Constipation :-((((

[KatherineM_PBC]

I have been on Amitriptyline for months now, finally up to a dose that seems to be making a difference with the migraine, yay! BUT......I am very constipated, even with laxatives sometimes I only go every 2-3 days and I'm so bloated I look 6 months pregnant😩 Do any other members have this problem and how do you manage it? I drink lots of water and eat fresh fruit and veg daily, so don't think it's a lack of fibre in my diet. I had a spicy curry last night and even that didn't get things moving😒

[SH55]

It's rotten what drugs can do while trying to ease our pains. Is Amitriptyline the only drug that helps. It really does bung up the system. Propranolol is often used for migraines etc. I expect you have spoken to the doc about this but if not ask about alternatives. The other way to help is using lactulose. Not as painful as laxatives, it is sugar compound which is too big to be digested and as a result draws in lots of water into the stools to help them soften and come out. Good luck.

[KatherineM_PBC in reply to SH55]

Hi SH55. When I discussed 'preventatives' with my Consultant, we settled on Amitriptyline as I have a history of depression. Ami does not make me sleepy, or dizzy any more, so the constipation really is the only side effect. I have Lactulose and Laxido, but didn't want to get in the habit of taking them every day - I will discuss with my Doc as perhaps it is best that I do this, and hope that my bowels do return to normal, as and when I'm able to wean off the Ami. As I can see this being some time though, it's all just a pain in the backside, literally 😳

[SH55 in reply to KatherineM_PBC]

I don't think lactulose is anything to worry about by taking regularly. Yes, a pain in the backside - hehe. Chin up. X

[Meri33]

Hi Katherine, I am too taking Laroxyl- Amitriptyline since 17 octobre 2018, and I feel

very inflated, I am 4 kilograms up, although in my diet I am very careful. I feel better with my tensive headache, even though certain periods the pain is repeat..my doctor

told me that i have to take 6 months Laroxyl, and hope I will be better :(((

[KatherineM_PBC in reply to Meri33]

Hi Meri. Like you I am carful with my diet and eat lots of fresh veg, rarely processed food and drinks lots of water. I'm heavier after Christmas but that is no surprise, eh! I have been on the Amitriptyline over 6 months now, and as it does seem to be having a positive effect on the headaches, I don't think I will be able to wean off any time soon? I'm going to acupuncture tomorrow to see if that eases things a bit too!

[Meri33 in reply to KatherineM_PBC]

One of my main problems and I believe that my headache is coming from it, is that in one eye I have discovered that I have keraratokonus and doctors have been told me that it has a lot to do with the headache.

I am 33 years old and I hope that one day this pain will go away because it spoils the normality of my life.

[troy04]

You may try "Triphala", it is not laxative as such but it helps normalising bowel movement. A legitimate source to purchase : himalayadirect.com/products...

I have purchased from them, they are good. Of course you may choose other source if you want. (2 tablets per day should help)

Trupti Gokani (migraine specialist) is a big fan of Triphala:

truptigokanimd.com/blog/how...

[KatherineM_PBC in reply to troy04]

This is very interesting thank you!

[headachequeen]

A cap full of Miralax in your coffee (or any liquid) each day might really help you out. Its gentle and harmless long term. It directs water in your body to your bowels.

[KatherineM_PBC in reply to headachequeen]

I'll look into that too, thankyou

[Totmom]

Here is a new drug that works on serotonin receptors to induce peristalsis:

marketwatch.com/press-relea...

[KatherineM_PBC]

Not sure my condition is chronic but if left I'm sure it could get worse. Worth knowing that there are new drugs being developed all the time, thanks for passing this on.

[KatherineM_PBC]

Thankyou all again, I ordered the Miralax and in-between have been using the Laxido from my Doc to good result. I'm also looking into Triphala, I had never heard of that before, so thanks for your replies.

