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BlackCat
Old Hand
Reged: 09/22/03
Posts: 409
Loc: Bed
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Has anyone heard of taking Elavil (Amitriptyline) for chronic pain from nerve damage? Has anyone tried it?
One of my doctors wants me to take it and tells me it is an anti-depressant (SSRI-type), but supposedly may be able to help my pain from the nerve damage in my back.
Any Elavil information or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Success stories? Side Effects? Dose level (mg / day)? Duration before feeling pain relief? How it works? How it compares to Neurontin? THANKS
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Sweetz
Diamond Mind
Reged: 05/11/02
Posts: 765
Loc: Texas!
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I tried it before. I was building my dosage up and couldn't get past the starting point. I just was so sleepy I couldn't get out of bed. I gave my body 2 weeks to get used to it, but I just couldn't do it. It's been so long ago I don't remember what the dosage was. Neurontin was useless to me also. I hope you have better luck!
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"If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice."
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HERC
Newbie
Reged: 03/29/04
Posts: 35
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When in pain prescribe anti depressants.This beleif doctors have have that all pain is created mentally almost makes you insane.There is a place for those meds in treating pain but the pain itself should be treated first.Itake celexa and yes it helps.I'M NOT as fixated on the pain.As far as it taking away pain i've been on elavil,neurontin,desyrly you name it.As a means for helping pain give me hydro and soma or just leave me bedridden.Once you get on an antidepressant getting off isnt easy.Ask your doc about the effects on people who quit taking antis.
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JayStraw
Journeyman
Reged: 12/13/03
Posts: 62
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OK, I was prescribed Elavil 50mg QHS for insomnia about a year ago.
It works great, if you do not mind being smashed in the head with a strong medication, and having CRAZY dreams. You'll also wake up with VERY dry mouth.
You do sleep though, and for a long time. I average 6 normally, got 8.5-12 on Elavil. I also did have a generally better mood, but had the usual libdo effects.
for pain, I have no idea.
Edited by JayStraw (05/04/04 03:13 PM)
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BlackCat
Old Hand
Reged: 09/22/03
Posts: 409
Loc: Bed
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50mg QHS = once a day at bedtime, right? I just started taking ELAVIL about 1.5 weeks ago and after a week of ramping up I now take the 75mg once a day at bed time dose the doc wants me to try. I have noticed how tired it makes me in the morning and I also sleep longer and have more vivid dreams. I also get very dry mouth at night and drink a ton of water during the night now.
As far as pain - no noticable difference yet, but it hasn't even been 2 weeks yet, and less than a week at the 75mg dose level. How long should I give it at this 75mg a night dose to see pain relief? A month? If it's like other SSRI's I guess it takes a while to build up in your system. OR perhaps 75mg is too low a dose and I need more to help the pain (from nerve damage in my back)??
Thanks alot for those replies and any more to come!!
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mermaid72000
Member
Reged: 01/19/04
Posts: 125
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years ago i took elavil but not for pain and it made me a raving maniac, i really hate this stuff, too mind altering. no dr i know has ever given it for pain control. just my experience,
take care
carol
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Yes! Elavil has frequently been used for help with chronic pain, however, in my personal experience (and I take it, too) it works best in conjunction with a long-acting narcotic.
Elavil (amitriptyline) has made a significant difference in the overall effectiveness of my pain control regimen. I sleep better, have generally less pain and suffer less emotional response to my pain including less anxiety and fear. I was taking 17 different meds prior to the addition of Elavil to my regimen (added by my pain doc, by the way--and he insists that ALL his chronic pain patients take this unless there is a contraindication...even my oncologist said she puts her patients on this med for additional help with pain control.) I am now down to 7 meds. I can't say that Elavil is exclusively the only reason, but it has made my other sleep meds unnecessary and I no longer need the muscle relaxers or Effexor XR, either.
So, add my glowing praise for this med. It has REALLy made my sleeping SO much better. I take 30mgs at night. Dry mouth is also an issue with my methadone and OxyIR, so I can't blame it exclusively on the Elavil. I NEVER have the hangover effect or stuffed nose feeling that trazadone gave me. I also do not wake up nauseated as I did when using traz.
