Amitriptyline for Interstitial Cystitis User Reviews (Page 2)

• Keri
• October 24, 2015

"I was diagnosed with IC when I was only 15 years old. The doctors were not sure what they should do because I was so young. My doctor decided to put me on amitriptline and immediately I saw improvements. I am now going to be 21 and still taking 50 mg of it every night before bed. This medication is the only one of my many medications (other health problems) that I will never stop taking. I would recommend this medication to anyone struggling with IC pain .definatly talk to your doctor about it!"

• PJAX
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2013

"I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis about 10 years ago. At that time I was prescribed this at 25mg a day. I was going to the potty about 20 times a night. I took the meds for about 2 weeks but could not handle the side effects of confusion and listlessness. I quit taking it for a long time and suffered with the frequent urination. I was at my wits end (no sleep!) and found the old pill bottle of amitriptyline in my drawer. I am no longer working so I decided that I would give it another try since I didn't have a schedule to keep. Even though I'm a little groggy in the mornings I am sleeping at least 6 hours straight without having to go to the bathroom. I have gone from waking up approx. 20 times a night down to 2 times. It is a miracle."

• Sweet...
• November 4, 2014

"I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis in March of this year. The first few weeks were some of the worst of my life. I changed my diet, was put on Elmiron, Zyrtec and Vesicare with zero relief in any symptoms. Was at the end of my rope when my PCP suggested Elavil. In 3 days my symptoms were nearly gone. Pain was gone. Urgency/frequency cut in half. But I immediately started gaining weight. A lot of weight, and fast. And I am diabetic and any weight gain is very bad for me. So I've had to choose to not take it and live with the pain and constant peeing because I cannot afford to gain any weight due the diabetes. I'm basically distraught. Diabetes will kill me, but the Interstitial Cystitis pain is causing major depression. I am at a loss as nothing else has worked."

• Anony...
• September 12, 2013

"I've had Interstitial Cystitis for a little over 6 years. In the beginning, I tried all sorts of things - hydraulic distention of the bladder, Elmiron, all different kinds of prescriptions - nothing helped. Eventually I read about Elavil online and asked my doctor about it. He put me on it 4 years ago and I've been on it ever since. It is the ONLY medicine that has helped. I take 20mg a night. I also take Desert Harvest Aloe pills - 2 every morning - more when I flare up. I have occasional flares (like right now I am in one)), but for the most part, my Interstitial Cystitis has been under control for the past 2.5 years. Side effects - In the beginning, it made me very tired. Also caused me to gain about 30-35 lbs, but I'll take it over IC pain."

• nantsyb
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 3, 2014

Elavil (amitriptyline) "I didn't think this medication was working at all, but when I went off of it, I was in more pain than I'd ever experienced before. When I'd been back on it for about ten days, my pain was not gone, but it was certainly more tolerable."

• Jacie
• March 24, 2018

"I had Interstitial cystitis 28 years ago and refused to see a doctor about it for a long time. Finally, and in agony, I saw a urologist and he immediately put me on Amitriptyline. It worked! Eventually I was able to stop taking it and reintroduce high acid foods like citrus and coffee. I thought that was the end of it, but it returned this year. I went to a urologist immediately, told him about my past and he put me on 25mg of Amitriptyline. It eradicated my symptoms in ONE night. Yes, it does make getting up in the mornings really hard -- but I read other comments today and people said that taking it at 5pm helped. Yes, dry mouth is an issue, but I always have a bottle of water nearby. I hope to eventually just take 12.5mg daily, but don't think I ever want to stop taking this medicine."

• Anonymous
• August 2, 2011

Elavil (amitriptyline) "This was a miracle for my Interstitial cystitis symptoms. However, I gained over 30 pounds and jumped over 6 pants sizes in about 3 months. I had to come off the medicine due to weight gain (which did not fall off easily) and immediately went back to my severe interstitial cystitis symptoms. It unfortunately is not the solution for me, other than managing my pain through diet. I have not found another medicine I can take without causing weight gain or other symptoms that cannot be overcome."

