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Is Lexapro the same as Elavil?

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  • #1

    Is Lexapro the same as Elavil?

    I saw my regular doctor last week and she put me on Lexapro to help with my depression revolving around the IC. Will this also help with IC? I'm going to see a IC specialist at the University of Penn in July and by then I'll be on the Lexapro for 2 months. I'm wondering if he will keep me on Lexapro or switch me to Elavil. I've tried doing a search on Lexapro and Elavil. Elavil is a tricyclic anti-depressant, and Lexapro is an SSRI anti-depressant. I don't know if there is a difference in treating IC.
    Right now I'm not having any improvement on my symptoms other then I got my period today and I'm feeling a little better. I've been on the IC diet now for 3 weeks and taking Urelle 2-3 times a day.
    Thanks for any advice you all can give me.
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  • #2
    Lexapro and Elavil are not the same medication. They each work on different chemicals in the brain. Sometimes they try both medications to treat the pain that IC causes. Sometimes it's just a matter of trying each medication and to wait and see how it affects your mood as well as your IC. One of the best things you can do is to keep a written record of what is happeing to you as you try different medications. You can show this to your Doctor so he/she can know how to treat your IC. If a medication is not making you feel better or making you feel worse you'll have a written record of it so you and your doctors don't presrcibe the same medication in the future.

    I hope you can work with your doctor and get your symptoms to a manageble point.

    Awesome job with the IC diet! Keep going with it. Every little bit helps.

    Kara
    Complex Case: Severe IC 1999, Interstim 2001, Endometriosis 2001, End Stage Refractory IC 2002, Bladder Removal (Cystectomy) 2002, Gall Bladder Removal 2005, Infertility 2003, Urethra Removal, Bladder Reconstruction (Urethrectomy/Indiana Pouch) 2006, Celiac Disease 2007, Adhesion Disease 2007, Pudendal Nerve Entrapment, Ovarian Cysts, Vestibulitis, Vulvodynia, Total Vestibulectomy and removal of both Skene's Glands, 2007 and Coccydynia 2007. Fibromyalgia and, Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome both in my neck and knees, 2007, PNE Decompression Operation May, 2009.Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Anesthesia Awareness (to awaken during operations)Pudendal Nerve Decompression Surgery, Revrse Uterine Sling, Sept. 2011

    "One hour at a time, this was NOT my American Dream but it has to work out somehow."

    I also have some journals of my journeys, past and some present at:
    http://karasnewblog2008.blogspot.com/ and http://icnkaralynn.blogspot.com/

    Most of my Journaling now is currently on Facebook. These are old and my ICN Patient story is very old and outdated.

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    • #3
      I suggest you to also consider an alternative treatment in addition to meds like Cystoprotek, Cysta Q or Aloe, they help a lot of pople here in the ICN. Search about each so you can discuss it with your doctor. Cyst Q is helping me (Cystoprotek is great , but it was a little rough on my stomach). I haven't tried Aloe yet.
      Good Luck.
      Ah... I'm on a small dosis of Elavil. I'm also depressed b/c of this considtio but I'm starting yoga and meditation and that's helping me with the depression. I would LOVE to take an antidepresant b/c I belive that the more deprssed you get, the sicker you feel (and the sicker you get). I had to choose between taking Elavil or a SSRI antidepresant, so I chose Elavil mainly for Vulvodynia. Although Elavil is a tryciclal antidepresant, I'm on a very low dosage and doesn't treat my depression just the pain.
      The whole reason I can't be on Elavil and another antidepressant is because they affect my eyes. Otherwise I'd add an aitdepresant to treat depresion. I hope I didn't confuse you. Hugs.
      Last edited by Angeles; 06-10-2007, 09:06 AM.
      Laser cervical surgery after abnormal pap (moderate dysplasia) in 3/2004
      UTIs since mid 2004
      Recurrent yeast infections since mid 2005
      IC dx 3/2006
      V V dx 12/2006
      Other conditions: IBS, allergies, dry eyes.

      Current IC medications:
      Elavil (since 12/06) 10 mg;
      Cysta Q (since 5/07)
      Rephresh acid jel every 3 days
      D-mannose, fish oil, Calcium Citrate, Multivitamins & garlic pills (sometimes)
      Probiotics Femdophilus or other brands
      Gy-Na-Tren for yeast infections (started using it as needed since 2010)
      Other Rx:Omeprazole 20mg; benadryl as needed, Restasis

      Past Meds and why I stopped them:
      Elmiron: March to September 2006: headaches
      Lyrica:2 weeks in 2006: headaches
      Cystoprotek: from Jan to April 2007: nausea
      Femcon Fe (2/07 to 10/07):caused spotting/bleeding
      BCP:Loestrin (since Ocotber 2007) to stop spotting for 2 months. V V worse. Stopped the pill in Nov 07.

      "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it"

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