Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Amitriptyline...looking for feedback

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • #1

    Amitriptyline...looking for feedback

    Looking for some feedback from the forum...I started having IC symptoms in Nov and fortunately, was diagnosed in Dec. I've been on ami since January. I think it's helped slightly(25 mg) but I've noticed that my anxiety level has increased dramatically along with itching and mild abdominal twitching. The twitching started the night after I started the ami so I know the meds are causing that specific side effect. The itching(mainly scalp and face) and anxiety started a few weeks after my first dose and have continued.

    I'm thinking about going off the ami but I'm not sure if these side effects are normal. I have the normal side effects- sedation, weight gain, sunlight sensitivity, etc that are expected. I spoke with the PA at my uro and she said the anxiety and itching weren't from the ami but i don't agree with the PA.

    Anyone else have the anxiety, itching or muscle twitching from ami? Thanks in advance for the feedback.
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Hello,

    I take Doxepin, which is in the same family and have noticed that from time to time, I do have abdominal twitching, always thought it was weird but never made the connection between the Doxepin and the twitching, perhaps now I have an answer.

    As for the other side effects of itching, I have also noticed that from time to time as well on my face, arms and legs, and didn't think it was the Doxepin either, maybe it is...

    Perhaps you could talk to your doctor about trying something else.
    Live Well
    Love Much
    Laugh Often!



    Diagnosed:
    Dec 2005
    Diagnosis:
    IC
    Cysto/Hydro:
    Dec 2005
    Other Conditions:
    Anxiety, Insomnia, Chronic Sinusitis, Bursitis of the hip, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PFD, Inflamitory Arthritis of the neck, Allergy to Yeast and Dairy
    Meds for IC:
    Prosed/DS as needed which works much better for me than Pyridium, Prelief, Coffee Tamer, Claritin 5mgs and sodium bicarb as needed.
    Alternative Treatments
    Physical therapy for 8 weeks, Acupuncture (just started).
    Other Meds:
    Skelaxin (as needed)
    Didn't work:
    Detrol LA (didn't help symptoms), Pyridium 200mg isn't working very well anymore.
    Tried:
    Elmiron (Major Dizziness), Hydrodistention (Greatly exacerbated IC symptoms), Urised (hard time breathing), Ditropan (bladder pain the next day), Rescue Instillations - Lidocane, sodium bicarb (all over body rash with itching),

    Comment

    • #3
      Does the itching come and go?
      Live Well
      Love Much
      Laugh Often!



      Diagnosed:
      Dec 2005
      Diagnosis:
      IC
      Cysto/Hydro:
      Dec 2005
      Other Conditions:
      Anxiety, Insomnia, Chronic Sinusitis, Bursitis of the hip, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PFD, Inflamitory Arthritis of the neck, Allergy to Yeast and Dairy
      Meds for IC:
      Prosed/DS as needed which works much better for me than Pyridium, Prelief, Coffee Tamer, Claritin 5mgs and sodium bicarb as needed.
      Alternative Treatments
      Physical therapy for 8 weeks, Acupuncture (just started).
      Other Meds:
      Skelaxin (as needed)
      Didn't work:
      Detrol LA (didn't help symptoms), Pyridium 200mg isn't working very well anymore.
      Tried:
      Elmiron (Major Dizziness), Hydrodistention (Greatly exacerbated IC symptoms), Urised (hard time breathing), Ditropan (bladder pain the next day), Rescue Instillations - Lidocane, sodium bicarb (all over body rash with itching),

      Comment

      • #4
        I've noticed itching that comes and go as a result of this. It is focused mainly on my lower legs, and feels like no matter how hard I scratch it doesn't go away. I take a cool shower instead, and it goes away finally. This happens around once or twice a week, I'd say. As side effects go, I'd consider it pretty mild.
        Last edited by meResque; 04-03-2011, 03:11 PM. Reason: Spelling is important!
        Symtoms started July 2010.
        Severe pelvic floor pain only.

