Amitriptyline for Irritable Bowel Syndrome User Reviews (Page 5)

• Ed ...
• January 18, 2022

"A year ago, I developed a C. diff infection from overprescribed antibiotics. After they were able to clear it up (30 days of drugs and finally a fecal matter transplant), I developed IBS. Every day was brutal. Pain, diarrhea, bloating, and anxiety. I tried all sorts of drugs: Buscopan, Clonazepam, hypnotherapy, Metamucil, and I was becoming depressed. I was at a dermatitis specialist to treat a 6-month skin infection caused by the IBS when she suggested I try 10 mg of amitriptyline at night. After the first 2 weeks, I overcame the dry mouth and weird dreams side effects. The pain was about 30 percent better. The doctor suggested I bump it to 20 mg. After a week, I felt great. No more pain, bloating, feelings of fecal urgency, or urge of incomplete evacuation. My bowel movements started to normalize, and bowel movements went to once a day. I have now started to introduce new foods. My doctors have assured me that 20 mg a day can be taken long-term with little risk of dangerous side effects."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 29, 2021

"I have never written a review before, but I feel like I should now! I have had IBS-C for 12 +/- years now. I'm 26, and my IBS has been awful for 1-1.5 years now. I couldn't work, couldn't go out, and still lived with my parents (I was too scared to be alone when I had pain attacks). I started out with 10 mg about 3 months ago, this worked but only for 1 month. I'm now on 50 mg and not experiencing a lot of pain anymore. I can still feel that my stomach feels uncomfortable, but I can live with it. Before starting, I was thinking about suicide every day, I even made plans. The pain felt like torture, and I felt like life wasn't worth living anymore. I have only started taking 50 mg for a couple of days, so I'm not sure how it will progress in the next couple of months. I hope it will stay like this! The first week (10 mg/25 mg), I experienced dry mouth and sleepiness, but it got better after 1 week, with a vengeance."

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2024

"I have Ulcerative Colitis, IBS-D, and anxiety. I was using Lexapro to control IBS-D for 3-4 years, and it was working great until one day it stopped working. I tried a bunch of other drugs, and nothing worked. Metamucil helped a bit, but didn't do anything for the cramps and gas. As soon as I started 10 mg, my symptoms were basically gone. I am taking 20 mg now. Hoping it will work long term."

• Aja...
• August 28, 2017

"After surgery to remove a kidney, I developed IBS mixed. I was missing so much work and school, and it only got worse as I got older. After moving, I saw a new digestive health doctor. He put me on this with Levsin, omg, the change was almost immediate. Within a week, I was so much better. I've been on them for about a year now, and I still have a couple of episodes once every three months or so, but it's managed and controlled now. If I forget to refill or skip a dose, I suffer within twelve hours of the missed dose."

• Bab...
• July 17, 2022

"After seven months of diarrhea, was referred to a GI doc. He prescribed 25 mg of amitriptyline. Diarrhea completely stopped after three days. After two weeks, I dropped the dosage to half a tab (GI’s advice) and stayed on for six months with only two episodes during that time. My six months was up in early March, so I stopped taking it with no episodes for the next six weeks. Then allergy season hit. Within two days of taking Aerius for allergies, the diarrhea was back. I didn’t make the connection at first, but looking back at my health diary, I noticed that my first bout with daily diarrhea began in May 2020 when I started taking Aerius for allergies. I went back on amitriptyline, and at my next appointment with the GI, he said that it is okay to only take it as needed, which is what I do. I’m so thankful to have found this doc."

• nmn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2021

"I must admit I was beyond skeptical, then in less than 1 week near all my symptoms were either gone or significantly reduced. It has been 2 months since I began the drug and have had 2 minor flair-ups. As opposed to nearly continuous symptoms, which were making me homebound and nearly bedridden."

• Lor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 13, 2022

"I started on 5 mg after my IBS got so bad I could not even go into a food shop due to cramping and sweating as soon as I walked in. After a week, I felt much better, still some slight discomfort in social situations, but 80% better. I have now gone up to 10 mg and can now go shopping. After 25 years of being up and down, I now feel like something actually works."

• Tig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2022

"Amitriptyline 10 mg, did nothing for me apart from making me sleep for longer and also it made me dream some weird stuff. Other side effects were it also made me feel more depressed and tearful, making me feel tired all day, I had a dry mouth, I put on weight within 2 weeks of taking this. I was put on amitriptyline for IBS, but I was still bloated, it also made me more constipated. I had read all the reviews, thought I would try it, it may work for some but did nothing for me, these did not help me in any way. Thought about increasing the dose, decided against. So I am still looking for another alternative."

