I have had ibs for 40 years. In 2014 I was given amitriptyline which has been a godsend. I also have fibromyalgia which was also kept under control with amitriptyline. Recently a new gp said I had to come off amitriptyline because it's no good for seniors. He gave me gabapentin which I didn't get on with so I stopped. My ibs is through the roof now and so I am going back on amitriptyline. Wish I'd never stopped it. Has anyone else had similar experiences stopping amitriptyline
Amitriptyline and gabapentin withdrawal in som... - IBS Network
Amitriptyline and gabapentin withdrawal in someone with ibs
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The NHS link below doesn't include "seniors" directly so I can only guess the GP means kidney problems which do tend to increase with age.
Our only experience of it is that it was offered to my mum for Restless Legs Syndrome but she refused it, largely because she has CKD (!!). Note you should be aware of the full list of side effects (as with any medical intervention) and that it is frowned upon on the RLS HU forum.
I also find amatryptoline helpful , for IBS, currently pain with broken back, and my anxiety. Sticking with a minimal dose. Also given Gabbapentin which is not as effective, makes me unwell and is , of course , addictive - an issue for me ( recovering addict/ alcoholic) so basically - yes , I agree x
Hi there, yes been on amitriptyline for many years, came off it for a year ( was v hard to get off that’s another story).
Decided to go back on as IBS became relentless and unbearable. For me amitriptyline does not cure/stop the IBS but it helps give some quality of life and that is the most important thing for me. Don’t get me wrong I still have incredibly bad flares but I think I’d be worse without it.
Yes, I’ve had problems coming off Amitriptyline and find I have a better quality of life by staying on them.
I’m 71 years old and on 20mgs, which I take in the evening about 7. 30pm.
One of my friends told me that a new report had come out stating that Amitriptyline is not good for seniors over 70 as it can lead to dementia. I knew this already but Amitriptyline appears to agree with me and so far, I’ve not had any problems.
I’ve been on Amitriptyline for 12 years and doctor not suggested I change. Initially, the Amitriptyline was prescribed by a gastroenterologist consultant so perhaps that’s why the doctor can’t change it.
Hope this helps.
Hi Hartley. Yes I was prescribed amitriptyline by a gastroentologist and I have no side effects apart from a dry mouth. My problems started when gp took me off it and tried gabapentin and pregabalin. I'm back on 20mg amitriptyline now. Only been on it a few days so will have to wait a bit longer before I get full effect. I'm not coming off it again that's for sure.
I’m with you, stick to the Amitriptyline.
I put up my daily dosage from 10mgs to 20mgs this week due to the stress of Christmas. My bad flare ups often occur when I get too stressed.
I suffer from dry mouth as well and have found gargling mouthwash before going to bed, any brand, appears to help with my dry mouth.
Thank you for your response, greatly appreciated.
I have been on amitriptyline for years due to arthritis in knees & hip. I take 1 at night to help me sleep.
I came off it by myself (yes I know you’re not supposed to). My IBS flaired up terribly. Never had it so bad so off to GP who also suffers from IBS so bad that she came away from hospital job to a surgery job.
She recommended amitriptyline for my IBS. I had no idea I could use this. My symptoms are now back under control. I’m 74.