I noticed the optimum effect about 3-4 weeks after I started it. Give it time.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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kimbuka
Enthusiast
Reged: 12/14/03
Posts: 219
Loc: Midwest
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Hay stranger!!!
A very long time ago when I went to see a Doctor for personal reasons, this was the first thing he gave me to try. I don't recall what it was suppose to do for me...but it stunk. I felt worse than ever on it...sleepy, shaky, weak, and dry. But, with much experimenting I found that anti-depressants and me just don't get along. My system doesn't work with them. The only thing that is good for me on those kinds of medications was Clonazapam and ambien.
Anyway, I hope it does for you what it is suppose to.
Kim
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Bender71
Member
Reged: 03/02/03
Posts: 125
Loc: FL
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My doctor put me on elavil to help with my migraines/cluster headaches. I'm not sure if it helped with the pain or not, but it sure did knock me out. I would fall asleep, waiting in the car to pick my kids up from school!!! I would take 1 to 2 pills at night before I went to bed. I slept really good, but like I said, I was SOOOO sleepy all day long!! I have 3 kids to take care of, I just couldn't function like that. But everyone reacts differently to different medications, and if it helps with the pain, it may be worth the side effect. Oh, ya, another noted side effect is increase in appitite, esp. sweets!! Believe me, I didn't need anyhelp in that department!!
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zoecece
Board Addict
Reged: 05/03/02
Posts: 392
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Royj,
Dr's don't use AD's for pain because they think it's "all in your head", they use them because these medications affect certain receptors in your brain that cause you to percieve pain. This can be quite effective in some cases.
Take a look at the medication Ultram, a medication used for pain, and the way it works is by working on serationin receptors similar to an SSRI (prozac).
Elavil has helped some CP'ers I know significantly, and can be especially effective if you're dealing with nerve damage.
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dsmmcm
Board Addict
Reged: 11/08/03
Posts: 391
Loc: southwest US
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Most CP patients end up on an antidepressant at one time or another, and most also have sleep problems, so Elavil can serve double duty. Also, it's cheap, and doctors love it because it's not a hypnotic or a narcotic. The problem is that, as antidepressants go, it is light years behind what's available today in terms of effectiveness. As a sleep medication, it works for some, but not for others, and if it works for you it will leave you with a hangover. As for CP, it is not really very useful. My pain doc dislikes it, and tries to get his patients off of it ASAP.
D
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trixxie
Member
Reged: 05/23/03
Posts: 130
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I had significant weight gain, but I slept like a baby, but no relief for my pain issues.
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The truth shall set you free!
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IMSUSCOT1
Threadhead
Reged: 10/23/02
Posts: 892
Loc: usa
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Elavil is an OLD SSRI...with lot's of nasty little side effects..one the docs like so much is that it potentiates all other drugs...I ended up almost comatose after a surgery, IV pain meds, seizure meds & daily 150 mgs of Elavil...(that's the max "safe" dose) some of the more serious side effects, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity...yeah, you may sleep well, but just such an old drug, physicians up on current treatment modalities are trying to wean their patients OFF elavil....
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 554
Loc: Chicago
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i dont get it, why bother with elavil when you have tramadol to try first???? its also has a mechanism of monoamine (serotonin + noradrenaline!) reuptake AND on top of that its also an opioid too, plus the monoamine reuptake of tramadol is purer than that of elavil, elavil would be more likely to have side effects
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sasi
Member
Reged: 03/12/04
Posts: 113
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I thought that Elavil was an MAOI not an SSRI? If you are on an SSRI such as Prozac it is contraindicated to take an MAOI such as Elavil isn't it?
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pinkshirt1
Stranger
Reged: 02/04/04
Posts: 21
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Elavil is a "tricyclic antidepressant"
(it's NEITHER a MAO or SSRI) works completely different.
