Amitriptyline for Irritable Bowel Syndrome User Reviews (Page 3)

• mr...
• January 5, 2018

"I have had stomach issues my whole entire life. Severe cramps, gas, and diarrhea. When I was 19, I had a colonoscopy to rule out any more serious conditions. I was officially diagnosed with IBS-D. My gastroenterologist prescribed me amitriptyline. My life was forever changed. After a week, I was having more solid bowel movements, less pain, and felt as close to normal as I have ever felt. I went into my colonoscopy at 118 pounds feeling sick all the time. I couldn’t gain weight. I was about 5 ft 10 inches tall, so I looked super skinny. Today I weigh 170, I owe it all to amitriptyline and, well, all that beer and pizza I ate in college... anyways, this drug changed my life. This is the help you need if you suffer from IBS-D. Period."

• OFV...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 3, 2016

"After years of pain and many visits to the gastro doctors, the use of this drug has changed everything for me. I had periods in which I lost over 30 pounds and it was impossible for me to eat without bloating and extreme pain. Although dairy products and wheat are still impossible for me to eat, with the use of this drug and a proper diet, I can have almost a normal life. It took me over three years to find a doctor that insisted on the use of this drug and its benefits for IBS and visceral hyperalgesia. It took me 4-6 weeks to start seeing the results. I've been on this medication now for three years. I'm 41 years old, male. The dose I take is 50 mg per day."

• Max...
• February 2, 2016

"I highly highly highly recommend using this medicine in treating and managing your IBS symptoms. I've been on it less than a month, and with a combination of the medicine and a diet (staying away from fatty foods, fried foods, soda, chocolate, and eating lots of fruit), I have found relief I thought I'd never find. I'm 18 years old, and I've had my fair share of history in battling these symptoms, it was rough, but with this medicine, it became a lot easier."

• im ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2016

"Today is my 2nd day on this medication. I have IBD-D. I take 10 mg at night. This med has started working from day 1. I'm so happy I finally feel normal. I could never be away from home, I was always scared that I needed to use the restroom. One day I would go many times. I would never eat, and I would always be on Imodium, that would only work for me for a few hours, and then I would be back to the toilet. I could never be out somewhere longer than 2 hours. I could never take my children out to the park or anywhere without being rushed to go home to be near a bathroom. The side effect that I'm experiencing right now is that I'm just sleepy throughout the day and thirsty. I will come back in a few weeks to see how it is going!"

• Dwi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2022

"I wish to share this experience in the hopes it will benefit those who suffer from this condition and ease the suffering associated with it. If you are experiencing tenesmus, the urge to constantly 'go', it might be a case of rectal hypersensitivity. It might be due to hemorrhoids or scar tissue in the rectal area. I suffered with it for almost four years until I figured it out and found out tricyclic antidepressants are effective in treating it. Amitriptyline worked perfectly for me. If it lasts, I feel like I might have my life back."

• Tam...
• October 29, 2018

"I have been taking this medicine for the past 8 years for IBS, and it has been an absolute lifesaver. My IBS became severely worse after giving birth to my youngest daughter, and after being in and out of the ER every other day, it is the only thing that helps me. It does make me drowsy in the morning, but being drowsy sure beats waking up in pain every morning. I do not take it every day, I would say I take it every other day or every third day, but if I do not take it, I become very sick. I would say that anyone suffering from severe IBS or gastroparesis should definitely give this a try. It has been a miracle worker for me."

• Bye...
• November 4, 2015

"For a long time, it seemed that everything I ate would cause my belly to swell, so I looked pregnant. My constipation and belly pain also worsened significantly the last few years. After a battery of testing, it was determined that I had SIBO and IBS-C. After treatment with the antibiotics, my bloat was better but not gone. Tried Linzess for the constipation, but I hated it. Then the doctor prescribed Amitiza for constipation and amitriptyline 25 mg at night for bloat and pain. It has SAVED me. The pain is gone, and the bloat is almost gone! Plus, the side effects work to my advantage. I don't get up to pee four times a night anymore, and I have never slept better! Dry mouth is pretty bad, but I will take that over the pain any day."

• Sis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 24, 2016

"I've had IBS-C & D since I was a kid, and it worsened as I got older. I learned within the past year that lactose and wheat irritate it greatly, causing severe pain, diarrhea, and bloating. Until 2 months ago, I had just resigned myself to having this problem and the depression/anxiety that comes with it. I finally saw a gastroenterologist 2 months ago, and he took the time to go over my symptoms and some tests. Finally, he suggested Elavil at a dose of 20 mg at night since it can have a sedative effect. After 2 weeks, I felt WONDERFUL! I felt normal! This has been a medical godsend. We might increase the dose to 50 mg in a few months since I am on 3 other medications for my bipolar, which can lower the effectiveness of Elavil."

