Amitriptyline

[Bazmack]

Since hubbys HA Oct 2016 he has been having problems with his stomach. Many many visits to GP and different tablets given. After GP couldn’t think of anything else he referred him to a geriatian. This doctor sent him for an endoscopy which showed gastritis and very severe duodinitus . He was already taking a PPI so nothing further needed. The past few weeks we have not been able to leave the house as hubby needed to be near to the toilet. So another visit to GP who because it was an emergency clinic could not read hubbys history. He said he would get back to us. Anyway, after 2 days hubby rang and doctor returned call stating he wanted him to take amitriptyline. We know it is an anti depressant which he did not want to take as he has had problems with similar drugs in the past. Told it is given to IBS patients to help with stomach problems. Following his first 10mg tablet last night he is experiencing dizziness. The leaflet said this is normal. Does anybody else take this drug with the normal heart medication?

[marypw]

I've taken amitriptyline for years with no problem for pain and sleep because I have lupus. I also take an antihypertensive and a statin. The only problem I get with amitriptyline is a dry mouth. But we are all different and react to meds in different ways. In many cases, any side effects improve after a couple of weeks. If you're worried about interactions do talk to your pharmacist.

[MikeBB]

Yes - I take it, but as part of the overall control of a back problem. It did indeed start out as an anti-depressant (not a very good one, apparently) and it is now used for a variety of other purposes. I take the usual pick-n-mix of post h/attack drugs too. As suggested, always worth talking to your gp and/or pharmacist.

[wiltsgirl]

Hi Bazmack, have you considered he may have become lactose intolerant? I know some meds contain lactose. My partner had this shortly after having a dose of Noro virus, not heart related, but it may be the same for your husband. He started by taking all lactose products from his diet and slowly reintroducing them after 6 months. Maybe check with your GP again. Best of luck x

[Bazmack]

Thank you for your post. After two very bad days hubby is going to stop taking this drug. He was sleepy all the time and stumbling around. We thought about food intolerance but GP said it wasn’t connected. We have lost all confidence in our GPS and will look at going private to try and get this problem sorted. He is just tucking into fried potatoes and eggs, he has not eaten this type of food for years, but a little of what you fancy......