Read the description at mayoclinic.com:
Antidepressants, Tricyclic (Systemic)
US Brand Names Back to top
Anafranil 3
Asendin 2
Aventyl 7
Elavil 1
Endep 1
Norfranil 6
Norpramin 4
Pamelor 7
Sinequan 5
Surmontil 9
Tipramine 6
Tofranil 6
Tofranil-PM 6
Vivactil 8
Canadian Brand Names Back to top
Anafranil 3
Apo-Amitriptyline 1
Apo-Imipramine 6
Apo-Trimip 9
Asendin 2
Aventyl 7
Elavil 1
Impril 6
Levate 1
Norpramin 4
Novo-Doxepin 5
Novopramine 6
Novo-Tripramine 9
Novotriptyn 1
Pertofrane 4
Rhotrimine 9
Sinequan 5
Surmontil 9
Tofranil 6
Triadapin 5
Triptil 8
Description Back to top
Tricyclic antidepressants are used to relieve mental depression.
One form of this medicine (imipramine) is also used to treat enuresis (bedwetting) in children. Another form (clomipramine) is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders. Tricyclic antidepressants may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Oral
Amitriptyline
Syrup (Canada)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Amoxapine
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Clomipramine
Capsules (U.S.)
Tablets (Canada)
Desipramine
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Doxepin
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Oral solution (U.S.)
Imipramine
Capsules (U.S.)
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Nortriptyline
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Oral solution (U.S.)
Protriptyline
Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
Trimipramine
Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
Tablets (Canada)
Parenteral
Amitriptyline
Injection (U.S.)
Imipramine
Injection (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine Back to top
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tricyclic antidepressants, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any tricyclic antidepressant or to carbamazepine, maprotiline, or trazodone. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Studies have not been done in pregnant women. However, there have been reports of newborns suffering from muscle spasms and heart, breathing, and urinary problems when their mothers had taken tricyclic antidepressants immediately before delivery. Also, studies in animals have shown that some tricyclic antidepressants may cause unwanted effects in the fetus.
Breast-feeding
Tricyclic antidepressants pass into the breast milk. Doxepin has been reported to cause drowsiness in the nursing baby.
Children
Children are especially sensitive to the effects of this medicine. This may increase the chance of side effects during treatment. However, side effects in children taking this medicine for bedwetting usually disappear upon continued use. The most common of these are nervousness, sleeping problems, tiredness, and mild stomach upset. If these side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor.
Older adults
Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, vision problems, dryness of mouth, constipation, and problems in urinating are more likely to occur in elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of tricyclic antidepressants.
Other medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases 2 different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
Amphetamines or
Appetite suppressants (diet pills) or
Ephedrine or
Epinephrine (e.g., Adrenalin) or
Isoproterenol (e.g., Isuprel) or
Medicine for asthma or other breathing problems or
Medicine for colds, sinus problems, or hay fever or other allergies or
Phenylephrine (e.g., Neo-Synephrine)Using these medicines with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of serious effects on the heart
Antipsychotics (medicine for mental illness) or
Clonidine (e.g., Catapres)Using these medicines with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the CNS depressant effects and increase the chance of serious side effects
Antithyroid agents (medicine for overactive thyroid) or
Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet)Using these medicines with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the chance of serious side effects
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicine that causes drowsiness)Using these medicines with tricyclic antidepressants may increase the CNS depressant effects
Guanadrel (e.g., Hylorel) or
Guanethidine (e.g., Ismelin)Tricyclic antidepressants may keep these medicines from working as well
Methyldopa (e.g., Aldomet) or
Metoclopramide (e.g., Reglan) or
Metyrosine (e.g., Demser) or
Pemoline (e.g., Cylert) or
Pimozide (e.g., Orap) or
Promethazine (e.g., Phenergan) or
Rauwolfia alkaloids (alseroxylon [e.g., Rauwiloid], deserpidine [e.g., Harmonyl], rauwolfia serpentina [e.g., Raudixin], reserpine [e.g., Serpasil]) or
Trimeprazine (e.g., Temaril)Tricyclic antidepressants may cause certain side effects to be more severe and occur more often
MetrizamideThe risk of seizures may be increased
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])Taking tricyclic antidepressants while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking MAO inhibitors may cause sudden high body temperature, extremely high blood pressure, severe convulsions, and death; however, sometimes certain of these medicines may be used together under close supervision by your doctor
Other medical problems
The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of tricyclic antidepressants. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Alcohol abuse (or history of)Drinking alcohol may cause increased CNS depressant effects
Asthma or
Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) or
Blood disorders or
Convulsions (seizures) or
Difficult urination or
Enlarged prostate or
Glaucoma or increased eye pressure or
Heart disease or
High blood pressure (hypertension) or
SchizophreniaTricyclic antidepressants may make the condition worse
Kidney disease or
Liver diseaseHigher blood levels of tricyclic antidepressants may result, increasing the chance of side effects
Overactive thyroid or
Stomach or intestinal problemsTricyclic antidepressants may cause an increased chance of serious side effects
Proper Use of This Medicine Back to top
To lessen stomach upset, take this medicine with food, even for a daily bedtime dose, unless your doctor has told you to take it on an empty stomach.
