Elavil and Acne? - Interstitial Cystitis Network Support Forum

summermuffin · 03-31-2004, 11:34 AM

Hi everyone!
I just read a post by someone saying a side effect they got from taking Elavil was acne. I haven't read anything like that as a side effect anywhere. Not in the physician's desk reference, or at drugstore.com etc. Does anyone know about this?
That person may be attributing the acne to the drug and it may not be the reason for his or her acne. Which means I really have to read posts with a grain of salt.
Acne is also something that I can't stand happening after everything right now. I am about to take 10mg of amitryptiline. I just need some reassurance that it's not a known side effect. As it is...I'm worried about weight gain.

Thanks for listening. I'm such the nervous worrywart right now.

Summermuffin

***ICNDonna*** · 03-31-2004, 01:15 PM

I have never heard of elavil causing acne.

My husband takes 10 mg at bedtime for arthritis pain and it helps him considerably. I tired it, but I'm one of those who couldn't take it --- it did a "reverse" effect on me --- I was hyper and my blood pressure soared. My doctor said it's a rare side effect, but if anybody was going to do it it would be me.

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna

Nicole in ATL · 04-02-2004, 09:46 AM

I've been taking elavil for 3 months now and haven't noticed any changes in my skin. And I have acne prone skin.

Meds and side effects vary from person to person anyway. It's really about trial and error.

Elavil helps a lot of people with IC. I am feeling better on it. It's worth a shot.

Try not to stress too much about every potential side effect you read about here or elsewhere. You can make yourself crazy that way and it can hold you back from trying treatments that might really help you.

Take care,
Nicole

poetgirl · 04-02-2004, 11:57 AM

I've been on Elavil since last June and have not experienced any changes in my skin. I take 25 mg and did not experience any discernable weight gain either. It has helped me tremendously. I hope it works for you too!

Audrey Rose · 04-02-2004, 12:51 PM

Summer Muffin,
I have taken elavil in the past for migraines and it was very helpful with that. I took it for 6 months. I never had any skin problems, but I did gain about 20 pounds!! =( Some people gain weight and others do not. I've known people with both effects. I was just an unlucky one. Hopefully you will not be.