Amitriptyline

[Pinnerpearl]

Hello

Had ibs d for years, usually manage with loperamide. Consultant has prescribed a low dose of Amitriptyline, haven’t started taking ityet. Anyone had good results with it?

[Lifebalance]

Hello PinnerpearlI was scripted 20mg daily when I first was diagnosed with IBS C. It has a good calming effect and helps pain sensitivity.

10 years on I manage my condition differently as taking this dose daily added to constipation and made me feel lethargic.

Now I only take 10mg when I have a flare up although doctors prefer daily dose.

It should work well for your IBS D but monitor your dose wether you need 20mg or 10mg - you didn't mention what you are taking.

Wishing you well

😊

[Paulus]

Hi Pinner pearl,I've been taking Amitriptilyne for about 8 years now for IBS - D.

I initially took 20mg as I couldn't go through the night without going to the loo, then I reduced it to 10mg, as 20 mg made me sleepy and dizzy first thing in the morning. It's a lifesaver for me. I can't imagine life without it.

I've had a few occasions when I've thought about coming off it during good months, but I always seem to relapse so staying on 10mg keeps me in control.

Don't get me wrong, I still have loose bowel days, but I used to get cramps and feel awful during the bad days, but with a combination amitriptilyne and weeks to my diet, the bad days seem just that little bit easier to tolerate,, and don't last as long.

One last thing, it takes a couple of weeks to get into your system, so stick with it through the dizzy spells and sleepy head in the morning and I'm sure you'll see the benefits in the long term. Take care,

Paul

[Pinnerpearl in reply to Paulus]

That’s really to good to hear, thank you, I will see how I get on, starting at 10mg, consultant said it takes a few weeks to get in to your system. Fingers crossed it’s helpful.

[ellie0253]

hi I’ve had IBS D for years and have been taking amitriptyline for about 18 months now. Combined with a gluten free and low lactose diet. I started on 10mg but have found that 30mg works for me. Gone are the urgent rushing to the toilet days. I do get the odd bad day still but they are more manageable. I also take a probiotic(Alflorex) and occasionally loperamide if a big day out where I know toilet stops will be inconvenient.

[Pinnerpearl in reply to ellie0253]

Hi Ellie, that sounds great, urgent toilet days are a nightmare for me. Consultant did mention that Alforex was useful too, but it’s pretty expensive. I am very hopeful. Thank you

[Kathyd78]

I have been prescribed it too but was put off by the side effects and the fact it says not to drink alcohol, my one vice is I like a drink or 3🤣 I may actually give it a try after reading other people's positive experiences as I'm fed up of my IBS, limits my life big time.

[Pinnerpearl]

Hi Kathy, it’s good to hear isn’t it, IBS is such a nuisance, I don’t get pain just urgency. I like a drink too,so let’s see how get on!

[Eastbourne11]

Hi Pinnerpearl IBS D .. I use Loperamide three times a day now. You can take probably up to 12 a day with no side effects(which was verified by a cancer doctor) except if you take more than necessary you will get constipated - better than not being able to go out. Loperamide should be prescribed by a doctor so you do not have to pay for it. There are no side effect from Loperamide. Don't forget doctors only say it is IBS because they do not know what causes it. FODMAP diet is good, it worked for two years for me. My friend takes 4 at a time when she is going out but that is because she is missing half her colon. You know the colon takes liquid from the colon. I hope this helps. take care. best wishes.

[Pinnerpearl]

Thanks Eastbourne, loperamide is good stuff, never taken that many, but good to know you can. Certainly better than not going out. I would never contemplate a coach trip for instance, I think mine is anxiety based , even though I don’t think I am anxious. Weird.

[Mumof31983]

I have been taking amitripilene for just over a month now. The tiredness does wear off. Take it before 8pm. Be prepared to be in bed for 9pm and prepared to not wake up for 10-11 hours.

Initially I was constipated for 9 days so I came off it to rectify this ( anround 4 days) and tried again with a high fibre diet and drinking more water.

After 1 month I told my dietician that I had 4 good days out of 7 whereby previously I had 7 bad days a week.

I’m still monitoring its use and so far I’m not fully better but there is improvement enough to continue.

I take 10 mg daily at 730pm nightly.

[Pinnerpearl]

That’s very helpful, thank you, it’s still early days for you too. 10 hours sleep sounds blissful!

[Hunte]

Hi I take lopermide often but feel that's not helping me much now I have incontinence now as no control am awaiting a nerve stimulator to help my bowel hope you get the proper help from your doctor

[Pinnerpearl]

thank you, best wishes to you too.