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor , to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Sometimes this medicine must be taken for several weeks before you begin to feel better . Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.
To use doxepin oral solution :
This medicine is to be taken by mouth even though it comes in a dropper bottle. The amount you should take should be measured with the dropper provided with your prescription and diluted just before you take each dose. Dilute each dose with about one-half glass (4 ounces) of water, milk, citrus fruit juice, tomato juice, or prune juice. Do not mix this medicine with grape juice or carbonated beverages since these may decrease the medicine's effectiveness.
Doxepin oral solution must be mixed immediately before you take it. Do not prepare it ahead of time.
Dosing
The dose of tricyclic antidepressants will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of tricyclic antidepressants. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of capsules or tablets, or the amount of solution or syrup that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking tricyclic antidepressants .
For amitriptyline
For tablet dosage form:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 25 milligrams (mg) two to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg a day, unless you are in the hospital. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.
TeenagersAt first, 10 mg three times a day, and 20 mg at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
Children 6 to 12 years of age10 to 30 mg a day.
Children up to 6 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adults At first, 25 mg at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
For syrup dosage form:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 25 mg two to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
TeenagersAt first, 10 mg three times a day, and 20 mg at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
Children 6 to 12 years of age10 to 30 mg a day.
Children up to 6 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 10 mg three times a day, and 20 mg at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
For injection dosage form:
For depression:
Adults20 to 30 mg four times a day, injected into a muscle.
Children up to 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For amoxapine
For tablet dosage form:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 50 milligrams (mg) two to three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
Children up to 16 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 25 mg two to three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
For clomipramine
For capsule or tablet dosage forms:
For obsessive-compulsive disorders:
AdultsAt first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 250 mg a day, unless you are in the hospital. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.
Teenagers and children 10 years of age and overAt first, 25 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg a day.
Children up to 10 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 20 to 30 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
For desipramine
For tablet dosage form:
For depression:
Adults100 to 200 milligrams (mg) a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 300 mg a day.
Teenagers25 to 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
Children 6 to 12 years of age10 to 30 mg a day.
Older adults25 to 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg a day.
For doxepin
For capsule or solution dosage forms:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 25 milligrams (mg) three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg a day, unless you are in the hospital. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.
Children up to 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 25 to 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
For imipramine
For tablet dosage form:
For depression:
Adults25 to 50 milligrams (mg) three to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg a day, unless you are in the hospital. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.
Adolescents25 to 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
Children 6 to 12 years of age10 to 30 mg a day.
Children up to 6 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 25 mg at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
For bedwetting:
Children25 mg once a day, taken one hour before bedtime. Your doctor may increase the dose as needed, based on the child's age.
For capsule dosage form:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 75 mg a day taken at bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg a day, unless you are in the hospital. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.