        2 time PT graduate!
        In medical remission since August 2011; able to eat and drink anything I want currently.

        IC meds:
        200 mg Elmiron in the morning
        100 mg Elmiron @ night
        Macrobid after intercourse

        03/11 07/11 01/12
        If at first you don't succeed: 07/26/2013!

        Comment

        • #5
          I used to get that abdominal twitching. My muscles would sort of seize up. I found out that was because I had pelvic floor dysfunction and the ami was setting it off, because it can cause muscle spasms if you're already prone to them. I stopped taking the ami, but did pelvic floor PT. After my muscles were working normally again, I tried ami again and didn't get that same side effect! So now I can take it without problems.
          Update! Feeling much better these days and no longer on any meds!

          Pelvic pain began July 2008. Urinary frequency began in November of 2008. IC Doctor says I'm one of the worst frequency patients he has had.

          Things that helped me the most: IC Diet, Elavil (30mg), Elmiron since June '09 (500mg/day).

          Previously tried and quit: one series of six instillations, Neurontin, Ditropan, Oxytrol, electric stimulation to the pelvic floor, Desert Harvest Aloe, Cystoprotek and Flomax, Hydroxyzine (50mg), Alesse Birth control (this helped my period flares when my symptoms used to be bad), PTNS (I think this helped).

          [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

          Comment

          • #6
            I just started taking the Ami last night and have noticed the itchy feeling this afternoon, so it seems like I am having the same thing. I agree, as far as side effects go, it's pretty minor.
            Live Well
            Love Much
            Laugh Often!



            Diagnosed:
            Dec 2005
            Diagnosis:
            IC
            Cysto/Hydro:
            Dec 2005
            Other Conditions:
            Anxiety, Insomnia, Chronic Sinusitis, Bursitis of the hip, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PFD, Inflamitory Arthritis of the neck, Allergy to Yeast and Dairy
            Meds for IC:
            Prosed/DS as needed which works much better for me than Pyridium, Prelief, Coffee Tamer, Claritin 5mgs and sodium bicarb as needed.
            Alternative Treatments
            Physical therapy for 8 weeks, Acupuncture (just started).
            Other Meds:
            Skelaxin (as needed)
            Didn't work:
            Detrol LA (didn't help symptoms), Pyridium 200mg isn't working very well anymore.
            Tried:
            Elmiron (Major Dizziness), Hydrodistention (Greatly exacerbated IC symptoms), Urised (hard time breathing), Ditropan (bladder pain the next day), Rescue Instillations - Lidocane, sodium bicarb (all over body rash with itching),

            Comment

            • #7
              Hi, Toby ~ I was taking Ami but stopped because it appeared to raise my blood pressure substantially and I was getting fearful. YES, I did have that pelvic twitching....I never connected it to the Ami, but it's over now that I've stopped. I also have PFD. Very interesting.

              I did not have itching. My PA also checked my records for the last year and said my BP was a little high each time they took it in the office so doesn't feel the Ami is causing the high BP...which was up to 199/119 at home. Since I discontinued it, I'm pretty much back to normal....120's -140's over 70-80's. I think WE know our bodies best. I absolutely love my Dr/PA/staff, but just had to try stopping the Ami for my own sanity. I'm thinking of trying one more time to see if it helps with my bowel problems again as they've worsened since stopping and it was prescribed to help with that issue. Maybe that twitching won't be an issue either next time.

              Thank you each for your posts...because IC has such a wide range of symptoms, it's always nice to be able to make some sense out of things.

              Hoping you all have a good week,
              Never heard of IC til suspected....Never knew so many suffer from it. Praying for a cure. I've found answers...so can you...keep the hope.