• Kelbell
• January 12, 2017

"I was put on this medication for interstitial cystitis and before I had suffered severe bladder and abdominal pain for almost 2 yrs before I discovered I had IC. I would have the most terrible bladder pain and not be able to walk or get out of bed or I would have severe bladder spasms and would wake up in the middle of the night and go sit in a hot bath to relieve the pain. The hot baths were the only thing that made the spasms not so so bad. One weekend I had a terrible flare up and the baths didn't work nothing did my doctor put me on 10 mg of amitriptyline and it has really been a huge life saver. I can't say I don't have flare ups now and then but the pain is now where near what it was."

• NickiJA
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2016

"Only been on it a week, but a miracle so far! I've suffered from IC for years had all the tests etc, a urologist recommended this to me 5 yrs. ago... I refused on the basis that it was an anti depressant, modified my diet and went into remission with only the odd flare. 6 months ago, I had another baby and a second C Section, this resulted in a 5 month long 'twinge period' with 4 excruciating flare ups. I was in the midst of a agonising flare up when I gave in and took 10mg of Amitriptyline! Next day still had twinges but no pain. The 2nd no twinges, no pain, just some urgency. 3rd feeling totally normal!! It's brilliant!! Still feeling normal after a whole week!! No side effects as yet, but not helping me sleep like I thought it would!"

• Csspr...
• March 9, 2013

"Really changed my life. Was suffering from my Interstitial Cystitis for months when my doctor finally prescribed this. Rarely feel pain (unless I go the tomato or citrus route), sleep all through the night, and I'm generally in a better mood. Gaining a little weight but definitely worth it."

• Tx mom
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2016

"I was diagnosed with IC after so many real UTIs and some that were not. I felt like I always had a UTI. In November of 2011, I was diagnosed. It was so severe I had the cystoscopy immediately. I started installations and took various medications. Getting on amitriptyline was great until 6 months later I was in day treatment not understanding why my mania and depression were off the chart. The doctors could not stabilize me and I was hospitalized twice for suicidal thoughts and psychosis. Just beware if you have mental illness, this medication may counteract bipolar and other mental health meds!!"

• JennH...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 4, 2014

"Started using for Fibromyalgia first. When diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis my doctor upped my dosage to 50mg each night. Not really sure which Interstitial Cystitis or medication for other conditions are helping or hurting. I haven't found the magic pill that really helps with any of my conditions as I'm in a constant flare with several at a time on a daily basis. This does help you sleep. I've been on it for yrs and haven't gained any weight (probably due to other medicines that take away my appetite). All in all, if you have never tried this for Interstitial Cystitis pain; try it. Everybody is different & this medicine just might be the right one for you."

• Saza
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2017

"Amazing !! I was in agony for a 1 - 2 years with intersistal cystitis ,saw various doctors,I was at the end of my tether with the pain , finally the doctor prescribed these tablets , stopped the pain straight away , I couldn't live without them ! Only side effects is dry mouth and make me tired ."

• Mollie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2014

"I think this medication really helped with the Interstitial Cystitis but unfortunately it gave me terrible headaches. Every morning - after about a week of taking 10 mg's of this - I'd wake up with a terrible migraine. It would last all day! At first I wasn't sure if it was the medication but now I'm positive. I stopped taking it (after 3 weeks of use) and my headaches all but disappeared. In my opinion, the headaches were just as bad as the Interstitial Cystitis! I don't know if anyone else here has had that experience but it certainly happened to me. Good luck everyone."

• Madba...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 2, 2013

"After years of getting up over two times a night sometimes 7 times, and having my sleeping pill cut in 1/2, a new primary care Dr. Recommended amitriptyline 25 mg, and last night I slept, and did get up only 1 time. So far, it's great. I hope others hear about this."

• Vonny...
• January 6, 2018

"I was diagnosed with IC after suffering with bladder pain and burning sensation frequent need to urinate sore kidneys for 5 years and pain like I had a urine infection suffered panic attacks due to the pain I was given this medication and it’s saved my life I have my life back now. First night I took it I was pain free the next morning I felt groggy I couldn’t open my eyes they felt heavy and I felt disoriented but it wore off after a few hours but I was ok the following morning . I have forgotten to take this medication and I have pain and burning and feeling like I have a UTI."

• Court...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2018

"This medication is a great. I spent a year thinking I was getting chronic UTI’s, until finally seeing a urologist and being diagnosed with IC. He put me on 25mg of amitriptylline. It’s been 14 months and I have not had any IC symptoms since beginning the medication. Only side effects are slight weight gain, and dry mouth. Both of which are tolerable compared to the misery of IC. This med is a lifesaver."