Children up to 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For injection dosage form:
For depression:
AdultsDose must be determined by your doctor. It is injected into a muscle. The dose is usually not more than 300 mg a day.
Children up to 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
For nortriptyline
For capsule or solution dosage forms:
For depression:
Adults25 milligrams (mg) three to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg a day.
Teenagers25 to 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
Children 6 to 12 years of age10 to 20 mg a day.
Older adults30 to 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
For protriptyline
For tablet dosage form:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 5 to 10 milligrams (mg) three to four times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg a day.
TeenagersAt first, 5 mg three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
Children up to 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 5 mg three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed.
For trimipramine
For capsule or tablet dosage forms:
For depression:
AdultsAt first, 75 milligrams (mg) a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg a day, unless you are hospitalized. Some hospitalized patients may need higher doses.
TeenagersAt first, 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
Children up to 12 years of ageUse and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Older adultsAt first, 50 mg a day. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg a day.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine and your dosing schedule is:
One dose a day at bedtimeDo not take the missed dose in the morning since it may cause disturbing side effects during waking hours. Instead, check with your doctor.
More than one dose a dayTake the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.
Storage
To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose of this medicine is very dangerous in young children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store the tablet or capsule form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine Back to top
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow dosage adjustments and to help reduce side effects.
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine .
This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy. If this occurs, do not drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert .
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur , especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. If this problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.
This medicine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless gum or candy, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute . However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
Tricyclic antidepressants may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn. When you begin taking this medicine:
Stay out of direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., if possible.
Wear protective clothing, including a hat. Also, wear sunglasses.
Apply a sun block product that has a skin protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Some patients may require a product with a higher SPF number, especially if they have a fair complexion. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.
Apply a sun block lipstick that has an SPF of at least 15 to protect your lips.
Do not use a sunlamp or tanning bed or booth.
If you have a severe reaction from the sun, check with your doctor .
Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of the metyrapone test may be affected by this medicine.
Before having any kind of surgery, dental treatment, or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine . Taking tricyclic antidepressants together with medicines used during surgery or dental or emergency treatments may increase the risk of side effects.
For diabetic patients :
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor . Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are using before stopping completely. This may help prevent a possible worsening of your condition and reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea, and/or an overall feeling of discomfort.
The effects of this medicine may last for 3 to 7 days after you have stopped taking it . Therefore, all the precautions stated here must be observed during this time.
For patients taking protriptyline :
If taken late in the day, protriptyline may interfere with nighttime sleep.
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Reported for amoxapine only
rareConvulsions (seizures); difficult or fast breathing; fever with increased sweating; high or low (irregular) blood pressure; loss of bladder control; muscle stiffness (severe); pale skin; unusual tiredness or weakness.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blurred vision; confusion or delirium; constipation (especially in the elderly); decreased sexual ability (more common with amoxapine and clomipramine); difficulty in speaking or swallowing; eye pain; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat (pounding, racing, skipping); hallucinations; loss of balance control; mask-like face; nervousness or restlessness; problems in urinating; shakiness or trembling; shuffling walk; slowed movements; stiffness of arms and legs.
Reported for amoxapine only (in addition to the above)
less commonLip smacking or puckering; puffing of cheeks; rapid or worm-like movements of tongue; uncontrolled chewing movements; uncontrolled movements of hands, arms, or legs.
Rare
Anxiety; breast enlargement in both males and females; hair loss; inappropriate secretion of milkin females; increased sensitivity to sunlight; irritability; muscle twitching; red or brownish spots on skin; ringing, buzzing, or other unexplained sounds in the ears; seizures (more common with clomipramine); skin rash and itching; sore throat and fever; swelling of face and tongue; swelling of testicles (more common with amoxapine); trouble with teeth or gums (more common with clomipramine); weakness; yellow eyes or skin.
Symptoms of acute overdose
Confusion; convulsions (seizures); disturbed concentration; drowsiness (severe); enlarged pupils; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there); restlessness and agitation; shortness of breath or troubled breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness (severe); vomiting.
