Today I want to talk to you about a drug that is commonly prescribed to people with Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Amitriptyline (or the brand name Elavil) is an antidepressant that is commonly used to treat people with chronic pain. When used to treat pain, the dose of amitriptyline is typically much lower than that used for treating depression. It is believed that amitriptyline reduces pain perception when used in low doses, but the exact mechanism of its benefit is unknown. In the United States, amitriptyline is not approved for the treatment of pain caused by Interstitial Cystitis, although it is safe and effective for the treatment of other pain conditions.
Amitriptyline is an antidepressant that is commonly used to treat people with chronic pain.
Common side effects of amitriptyline are fatigue, dry mouth, weight gain, and a decrease in blood pressure after sitting up or standing up. Amitriptyline is generally started at a low dose and increased gradually. This medicine can cause drowsiness and is usually taken at bedtime. The pain relief benefit may not be seen for three or more weeks.
Let me know if you have tried amitriptyline before and did it help?
SOURCES
TREATING INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS 
I us it for burning pain for a nerve in my stomach. I gained a great deal of weight, it was terrible, but the burn in my stomach did go away.
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I also gained a lot of weight taking it but it helped me sleep better with less trips to the bathroom. I had to quit taking it because it made my pulse rate too high. I lost weight but now I do not sleep well.
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i have used this for a very long time but have just managed to come off it. It helped me sleep which was great but didn’t think it helped the pain + I felt I was increasing the dosage + didn’t want to keep doing that when it got to 30mg.
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How are you feeling currently and what medications are you on to manage your symptoms if you don’t mind sharing. Also, are you in the U.S.?
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Hi Michael
I’m in the UK + was first given amitriptyline for sleep so had probably been on it for a good while before I felt it was time to come off it as not really helping. I also have pelvic floor dysfunction+ low estrogen so use a estrogen cream/pelvic wand + daily stretches. I need to lose a good amount of weight so hoping that with regular exercise will help too. I think with this condition it affects you mentally (+ I think that in itself doesn’t help the physical symptoms)
Praying that we can get some relief in the New year+ going forward.
Lorraine
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Thank you so much for your comment. It helps to hear from you because you know what I’m dealing with. I too have pelvic floor pain. I am hoping that 2025 will be a better year for me. My symptoms have been really tough this year. I am currently having a bad flare up. Please continue to stop by and comment. It is nice to hear from you. Happy New Year.
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Just to add, I started to get a flare today (not sure what’s caused it but I drunk a little less yesterday ? I find I need to drink a least 2 litres a day but if I do flare I try to chug a lot of water + wait till you really need to go to the toilet + that seems to help.
Hoping we can get some relief to celebrate the New Year.
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Just to add I started bit of a flare today (not sure what caused it but I drunk a bit less yesterday) I try to make sure I drink approx 2 litres a day but if I do get a flare generally I will drink a lot of water + only go to the toilet when my bladder is full + it seems to help.
Lets hope we can get some relief to be able to enjoy the New Year.
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Thank you. I will try drinking more water.
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I have been on Nortriptyline which in the same class for 30 years very low dose and it has helped me tremendously. Ruth
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How has Nortriptyline helped you? With pain or sleep or frequency? Did you have any weight gain? Thank you for your comment. Much appreciated.
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Hi there, I was diagnosed in late 20s and had two or three instillations to help with pain. I also have UC and lost my colon 25 years ago. They started me on nortriptyline for my UC to calm it down, but it also helped my IC a lot. It helps with pain, sleep, and keeping everything calm. On a lower dose of 20mg. At first gained a little weight but then after a couple months I lost it. It has been a lifesaver for me, that drug. It helps to keep me going, and it just takes time for it to help, really took me three months I believe. I also had instillation about 3 years ago that put me back on track. It’s worth a try for sure. Good luck!
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Again, thank you so much for your input. I really appreciate it. I am so sorry to hear about your colon. When I had a bad flare up this summer, my doctor prescribed nortriptyline but I didn’t take it for very long. I did take amitriptylene for years and it helped but had to stop taking it because it increased my heart rate. Since Nortriptyline is better tolerated I will definitely start taking it. Thank you for letting me know about it. I hope you are doing well. Thanks Michael.
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