• Zip...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 20, 2023

"I was prescribed this drug by a gastroenterologist for IBS. At the time, I did not realize it was an antidepressant. Two years later, I decided to come off it. I had bad panic attacks, which I’ve never suffered from before. I am annoyed that I didn’t know how this drug would affect me. Now I have to take other antidepressants to stop my anxiety, etc. Doctors should warn you of the withdrawal effects. Don’t touch it, that’s my advice."

• Naj...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2022

"It has miraculously treated my IBS-D symptoms. Overall, it's the best medicine to be used for IBS symptoms, especially D predominant, likely preferred almost by IBS patients. It can ease abdominal pain, diarrhea, urgency, and gives constipation as a side effect, which could easily tackle IBS-D symptoms. Amongst you, try this medicine if it works and be patient for some time, and don't give up. It will give positive effects."

• hel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 5, 2022

"Amitriptyline (10 mg in the evening) has helped reduce my IBS/SIBO pain by about 90%. After 6 years of trying a host of medications, my MD agreed to try this, and it has helped give me my life back. I still need to do low FODMAP at times, and sometimes I still find I get bloated in the evening, but overall this has been tremendous (and incredibly inexpensive)."

• Dol...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 19, 2022

"Amitriptyline works for me for IBS, and I tried everything under the sun since 2010. I had the bad idea a few weeks ago to decrease the dosage from 20 mg to 10 mg to see if my body tolerated it. My symptoms came back in full force. Now I have gone to 25 mg. I hope I will get better. It seems that for the sedative effect of the drug, it can take from 4 to 6 weeks to take effect. I'm counting the days."

• Lba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2022

"I am diagnosed with 2 functional gastrointestinal syndromes. One is Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome, with abdominal migraines, and the other is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Mixed. I asked my doctor to put me on amitriptyline. He started me on 10 mg for 10 days, then I increased to 25 mg. This medication has saved my life. I was very suicidal and ready to end my life. Between my bowel issues and throwing up for 10 days straight, leading to ER admissions... I had no quality of life. I was moving my bowels up to 15 times a day in complete agony. I have been on this medication now for only a month. It has made a drastic improvement in my symptoms. I can move my bowels and completely empty them with little to no discomfort. My stool has also changed back to much more normal consistency. I no longer have my stomach migraines, and I no longer wake up nauseous. I have much more energy, and my muscles and bones are not stiff anymore! Amitriptyline is a miracle drug."

• AAa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2021

"I have had this stomach discomfort and pain for about 10 months. I don't think mine is IBS related, as all I've had is stomach pain and nausea. Mine started after a bout of food poisoning, whereby I constantly felt discomfort and pain and was unable to focus. This pain would be constant every day and was interfering with my life. I had done 3 stool sample tests, 3 blood tests, and an endoscopy. There was nothing to be found by any tests. My GP doctor had prescribed me omeprazole, assuming I had IBS or some stomach acid problem (which was not the case). Eventually, I went to a gastroenterologist, whereby I have been prescribed to take a low dose of amitriptyline. I am taking 20mg of this a day. I have been taking it for 3 days now, and I have felt a drastic improvement in how I feel. The discomfort and pain have drastically decreased, and I hope that it eventually completely takes care of it. I would highly recommend discussing this medication with your GP/doctor if you have a chronic stomach issue."

• Lil...
• December 21, 2017

"I have had IBS my whole life. Seven years ago, I developed intermittent upper abdominal pain and nausea. Six months ago, it stopped being intermittent. I have tried lots of diets to no avail, and Drs didn't offer me any help after many tests. I found a new Dr, and one pill of amitriptyline changed my life. I have occasional pain, which I can handle, and NO nausea. Even my wakefulness at night is much improved. I don't notice any changes mentally, and my only side effect is mild dry mouth."

• Soo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2019

"I was given 10 mg Elavil for my continued gastric distress and trouble sleeping. I was taking a PPI but still had stomach pain and reflux in the middle of the night. I had stomach pain after eating. It works well for me. I no longer wake up with reflux, and my reflux is even better in the daytime. I only take a PPI every other day now. At first, it helped me go to sleep, but since it causes dry mouth, I wake up several times because my mouth is totally arid. Also, I notice my urine stream is diminished in the morning but becomes more normal during the day. I was given a different generic this time around, and it gave me stomach pain and insomnia. I was awake all night, so I am now trying to get another prescription for the same brand generic I was taking. I don't care if I have to pay out of pocket for it!"

• Den...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

"I find this drug magical! I have literally tried everything for my severe IBS problems, and nothing worked. I'm only 35, but was so poorly I couldn't work anymore and needed help looking after my kids. I finally saw a gastroenterologist privately who suggested amitriptyline 10mg. I now have 20mg in the evening and am feeling better every day. The only downside is I have put on weight, but then I was so poorly before I was barely eating, so it's not surprising. For anyone out there anxious after reading side effects, etc., I would say give them a try!"