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Dizziness; drowsiness; dryness of mouth; headache; increased appetite (may include craving for sweets); nausea; tiredness or weakness (mild); unpleasant taste; weight gain.
Less common
Diarrhea; heartburn; increased sweating; trouble in sleeping (more common with protriptyline, especially when taken late in the day); vomiting.
Certain side effects of this medicine may occur after you have stopped taking it. Check with your doctor if you notice any of the following effects:
Headache; irritability; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; restlessness; trouble in sleeping, with vivid dreams; unusual excitement.
Reported for amoxapine only (in addition to the above)
Lip smacking or puckering; puffing of cheeks; rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue; uncontrolled chewing movements; uncontrolled movements of arms or legs.
Other side effects not listed above also may occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Additional Information Back to top
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, tricyclic antidepressants are used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (hyperactivity in children) (desipramine, imipramine, and protriptyline)
Bulimia (uncontrolled eating, followed by vomiting) (amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, and imipramine)
Cocaine withdrawal (desipramine and imipramine)
Headache prevention (for certain types of frequent or continuing headaches) (most tricyclic antidepressants)
Itching with hives due to cold temperature exposure (doxepin)
Narcolepsy (extreme tendency to fall asleep suddenly) (clomipramine, desipramine, imipramine, and protriptyline)
Neurogenic pain (a type of continuing pain) (amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, and trimipramine)
Nicotine dependence (as an aid to other smoking cessationn therapy) (nortriptyline)
Panic disorder (clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, and trimipramine)
Stomach ulcer (amitriptyline, doxepin, and trimipramine)
Urinary incontinence (imipramine)
Other than the above information, there is no additional information relating to proper use, precautions, or side effects for these uses.
Notes Back to top
This information applies to the following medicines:
1. Amitriptyline (a-mee-TRIP-ti-leen)
2. Amoxapine (a-MOX-a-peen)
3. Clomipramine (cloe-MIP-ra-meen)
4. Desipramine (dess-IP-ra-meen)
5. Doxepin (DOX-e-pin)
6. Imipramine (im-IP-ra-meen)
7. Nortriptyline (nor-TRIP-ti-leen)
8. Protriptyline (proe-TRIP-ti-leen)
9. Trimipramine (trye-MIP-ra-meen)
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pinkshirt1
Stranger
Reged: 02/04/04
Posts: 21
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Note the "precautions section" above too !!!
I've tried elavil several times ... doctors claim
its one of the safest drugs .... yeah, not! I bumped
into stuff and bruised myself after taking it. Is that
safe ?
Elavil did nothing at first, I was on 10mg, then 25mg,
then 50, then it turned me into a
ZOMBIE. I HATE that Best if kept off the board, and when I say Best if kept off the board,
that is exactly how it made me feel. Did it help
the pain? NO, NO, NO! The doctors want you to be
sleepy/zombiefied so you won't notice the pain as much.
who are they kidding? OH, and I started having NIGHTMARES.
Oh, the wonders of elavil !!
My 2 cents, pinkshirt1
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aa2
Stranger
Reged: 07/17/03
Posts: 16
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I am diabetic. I have excruciating pain from neuropathy. I have tried Elavil and Neurotin. Neither provided me with pain relief. Ultram is the only medication that has given me relief. The usual narcotics don't provide relief from the pain of damaged nerves. Everyone responds to a medication in his own way. Try whatever you are prescribed. You can't know what will work for you until you try it.
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BlackCat
Old Hand
Reged: 09/22/03
Posts: 409
Loc: Bed
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Thanks everyone for all of the very helpful info and experiences with this med.
It sounds like it gets mixed reviews. Some docs and patients like using it for nerve-related pain management, other patients can't tolerate the side effects and some docs say it has no effect on pain. The two doctors I saw said it might help my nerve-related pain, and so far I've been able to tolerate the side effects, so I am going to ride it out for a month at 75mg per night. I've only been at this level for a few days now, BTW, and I no longer need Ambien or Sonata for my sleep problems!  I haven't noticed any effect on the pain though , but will give it a month since I understand from a few of the posts that it takes time to build up the right Serotonin levels in the brain and work on the pain.
