Dr. Shen suggested i take elavil for IPS. I started it last night and I had so much trouble staying awake all day today. Does this side effect go away or should I switch to Ativan? (he wrote me a script for both)
Replies sorted oldest to newest
You may want to read this:
Elavil (amitryptiline) belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. It is available in generic form. Elavil is used to treat depression and mood disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions including nerve pain, eating disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Elavil (amitryptiline) belongs to the class of tricyclic antidepressants. It is available in generic form. Elavil is used to treat depression and mood disorders. It may also be used to treat other conditions including nerve pain, eating disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder. The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Those sort of side effects typically resolve as your body acclimates. If it is just too much to deal with, contact Dr. Shen to see about a lower dose. It is the Elavil (tricyclic antidepressant) that is supposed to help with IPS. A lower dose than what is needed to treat depression is prescribed. Some people are more sensitive to the side effects and need to start with a very low dose. This drug is for regular use.
The Ativan is for the anxiety, and for just occasional use, so not as helpful for controlling IPS. It can make you drowsy too.
Jan
The Ativan is for the anxiety, and for just occasional use, so not as helpful for controlling IPS. It can make you drowsy too.
Jan
I took Elavil for a long time and the drowsiness never went away totally, but it got better after about two weeks. It helped me to take it earlier in the evening instead of right at bedtime. Eventually, I switched to nortriptyline, the cousin of Elavil. It doesn't cause as much drowsiness.