• Mar...
• February 3, 2018

"I have had IBS-D since I was a child, but it had become so severe that it was ruining my life. After 6 months of abdominal cramps and diarrhea so severe that I could barely leave the house, I started taking 25 mg of Elavil every night. The effect was nothing short of amazing. Except for occasional dry mouth, I am now fully restored to health."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2016

"I have had IBS my whole life. I'm 25 now, and it was getting bad. Every time I ate, I got sick, I started to lose weight. The doctor thought maybe my anxiety was making my IBS worse. I have been taking this medication for two weeks now and haven't gotten sick once. Side effects: dry mouth, so I'm constantly drinking water, no sex drive, and gas. But I think it's worth it! I feel great."

• Big...
• May 21, 2016

"I've been battling gastrointestinal problems from day one, but for the last two years, I've been suffering intolerable pain. Two GPs and two gastroenterologists later, I was still having problems with no clear diagnosis. Finally, I saw a new GP last week that seemed to chalk my symptoms up to IBS, and she prescribed me this medication. I've only been on 1/2 a 25 mg pill each evening for five days, and already my symptoms have vastly improved. There's brief pain for about 10 minutes occasionally, but it passes quickly now and is far less severe, and I'm not kept up all night by the pain anymore like before. No ill effects, as I take it in the evening about an hour before bedtime. This medication is a godsend for me!"

• Slo...
• December 8, 2016

"Took this for IBS-C for about 2 months, 10 mg. Worked great for pain, even a bit for my anxiety. Unfortunately, it gave me hard stools, which was already a problem. Took more Miralax, and it helped with that. Still made me drowsy after a month. I suggest taking it early in the evening so you don't feel groggy in the morning."

• but...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 10, 2022

"I am not new to this drug, I have been taking it since about 2017, when I first got diagnosed with IBS. I had suffered for a whole year before my GI prescribed this. I didn't want to try it, but after a bad episode, I finally decided to take it. At first, I was drowsy and had a dry mouth the first few nights, but after that, I was fine, and the results were so worth it. I could finally EAT! I could enjoy the things I had given up for so long because of this horrible disease. Before this, I could barely eat anything without having diarrhea and feeling sick all day! Well, I got pregnant in 2022, and my doctor told me I had to get off, and I was devastated, but during my pregnancy, I didn't have too many IBS symptoms. After I had the baby, all my symptoms came back! I had lost so much weight after the baby because I was also sick. My doctor wanted me to try Zofran, but I told her I wanted to try getting back on my amitriptyline first, and this helped so fast, I can now enjoy my baby! Please try it!"

• Ste...
• February 4, 2013

"I've got two issues going now: irritable bowel syndrome - or at least they are pretty sure that is what it is - sour stomach and bloating and lots of gas - plus urinary urges from prostate surgery. The IBS symptoms started in Oct (4 months ago). I am a 68-year-old male. The doctor prescribed the amitriptyline last week and I'm on my fourth day of 10 mg before bed. I sleep sounder than ever and get up after 8 hours but tired, trying to eat a healthy breakfast (oatmeal, toast, and coffee - gotta have my coffee). Getting some late morning headaches and some of the day better than others. I do not have diarrhea but some constipation. Not sure how many days before I know it works. I really feel for those of you who posted that you've had IBS for years!"

• Eng...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2021

"Got put on amitriptyline for bowel problems. Doctors say I have IBS-C, but also I have some scar tissue from a previous surgery, which causes issues in my colon. At first, amitriptyline was great as it reduced nerve pain to almost nothing, and I could, for the first time in years, go out and not be housebound, but this honeymoon period quickly faded as I was hit with severe constipation. The medication seemed to bulk form my stools, which I could not pass. I bled daily and eventually had a high fever and started to hallucinate and vomit, plus my heart would race. Even on laxatives, I could not pass. I have now taken myself off of this medication."

• Cru...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 6, 2016

"After years of messing around with various diets, pills, etc., and getting down to 125 lbs (I'm a 51-year-old male, 5'9") - Elavil has apparently cured my IBS-D. I still avoid dairy and spicy food (also have GERD) - but basically, I'm cured. I've also gained 25 lbs - which is actually too much. It does seem to increase your appetite. But that's a trade-off I'm willing to make. I have no idea why I wasn't given this med by my GI guy. I was actually given it by my PCP for anxiety, and I wanted something that wouldn't make my IBS-D worse."

• Jod...
• May 22, 2013

"I am not much of a prescriptions type person, but I tried this medicine at 50 mg each night. WOW! I am feeling normal for the first time in 20 years. My insane thirst and aches are gone (most days). The side effects are severe constipation, and all my old injuries are flaring up. I don't mind though. I'd rather not have bowel movements and a bad ankle than irritable bowel syndrome."

