Amitriptyline, does it help?

[Frodo12412]

Hello. Has anyone been given Amitriptyline for Endo and bowel pain? My gynaecology prescribed it previously and I took it for a couple of days but it made me feel terrible. She has referred me to a gastroenterologist as she thinks the Endo may be in the bowel. He wants to prescribe the same but I’m dreading taking them. He says the side effects will wear off after a couple of weeks. Has anyone else taken them? Would love to hear your experience with them. Thanks x

[Violet159]

Hi,

I don't take it for bowel pain but I take it for sciatica and I think it's a wonder drug, works better than anything else I tried! It does take a few weeks to feel the painkiller effects and I remember the first week or two I felt very tired and out of it but that wore off, it helps to drink a lot of water while you're taking it. I still get a bit headachey if I take it too late before bed, normally best to have it a few hours beforehand. So it works great for me. Remember it's up to you though - if it makes you feel awful you don't have to try it again, don't feel pressured into it by the doctor if you're not comfortable xx

[Frodo12412]

Thanks Violet that’s good to know. I think other than the coil, which I have already, there are no other options to try other than this so may have to give it a go. That’s exactly how I felt last time, like I had a really band hangover without the fun 😂. Xx

[Tillyfloss]

hi. Yes it worked for me alongside tramadol, paracetamol,& buscopan. I have endometriosis on my bowel too. Have you tried the Endo diet? I started all the medication at once and felt awful for 2/3 weeks but it improved and I was mostly ok to get to surgery 😊. They did make me really sleepy too start with but that improved to 😊. Hope they help. Xx

[Frodo12412 in reply to Tillyfloss]

Hi Tillyfloss, thanks. I have read a book that advises to eat organic, avoid sugar, dairy and gluten. But is there a specific official diet? Xx

[Tillyfloss in reply to Frodo12412]

hi. It was suggested by a work colleague of my husband, the book recommended is called endometriosis: A key to healing fertility through nutrition. I was very poorly at the time and I stuck to it rigidly to it for 6/8 weeks as it helped with my pain. I then reintroduced food slowly to see what caused flares up, so for me I can't have pasta at all, even glutton free sets pain off, I can't have seeds or granary type bread or rolls, or pizza. I have to be careful with cakes, some set it off. I'm fine with milk and don't eat red meat anyway so that's not an issue. I was very sceptical about it but was at the point I would have tried anything, it took a few weeks but it really helped settle my systems and I know when I've eaten something I shouldn't as it flares up. At the time and I was looking into it a few people said it didn't help but its worth a try. The specialist said with it being server on my bowel what I eat will aggravate my symptoms. The buscopan also helps with flare ups if I've eaten something that sets it off. Xx

[AimeeElizabeth25 in reply to Tillyfloss]

I’m really interested to hear the endo diet, any information on this would be great xx

[AimeeElizabeth25]

I’m on amitriptyline, only 30mg every night. Anything more and I’m like a zombie the next day. How much do you take? It’s good to know your limit, so try different dosages and work your way up to see when side effects kick in.

To be honest with you, I never notice it helps for any of my pain unfortunately, maybe it does but nothing really feels to take the edge off.

Naproxen sometimes helps me!

I hope you feel better soon xx

[Frodo12412 in reply to AimeeElizabeth25]

Hi Aimee,

I was prescribed 10mg last time. So I think they’ll do the same this time. I have been on naproxen but it didn’t really help and the consultant was concerned that it was causing inflammation in my bowel and adding to the pain 🙈. So I stopped and have been relying on paracetamol. Well I guess I will have to give it a go and see. Hope you are doing ok xx

[Hannah0091]

Hi I’m on it at the moment 3-4 weeks in TBH it made me feel quite down and not myself but those side affects are starting to ware off now. Apparently the key is sticking with it so Iv heard x

[Frodo12412 in reply to Hannah0091]

Thanks, yes that’s what the consultant said. Guess I will have to give them a go and see x

[KNJR4]

I also have endo in/on my bowels and ureters. I’ve not tried Amittiptyline. I’ve given up hope for tablets. The only things I take are vitamins- 125mg Mg along with a comprehensive multivitamin that includes Vit D, Cr. Reduced (organic only) dairy, eat a green veg every night, drink loads of water and sleep as much as possible. I drink loads of mint and licorice teas (don’t think this helps other than hydration). My pain is manageable now. Another good, easy read is Wendy Laidlaw’s Heal endometriosis naturally. Wendy explains what she’s tried and why cutting particular foods may help. Best wishes ladies!!! xx