From the dose info I read in the posts above, I am now pretty comfortable at the 75mg at bedtime dose I am on. I was afraid it might be too low since someone said 150mg is the safest max dose, but this is for people taking Elavil for depression from what I gather. Others, like Night Shade, are on even lower doses than me and experience pain relief. E.g. Night Shade said 30mg per day is helping her pain and helped her eliminate several other redundant meds which gives me hope.
To answer someone's question: I have tried Ultram and found it didn't help me at all. This drug also gets alot of mixed reviews though, but I found most of the reviews to be pretty negative. Plus Ultram is habit forming and can cause seizures at higher levels which scared me away from it after trying it last year....
*** Is Elavil habit forming? ***
I assumed it wasn't and after trying it for a month I will be able to stop cold turkey without problems if I don't get any pain relief. If it is habit forming, I guess I need to re-think things.
Thanks alot for the info. folks and any other stories or info. you have is welcome and much appreciated. Unless this is habit forming or the side effects get out of control, I think I will try to stay on it for a month at this level to see if it can help my back pain. I take hydro for the pain too, so I might try to lower the dose of that in a few weeks to better judge the pain relieving effects of Elavil.
Thanks again!
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Black Cat-
I have had NO trouble whatsoever when I went without my Elavil for 4 days (except sleep was less deep) but no "withdrawal" or rebound issues. I was at a convention and forgot it at home.
Perhaps I should clarify the pain statement. I think it helps my pain meds work better. I did not get relief from pain by Elavil alone. Perhaps it is the much better sleep that makes me less emotionally responsive to my pain? In either case, I firmly believe in Elavil as an adjunct to my pain control regimen.
Best of luck.
--------------------
Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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pinkshirt1
Stranger
Reged: 02/04/04
Posts: 21
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Elavil is not habit forming. however, if you have been on large doses, or taken it a long time (this information is from the package insert the pharmacy supplies, not just an opinion) you need to taper off it gradually. Only your doctor can know what is best for you.
I have also heard rumor that selective serotonic uptake inhibitors, such as prozac, might be better than tricyclic antidepressants like elavil, for chronic pain. I have not tried prozac.
As I stated before, I have tried elavil several times, for the period prescibed by my doctor, and it never helped me.
Pinkshirt1
p.s. I forgot to say have I have herniated disks, and bulging disks, they press on the nerves in my back causing pain in my legs.
Edited by pinkshirt1 (06/10/04 07:45 AM)
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bargsbeer69
Journeyman
Reged: 03/22/04
Posts: 80
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My DR also had me on Elavil for chronic back Pain i guess as an alternative to Ambien or Benzo's as a sleep Aid it works Good no complaints.My sleep patterns have gotten better i find myself self sleeping longer and i wake up less in the Night.Duting the Day i take Ultram and Lidocaine patches for the Pain also the 2-3 times a Year Cortisone Injection.
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debbrad
Member
Reged: 11/06/03
Posts: 100
Loc: Texas, USA
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I was given that to help with my neck and shoulder problems because of disc damage. 50mg at bedtime did help me sleep but it did not help with pain. I also had a most unpleasant side effect that I did not realize till I did some research.
Mind you now, I was on it for a year. My intimate life was almost non-exsistant.  When I also could not get HRT anymore, it really went down. So, I decided to quit the Elivil and did just great after an unpleasant weekend without sleep. Just keep aware of those yucky effects of this stuff.
Peace and Less Pain, Deb
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Yeah Throw the script out, some DR. Feel that were in pain in the head and mood eleators [Elavil], prozac zoloft and the such will make us happy again and lessen the pain BULL I went through them all and they all did NOTHING for the pain and if you don't have insurance there VERY expensive plus they all have "unpleasant side affects" mostlly in the sex department, like its the last thing your interested in, even at my advanced age 47 not a trade off I wanted to make EVEN if they did work, T.
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