• Jen...
• April 20, 2021

"I went to my GP for what I thought was my ovarian pain, turns out it's my IBS flaring up, and the pain was due to constipation. I was also experiencing horrific headaches at this time. My GP prescribed amitriptyline for the headaches short-term, which I had been previously prescribed for sleep issues. I was apprehensive as to whether they would do anything due to my previous experience in that they didn't really help, how wrong was I. On the first night, I took 10 mg along with my other meds. Lo and behold, I woke up headache-free for the first time in 4 days, and the IBS pain I'd been experiencing for over a week slowly decreased over the day. I phoned my GP and explained what a turnaround I had in just over a week and requested I stayed on them as they seemed to work wonders. I went from being constipated for 5-6 days to having a BM every day with little to no effort. Honestly, if you're struggling with your IBS, speak with your GP about amitriptyline."

• Sto...
• March 7, 2015

"I have suffered with severe IBS symptoms for 25 years. It became really debilitating. I decided to have a colonoscopy and gastroscopy to make sure there was no other underlying problem. I was diagnosed with IBS. The doctor prescribed 1 Librax in the morning and 1 Librax and 1 Trepiline at night. He also prescribed VSL#3, which is a probiotic. This doctor saved my life. Since taking this medication, my IBS flare-ups and symptoms are becoming a thing of the past, as long as I also watch what I eat."

• ACa...
• June 23, 2019

"I have had stomach pain for about 10 years now. I always thought it was because I was lactose intolerant, but I finally went to a gastroenterologist, and he ran some tests and put me on Bentyl, Gaviscon, etc. None of it helped. The nausea and bile reflux came and went for about 3 years until it spiked when I started college. I went back to the GI doc, and he put me on a low dose of Elavil. At first, I had to be careful when I took it because my body isn’t used to medications that make me sleepy, so it would really put me out. But after a while, it made me feel so much better, and after all of my months on it, I think I only woke up in the middle of the night from pain once. Now, with that is also a problem because it is really hard for me to wake up in the morning. So the pros are that it definitely helps me sleep through the night and it stops the anxiety of throwing up/being nauseous. But the cons are that it makes you so sleepy and occasionally gave me the worst mood swings ever."

• Anonymous
• November 23, 2009

"I started with a low dose (10 mg) for two weeks, then started 25 mg for the last couple of weeks. So far, so good. I used to have a bout with diarrhea at least 4-5 times a week before taking this medicine, but now have not had any."

• LCa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 25, 2019

"I suffered from IBS and acid reflux for years. IBS was painful but not harmful. On the other hand, reflux ruined my life. I started having frequent sore throat and pain while speaking. I was prescribed this medication, and I saw at least a 70% improvement. I have been taking it for one year. I have seen a doctor who warned me that it can cause heart problems and memory issues. I am not sure if there is an alternative because I don’t think I can survive without it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 27, 2020

"I started with amitriptyline 10 mg, increased to 25 mg, and now decreased to 12.5 mg in the evening. And for my IBS-D, it works just great! Very, very less diarrhea if I ate stressing food for my stomach (but also 'healthy' persons get problems from) and no stress anymore to find a toilet. Feel really confident to go out and do whatever I want. Before stressful days or long flights, I still take 25 mg, but then reduce again to 12.5 mg. I'm really happy with it! Can't remember when I took the last time Imodium, before starting amitriptyline, I took it nearly daily! Only bad side effect: having problems with my memory. Often I lose my thoughts, and it's hard to remember a name or facts from the past. But it's worth the positive effect. Since I take it, I can live again!"

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2019

"I was skeptical after suffering from fibromyalgia and IBS when my doctor said we should try amitriptyline. I was pleasantly surprised. I felt better even after the first week of 10 mg. As per his instructions, I upped it to 20 mg for the second week and will up the dose to 30 for week 3. I'm almost done with week 2. I will see him after week 3, and I really believe 10 mg will do it for me. It's a good thing I'm retired because the last couple of years, it would have been difficult to have a full-time job. I feel for the users that didn't get any relief since nothing else I've done helped at all. Except for being a little tired and a little woozy sometimes, I would have rated it a 10."

• rev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2018

"Suffer from IBS that seems to be drug resistant. I've tried 30+ different meds (every class of psychotropics, all IBS drugs available, including off-label drugs and even opioids), every diet, supplement, and treatment available with virtually no response at all. Pain was extremely constant and severe. At some point, could not work for over a year, would literally spend weeks hunched over in pain with very few short pain-free breaks. After seeing dozens of medical and other specialists, gastroenterologists, and taking every test imaginable, there was no organic cause, it was just IBS, C, and mixed, but pain was the predominant symptom. Amitriptyline was one of the last few meds to try, as I feared it may make constipation worse. It's not a perfect solution, but 100 mg a day definitely makes a notable positive difference. It took months to work for pain, with higher doses being more effective. Rating it a 10 because nothing else has worked at all, and amitriptyline is moderately effective."