• JTano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2018

Endep (amitriptyline) "I have to say that Endep is simply wonderful in shutting down the symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC) BUT the side effects are horrendous. I have tried for 5 days but every day I feel worse. So I have given up . I will go back to Ditropan and try increasing the dose. If the people who make Endep ever read this , PLEASE do something to reduce the side effects because this is such a wonderful medication for those of us who have IC, but the side effects are just to much to deal with."

• Linda
• December 22, 2016

"I have had IC since 2013. I have been having negative urine tests thinking I had ITU. Went to a urologist and told me about IC. He really did nothing for me. I found a very experienced urologist that deals only with IC. Because I have Hunner's ulcers I have kenalog injections when an ulcer is present other wise I am on 10mlg of elavil nightly. Works very well for sleeping and less trips to the bathroom at night. Because of the weight gain I do belong to a weight loss group to help me stay away from gaining weight."

• Brian...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2012

"Amitriptyline immediately worked wonders on my urinary tract pain. I am almost afraid to say how well it has worked because I do not want to jinx it, but it has done wonders for me. Not sure about the weight gain. Not sure if it is the Amitriptyline or the excessive calories and lack of exercise that has put on the pounds. My guess is it is probably more likely due to my eating and exercise habits. I sleep better at night with a deeper sleep REM. I, too, have vivid dreams and do sleep longer."

• Kade
• December 31, 2017

"I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis when I was 21. My urologist prescribed 200mg of this drug to treat. I never struggled with my weight, I was 5’ 7” and 120 pounds. After three months of this medications I had gained 50 pounds. My doctor began to wean me off- I had major withdrawals and it took 2 years. This drug changed the composition of my body and 10 years later I am still struggling with my weight."

• NickiJA
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2016

"Just wanted to add more now that been taking longer. Positives - it's still working and at the low dose of 10mg. - Weirdly, I have lost weight although this seems like fluid and bloat loss but has amounted to half a stone. Issues - beginning to think I'm indestructible and after having tea and wine, I had a flare. However, the flare only lasted a day and I wasn't crying in pain. - changing brand from Actavis to Accord. Still working for IC but weirdly more unpleasant side effects, drowsiness, dry mouth and zombified feeling in morning. The difference was pretty immediate so I'm sure it's that. Perhaps other users should take note of brands. I will return to Actavis as this had no side effects whatsoever."

• Lady...
• June 7, 2013

"I began on Amitriptyline about three years ago I think? Started at 25 mgs with the option of increasing to 50 mgs for bladder Interstitial Cystitis. Because of weight gain I stayed mostly at 25 mgs nightly rather than increase the dose. But recently I have increased my dose back up to 50mgs. It is helping with the pelvic and bladder pain associated with Interstitial Cystitis at about 65 percent. It is not though helping with the frequency of urination around the clock as for so many years. But the relief with my abdominal and bladder discomfort is improving at present. For me that is a God send. My other medical and health challenges I am plugging away at. "

• PSRoman
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2015

"For my IC/PBS, I get bladder infections every two weeks, try as hard as I can to watch my diet (though it's difficult not to cheat), get pelvic floor physical therapy, take Uribel and Klonapin as needed, and take 25 mg of amitriptyline each night. When I first started taking it, after about a couple of weeks, I felt completely normal for the first time in months. No symptoms at all for about 4 weeks. Now I have some creeping back. I'm going to try upping my dose to 50 mg each night and see how I tolerate it. It does make you dopey in the morning at first, but that goes away eventually."

• Lulu
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2021

"I didn't realize how bad my interstitial cystitis was until I started taking amitriptyline. All of my horrible bloating, headaches, and other symptoms I thought were normal, turned out not to be. I have been experiencing IC symptoms for years, and I thought it wasn't that serious until I was relying on Azo and other pain killers for relief pretty much every day for three years. I finally went to a urologist and she diagnosed me with IC, and to start taking 10mg of amitriptyline as well as a managed diet and pelvic floor exercises. About three days after taking it I had no pain! I didn't look like I was six months pregnant anymore because of my bloating, and my headaches stopped! I got emotional, IC and it's symptoms became so normal for me that I forgot what it was like to not be in pain. The only downside I have experienced so far is dry mouth and drowsiness, but I take it in the evening so it isn't really a problem."