difference between 3 meds

[kuntrygurl78]

I went to see my IC specialist last week. Im still having trouble with nocturia. He told me that he felt like he might be missing something, and to go on here and do some research (he knows Im on here all the time).

So during my research, Ive found the names of two meds that sound similar to one Im already on (elavil): mirtazapin and imipramine. From what I can gather, they are from the same med family and do similar things.

I was just wondering if there was any difference between the three meds, or are they very similar.

Thanks!

[Tuckersmom]

My understanding is that elavil and imipramine (brand name: Tofranil) are virtually the same drug --- or at least the same type of drug (trycyclic antidepressants). Some people have reported weight gain from elavil, but not from imipramine. I've been on Imipramine for 7 years with no weight gain.

I've never heard of the other drug you mentioned in your post.

[sailawaygrl]

Metazapine is the generic form of Remeron which is also an antidepressant. I am not familiar with that one. The info Cathy gave you on the other two is what I know of those as well. I took Imipiramine for a while I didn't have any weight gain with it either.

Sandra

[lan]

I have been taking Elavil for 2 years and it works very well for me. It helps to dull or eliminate my bladder burning and frequency. If you are still having problems with nocturia, you could ask your doctor about trying a higher dose (unless you are already on a high dose). If you do increase your dose, it should be done very gradually (like 10mg intervals) so that your body can gradually adjust to the higher dose. I take 50 mg each night which works well for me, but some people can not tolerate a dose this high due to side-effects such as dry-mouth, sedation, retention, etc. I am lucky to have minimal side effects. I do get very tired about 2 hours after taking my pill each evening, but after I get myself up in the morning, I am fine. I did try increasing my dose to 75mg at one point to see if it might eliminate my IC symptoms all together, but I had problems with retention so I went back down to 50. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Linda