Elavil causing brain fog ? Treatment for fibromyalgia needed

[Stimmy]

My fibromyalgia started after a viral infection (viral labyrinthitis- an inner ear infection). My head felt very heavy and then my generalized muscle aches started. 30 years later my body is very stiff and sore all over which causes me difficulty sleeping. I have found no medication that helps- Elavil helps me sleep better but I think it is causing my brain fog. Partial relief from my symptoms comes temporarily from aerobic exercise and yoga. Anyone else have these issues? Is Elavil causing you brain fog? Any help would be much appreciated.

[No1wthayla]

Fibromyalgia causes brain fog by itself. Not sure about Elavil but I take a bunch of meds that seem to help collectively. Not everyone has the same experience with finding the right balance of them. It took me at least 5 years to get most of the pain manageable. I still have flare ups (usually when it rains or snows) and sometimes just because I did too much. I also got a Purple mattress that has been wonderful for sleeping. Keeps me cooler throughout the night and no pressure points. I've had Fibro now for 15 years and Lyrica was added 4 years ago. That along with my other medications is really pretty good.

I've been on medical leave at work for 6 weeks and just went back on the 17th. My back is killing me right now because I have to get used to sitting in my office chair again. And walking isn't that great either. It was brain surgery to fix a bone defect and another surgery in a few months to do the other side. Yippee!!

You could try Ibuprofin or Naproxen for some pain relief. But don't take too much of either. Acetominophen has helped a little but I take a prescription (Meloxicam) that works better than either of the other three drugs.

Check with your regular doctor to see what things might be helpful. And make sure to not take medications that might be bad for any other health problems you may have. Ask to see a rheumatologist who might be able to help you further. And there are self-care information online for things like yoga, meditation, diet changes.

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Hi no experience of elavil, but certainly some medications can cause fibro fog to worsen as a side effect.

[releasethemagic]

Elavil is a brand name for Amitriptyline. It has a number of side effects, including drowsiness. You may find Duloxetine has the same benefits without the side effects, so it is best to consult your Primary Care Physician to discuss options.

[Grannie5461]

You've just reminded me that I had labyrinthitis - can't remember whether it was before or after Fibro started!! Are you in England or abroad? It's just that I don't recognise Elavil!!

[Grannie5461]

I have been on Amitriptyline for years and have now started on Duloxetine so hope this helps my bad flare that I've had for a couple of weeks!! I also have tinnitus and IBS and bad fibrofog?? Keep smiling everyone!! 🙂

[Aleyya]

Hi,

Apologies upfront for my writing be so long it is due to the fogginess in the brain. Two years ago I have suffered from the infection of the inner ear and have the same persistent seasickness problem which makes me feel living my life like a grass on the lawn. Initially I was prescribed the "happy pill" antidepressant in the very small dose to help calm the nerve pain. I refused to take the antidepressants never ever took any antidepressant pills in my life and still suffer from the fogginess in the brain and dizziness. What I find is that having enough sleep to help the body recover is helping to reduce the fogginess. But any kind of and any level of anxiety tiredness after a day of work any kind of stress is enough to set the fogginess dizziness and the horrible constant bells ringing very loud in my ears. for days and days non-stop. After running blood and all sorts of tests My GP found out that it is genetic and the bottom line is the end of all of the nerves in my body gets inflamed causing me feel the pain allover my body and the fogginess and dizziness so badly and that I was lucky that this condition showed itself in my 60s and not when I was young. I had to take very strong steroids to reduce the nerve inflammation in the body but I cannot take this pills often as they are the kind of pills that are given to people who has organ transplant which supreses the immune system to prevent the body to reject the foreign organ in the body. It is as if the nerves are remembering all of the pain I had throughout of my life hitting me with all in one go. All the best. Take care.