was fantastic! I rang my dr but the nurse told me to continue until my appointment. It is only next Monday so not long to wait now but I expect he will increase it. Your way sounds so much better. I guess I am not taking enough but it definately did something as nothing else I have tired gave me that much relief. I would also say that although it has come back it is not as severe. Good luck

Good luck to you too.

My doctor said she prescribes it to most people on this sliding scale in the beginning because 1) it takes a while to start working in the body and 2) no same amount helps all people, it depends on each persons body and the severity.

It's good to hear that you at least think it does help...I wanted Lyrica at first and she didn't believe in it...and she didn't like the side effects or the price for people who have to stay on it a long time. She is the elavil cheerleader, she really thinks it will help. Hopefully for both our sake she is right!

[ruthbro]

I have a good feeling about it, I am just frustrated about having to wait to increase it. I can truly say it is the first thing that has made any difference and I have tried all the creams/diet etc and have lost count of the drs I have been to. I has also started the exercises in the Heal Pelvic pain book so are hoping they will help.
I will let you know what the urogyn says on Monday. I feel really hopeful I am on the right track.I forgot to mention I have really had to watch my weight, my appetite has increased a lot since starting it and I could eat and eat!