• Jax...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 17, 2019

"Was prescribed this to treat nausea and stomach pain every time I ate. Terrible. Did nothing for my stomach pain and nausea and made me feel psychotic. Maybe this is what having schizophrenia feels like. Absolutely terrible. Never take this. So glad to be off of it now."

• Bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 17, 2021

"I have been battling with weight gain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn for years. I have watched what I eat, and I am a very active 50-year-old. Finally, my GI scheduled me for a colonoscopy. That is when he found severely ulcerated ileum. It was so bad that they thought I had colon cancer. I had surgery and removed all infections. About 2 1/2 months later, I started to have cramps and diarrhea again. It was so bad that I had missed work again. My GI did another colonoscopy and endoscopy to make sure I did not have Crohn's. I do not have Crohn's. I have IBD with diverticulitis and regional colitis. My doctor prescribed 100 mg of amitriptyline. At first, I felt woozy (lack of better terms) and dry mouth. It has been only a week, and my pain has subsided. I felt apprehensive about taking an 'antidepressant' until I came to this page. I am so glad I am finally getting relief and that I don't have to find a bathroom every 5 minutes or not eat out because of how my stomach acted."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 28, 2021

"I have had IBS for almost 20 years. Bloating and abdominal pain have been my main symptoms, and they were constant, just to a lesser or greater degree. I have been taking 20 mg of amitriptyline each night before bed for about 9 months now, and the improvement has been remarkable - I'd say 80% better, some days 100%. Initial side effects were dry mouth and feeling quite 'out of it' for a few days, but they passed. One side effect I think has remained is that I have slight muscle fatigue, most noticeable when I go running. I definitely can't run like I used to. But the benefits of the reduced pain definitely outweigh this - I may try reducing the dose to 10 mg to see if I can get a happy medium. Overall, I can't recommend amitriptyline highly enough."

• mot...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 15, 2022

"Miracle wonder drug. My whole life I've had gastro problems; vomiting, nausea, 30+ ER visits. Numerous gastroenterologists, numerous different diagnoses, numerous medications, and diets, but nothing ever helped. I saw a new doctor who recommended trying out amitriptyline last year, and it has literally changed my life. Not once have I felt nauseous, vomited, etc. I can eat anything, drink anything (from alcohol to coffee in the morning), nothing has bothered me. Don't even hesitate; if you have stomach problems, try this out! I don't have any side effects either!"

• Vis...
• August 7, 2016

"I had a bowel movement problem since I was a child. In the early stage, the bowel movement was less, after some years, it increased and came with pain also. I used to feel uncomfortable due to it. In 2012, I did suffer from tuberculosis, and then medicine was started. My bowel movement went normal, and the pain also disappeared for the next year. I did recover from tuberculosis in 4 months, but I did continue the medicine for 6 months. I have a gut feeling that tuberculosis medicines can overcome bowel and pain problems. Need a doctor who can start research on this and let us know which medicine was helpful to stop the IBS problem from the given medicine of tuberculosis."

• Pin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2021

"I’ve been having IBS-related symptoms for the last while and was finally put on amitriptyline by my GI doctor. It somehow has made matters worse. I’ve never been this depressed in my life (I spent all last night sobbing with suicidal thoughts), my IBS has been acting up more than ever, I’m nauseous all the time, my sleep schedule is all out of sorts, stomach pains, heat flashes, and the urge to run to the bathroom at all times of the day. I take one capsule at night (10 mg)."

• RaR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2023

"I suffered from IBS-D, pain after eating, and flare-ups that lasted weeks at a time for 3 years after giving birth to my second child. I saw a GI who never mentioned actual IBS medication, only low-FODMAP and gastritis dietary changes, which only helped short term. I switched doctors a couple of months ago and was prescribed amitriptyline at 10 mg. I am extremely sensitive to anti-depressants/anti-anxiety medication, so I started out splitting the pill and taking it at night to great results. My stools were better formed and the pain was gone. After a couple of weeks, I noticed a couple of urgent rushes to the bathroom and sensitivity, so I increased it to the full pill and was feeling great, except a couple of weeks further in, I started to notice a general melancholy settling over me, some irritability not related to my cycle. I also started having some sudden headaches. I am working to see if it's related. I don't want to stop it since it's the best thing for my IBS, so I'm feeling it out."

• Cap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 11, 2022

"Took 25 mg amitriptyline for 3 months, but I am still having symptoms. I have no idea why it hasn’t worked and do not know what to do next. The doc said he would call me, but never did, so I guess I have to find a new one. So disappointing."