Posted by Chloe on February 2, 2002, at 17:00:35
In reply to Anyone out there taking Elavil?, posted by Pattisun on February 2, 2002, at 12:45:17
I take 10 mgs (did better on 20 mgs for pain control, but got hypomanic) for neuropathic scalp pain. So far I have not had any of the "carbo cravings" or weight gain that people report. And have had some reduction in the constant "burning" sensation.
Everyone reacts differently to meds. And there is a good chance that a low dose (lower than is need for depression 150-300 mgs/day) will give you some relief without too many side effects, ie. dry mouth or weight gain.
I was resistant as well about taking a TCA again. I have horrible memories of taking them in the eighties and feeling awful. But elavil improves sleep (unlike SSRi's that can cause insomnia) and doesn't cause as devasting sexual dysfunction or weight gain that paxil can. I think if you start at a very low dose, 10 or 12.5 mgs to start and titrate up slowly, your body will be able to gradually adjust to the med and you will not find the side effects harsh or disturbing.
I am sorry for your suffering. I would encourage you to give Elavil a try. You can always abandon it if it doesn't agree with you. Eating a sensible diet will help, and you can keep a food diary if you are really anxious about weight gain. If pain doesn't prohibit you from taking walks or getting some exercise each day, I highly recommend that to, for weight control and mental health :)
Take care
Chloe> I have pain all the time ever since my accident 15 months ago... the doctors have given me Elavil to take. I initially didn't take it because I knew it would cause weight gain. But, this last time I saw my internist she said it may cause a small weight gain (like 5 pounds), but she said it won't put the pounds on me like Paxil did (on me and so many of her other patients).
>
> I'm scared to try it. I currently take Paxil (finally got down to 10 mg, eventually will get off that crap)--and I take Klonopin everyday, plus Vicodin and Ibupropen (800 mg).
>
> Thanks for your feedback,
>
> Patti
poster:Chloe
thread:92613
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020131/msgs/92643.html