              11/2007 IC Symptoms began during recovery of surgery for bladder susp & hysto: painful/urge/freq urination up to 50 times a day, pain walking, even water hurts.
              8/2009 Susp IC; 1/2010 Treatment began; 2/2010 Diag PFD, PT, Surg remove mesh; 5/2010 Surg, 2nd bladder repair, vag vault/sm int prolapse repair, IC confirmed in surg; 7/2010 Diag Candida Esophagitis, Gastritis, Diviticulosis, Gallstones,
              8/2010 Surg gallbladder
              TREATMENTS (updated 4/15)
              IC Diet since 8/2009 (Able to vary 4/15)
              Heparin/Lidocaine/Bicarb/Kenalog Instills 1xDay
              Aloe Vera Capsules, (2) 2xDay, Loratadine 1xDay
              Pantoprazole, Prelief, Pyridium up to 3xDay, Premarin Cream 3xWeek
              *DISCONTINUED since feeling better: Celexa 10mg daily*, Fiber supp*,
              Gabapentin 12/2011 worked well *, Macrodantin 100mg after instill*, Probiotics*, PT-PFD*, Valium Vag Suppositories: Cyclo/diaz/lido, 10/5/62.5mg *
              PROB MEDS: Elavil, up to 50mg 1/2011 ret&hbp, Urelle ret, Vesicare ret

              Comment

              • #8
                All the tricyclic meds do this to me. The twitching sensation would even travel all the way down my legs at night and gave me restless leg syndrome and insomnia. I'm always amazed when I hear people say that Elavil calms everything down for them, because for me it feels like I've taken a potent stimulant.

                Comment

                • #9
                  If you notice uncontrolled twitching or muscle movements with any medications you need to report that to your Dr ASAP. There are some meds that can cause permanent muscle movements. I am NOT saying that Amitriptyline is one but that side effect shouldn't be taken lightly. So, if you notice that sort of thing be sure and let your Dr know, it very well may not mean anything, better to be safe though. Some of the anti psychotics that are now used to help other anti depressants work more effectively can cause involuntary movements such as pursing of your lips or arm movement (uncontrolled). Not to alarm anyone just an FYI.
                  Link to the patient information, everything from What is IC? to Disability
                  http://www.ic-network.com/patientlinks.html

                  American Urological Association Clinical Guideline
                  Diagnosis and Treatment of Intersitial Cysitis/Painful Bladder Syndrom
                  http://www.auanet.org/content/guidel...ent_ic-bps.pdf

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    You are so right. After my initial reaction to elavil years ago I have not taken or tried any tricyclics, even ones that are chemically similar. Flexeril did the same thing to me and when I researched the chemical makeup it is very similar to a tricyclic. You sure have to do a lot of your own research on this stuff.

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      My second day of taking it was last night, I had a restless night of sleep and had to pee 5 or 6 times, which is not usual for me! I wonder if Amitryptaline can cause frequency? Oh and I am also noticing tingling in my right arm today, and my right leg last night. :/
                      Last edited by Tink22; 04-04-2011, 11:02 AM.
                      Live Well
                      Love Much
                      Laugh Often!



                      Diagnosed:
                      Dec 2005
                      Diagnosis:
                      IC
                      Cysto/Hydro:
                      Dec 2005
                      Other Conditions:
                      Anxiety, Insomnia, Chronic Sinusitis, Bursitis of the hip, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PFD, Inflamitory Arthritis of the neck, Allergy to Yeast and Dairy
                      Meds for IC:
                      Prosed/DS as needed which works much better for me than Pyridium, Prelief, Coffee Tamer, Claritin 5mgs and sodium bicarb as needed.
                      Alternative Treatments
                      Physical therapy for 8 weeks, Acupuncture (just started).
                      Other Meds:
                      Skelaxin (as needed)
                      Didn't work:
                      Detrol LA (didn't help symptoms), Pyridium 200mg isn't working very well anymore.
                      Tried:
                      Elmiron (Major Dizziness), Hydrodistention (Greatly exacerbated IC symptoms), Urised (hard time breathing), Ditropan (bladder pain the next day), Rescue Instillations - Lidocane, sodium bicarb (all over body rash with itching),

                      Comment

                      Previous template Next
                      Working...
                      X