[Golf-Ski]

Hello, I take 10 mg. Amitriptyline as well as 20 mg. Propanol together to prevent the migraines I have had since starting peri menopause and menopause. Both my family doctor and the neurologist I saw at the Migraine clinic here in Calgary, Alberta, Canada told me to take Magnesium citrate powder daily, as it also helps to prevent migraines. In Canada, I get the organic brand called Natural Calm, ionic magnesium citrate powder. I dissolve 2 teaspoons of it daily in cold water (then I warm it up in microwave... if you put the powder directly in hot water it will bubble over!) That kind of magnesium will make your constipation disappear, trust me😅 You can adjust your dosage appropriately to find one that works for you without giving you diarrhea. Now, we spent 5 months in Australia and New Zealand last winter and I had a hard time finding my magnesium citrate powder... Not sure why? The magnesium you find in pill format is not the same and will not provide the same positive effects on your migraines either. I would send you a picture of the container if I could, so you could look it up online and maybe order it, but I can’t seem to find a way to attach a picture in this site. Google it, you should find it online ( Natural Calm, ionic magnesium citrate powder). Hope this helps!

[Moomins]

I have had these side effects with all three I took however . I did find a vast improvement with the liquid oral substitute of amitriptyline. You could try that! I'm now on candastartan and I look so pregnant all the time my gut is so confused and erratic. I can reccomend also 16 to 32 oz of organic celery juice on an empty stomach in the mromingit really gets things moving !

[tog12]

Hi Katherine and all I am glad to read your replys to find I am not alone. I have had migraines from age 4, two years ago I started with abdominal pain, so far unable to find cause, but I started on Amitriptyline to ease abdominal pain, side effect migraines not as sevear, more drowsey, Dr changed it to Nortriptaline which has cause reduced bowel movement. I have increased my water intake and eat a varied diet with lots of veg and fiber. I am seeing my consultant next month hope to have more information after visit.

[KatherineM_PBC in reply to tog12]

Hi tog, not at all surprised that you started to have stomach problems a couple of years ago, after being a migraine suffer for some time. I certainly believe there is a link between the brain and the bowels! Not wanting to put too much info on here of course, I find I can often get a searing headache which, is relieved somewhat by moving my bowels, it's happed on many occasions!

1 thing I would say .......I went gluten free 2 years ago as I suffer from 2 auto immune conditions and had read it might help my body. At the beginning I was very strict, and over the last few months I eased off, over Christmas especially I have enjoyed a few naughty treats, plus normal bread and pasta. I especially fancied a lasagne last night in a restaurant, and boy this morning did I have a very uncomfortable stomach. So, I've told myself off and am going to be a lot stricter again and would suggest you might try it too? Instead of sandwiches for lunch, think lovely healthy salad bowl for example. Once you get the hang of it, it's not hard, especially avoid gluten free bread, cakes and pastries they taste awful and I don't think are any better for you? Good luck and keep us posted with what the Docs say?

[Moomins]

I know the feeling. The liquid ami was much better on my tummy just still effected my asthma. Im on candastartan and look pregnant and bloated and still quite constipated. I have however found relief in drinking 16 oz to 32 oz of organic celery juice am kn an empty stomach . It helps me go pretty quick! I eat so well drink loads too . Its very frustrating

[KatherineM_PBC]

I never seemed to have any stomach/bowel problems but since going gluten free I’ve even started to think I’ve CREATED a problem and now if I eat any gluten I get a swollen stomach very quickly. This morning I decided on a breakfast of yogurt and fruit and my stomach is gurgling away, am I getting a dairy intolerance too? 🙄 I have ordered a testing kit online, I used to be scathing of this sort of thing, but that’s before a realised there is a big link between my stomach and headaches. I have friends with both wheat and dairy allergy and their lives are totally controlled by their diet, eating out with them is hard work!

[OilyWiggles]

Bizarrely, amitriptyline had no effect on my bowels, but made me far too drowsy to continue taking it.

I take a few teaspoons of psyllium husks every day (I buy a big bag on Amazon), which is great for bowel health.