Re: elivil

[Guest guest]

Hi Joyce,

25mg of Elavil is a very low dosage esp if you have been on it

for 20 years already..

I have never heard of their being any antihistamine in it,

and here is a complete info sheet on it.. This is the generic for Elavil.

http://www.drugs.com/pro/amitriptyline.html

There are MANY types of Mold... some you may simply be allergic to...

others are actually Toxic.. and MAJOR measures need to be taken..

so it would depend on WHICH mold you are testing Positive for?

to find out what you have been exposed to...???

Some molds they say are genotoxins, so I would research this MORE

if it is a real issue for you... OK?

What molds are they testing you for??

>

> I have been on it for 20 years. I take 25mg at night and it helps with pain,

depression and sleep. i think there is an antihistimine in it also. If I take

the mold test and I come out positive, what do I do about it other than avoid

mold? joyce

>

[Guest guest]

hi joyce

 

i am considering taking elavil longer term as now I just take as needed. 

my concern  is that i will develop tolerance and will need to keep raising the

dose.  have you been on the 25 mg dose  for 20 years and have you found it

still works and is as effective as it was in the first year? 

 

my dr. says he has several patients who have not had to up the dose and have

been on it for years.  That said, I do hear of people saying the effect wears

off after a while and then they have to keep upping the dose.

 

thx

From: joyce <jamkaye@...>

Subject: elivil

Received: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 6:05 PM

 

I have been on it for 20 years. I take 25mg at night and it helps with pain,

depression and sleep. i think there is an antihistimine in it also. If I take

the mold test and I come out positive, what do I do about it other than avoid

mold? joyce

__________________________________________________________________

Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your

favourite sites. Download it now

http://ca.toolbar..

[Guest guest]

Hi - Elavil interacts with many different receptors. This is one of the reasons

why it can have drastically different effects in people. At low levels, a

significant amount of it antagonizes H1 histamine receptors, so it does act as

an antihistamine. - Mark

> >

> > I have been on it for 20 years. I take 25mg at night and it helps with pain,

depression and sleep. i think there is an antihistimine in it also. If I take

the mold test and I come out positive, what do I do about it other than avoid

mold? joyce

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Actually I was on around 50 mgs of elivil to start with and I was able to reduce

it to 25mgs without problems. joyce

>

>

> From: joyce <jamkaye@...>

> Subject: elivil

>

> Received: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 6:05 PM

>

>

>  

>

>

>

> I have been on it for 20 years. I take 25mg at night and it helps with pain,

depression and sleep. i think there is an antihistimine in it also. If I take

the mold test and I come out positive, what do I do about it other than avoid

mold? joyce

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________________________

> Canada Toolbar: Search from anywhere on the web, and bookmark your

favourite sites. Download it now

> http://ca.toolbar..

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have only recently (last October) been diagnosed with CFS but according to my

neurologist I have had it for about 10 years... He put me on 20mg of

amitriptyline (Elivil) to go with the 60mg of fluoxetine and epam when I

need it.

I got really bad tremors in December so my GP took me off the Fluoxetine (that I

had been taking for 2 years)and epam and raised the amitriptyline to 30mg a

day. She said there were too many contraindications.

Saw my neurologist for my first appointment since diagnosis last week and he

said that I shouldn't have been taken off the fluoxetine as that has made my

depression go out of control and that the doc should have taken me off the

amitriptyline as it wasn't doing anything to help me if I was having tremors...

He said that now I will have to be referred to a psychiatrist to look at

anti-depression medicine again as it would probably be a bad thing to put me

back on fluoxetine and amitriptyline doesn't work. As for the tremors, he said

to just go with them and discuss them when I get to be assessed by the CFS

clinic.

Two days ago I had to have a medical interview by a doctor from the DWP as I've

been trying to claim Disability Living Allowance (claim now in it's 20th

week...)and he said that the amitriptyline should sort out the tremors and will

help with the absorbtion of pain relief medication...

All I know is that I hurt all over, my depression is spiralling out of control

and I haven't got a clue what to do.

[Guest guest]

Hello,

Elavil and these types of SSRI's are prescribed as the first line of treatment

for ME/CFS and FMS and I believe that is a mistake.

I agree with Dr. Cheney and Dr. Baraniuk that these medications are the wrong

drug for our illness. Dr. Cheney is probably on one extreme. Dr. Baraniuk

thinks that if these drugs are needed, they are to be used in very, low doses,

almost pediatric doses.

I believe for primary depression which can be separate from ME/CFIDS, these

medications serve their purpose and are needed to lift depression. But for

secondary depression that comes from chronic illness, I think using small doses

of 1 (certainly not three) may be helpful with sleep and mild depression.

Better yet, determining the amino acids levels and finding out what is going on

with Cycle 2 of the methylation pathway, correcting what seems to be deficient.

Taking tyrosine which is one of the amino acids that feed the creation of

dopamine, seratonin and norepinephrine would be more useful (this is my opinion)

than toying with seratonin with the use of these types of medications. These

systems are finally nuanced and providing the precursors seems like a better way

so that body can make what it needs instead of flooding the system and having it

go awry.

Tyrosine, 5-HTP (the precursor to seratonin) to lift mild depression (may not

work with primary depression which then you should be under the care of someone

who knows what they are doing).

Melatonin (small doses), valerian root, holy basil can help with sleep. I will

be starting LDN as a mood enhancer/pain reliever next month so there are many

options available.

I have not heard of SSRI's to help with tremors or with absorption of pain meds

- that is new to me! I am curious what country you are in - sometimes that makes

a difference (the mindset/training). I would prefer to know the source of the

tremors before starting medication but that's just me. My body does not detox

well so I am careful with the amount of prescription or OTC medications I ingest

(on too many as it is).

I would not have a problem going to a psychiatrist as they are more

knowledgeable about these types of medications. The problem is finding a psych

who knows about ME/CFIDS.

I am also curious what pain medications you are also on. Three types of

anti-depressants/anti-anxiety and possibly some pain meds sounds like

over-medication to me. Please do not make changes on your own as there are

withdrawal consequences but I would do research by using google, wikipedia, this

forum's search field and other ME/CFIDS sites. For example, type in chronic

fatigue and SSRI's.

This has been discussed many times in the past and extensively over the last few

days. Also, remember that just because you have ME/CFIDS/FMS does not mean you

cannot have another issue and that should be followed up on by a specialist.

The body systems are complex and overlap so sometimes it is hard to determine

what is an ME issue and what is a separate issue.

My opinions only, not a medical doctor.

Marti

>

> I have only recently (last October) been diagnosed with CFS but according to

my neurologist I have had it for about 10 years... He put me on 20mg of

amitriptyline (Elivil) to go with the 60mg of fluoxetine and epam when I

need it.

>

> I got really bad tremors in December so my GP took me off the Fluoxetine (that

I had been taking for 2 years)and epam and raised the amitriptyline to 30mg

a day. She said there were too many contraindications.

>

> Saw my neurologist for my first appointment since diagnosis last week and he

said that I shouldn't have been taken off the fluoxetine as that has made my

depression go out of control and that the doc should have taken me off the

amitriptyline as it wasn't doing anything to help me if I was having tremors...

He said that now I will have to be referred to a psychiatrist to look at

anti-depression medicine again as it would probably be a bad thing to put me

back on fluoxetine and amitriptyline doesn't work. As for the tremors, he said

to just go with them and discuss them when I get to be assessed by the CFS

clinic.

>

> Two days ago I had to have a medical interview by a doctor from the DWP as

I've been trying to claim Disability Living Allowance (claim now in it's 20th

week...)and he said that the amitriptyline should sort out the tremors and will

help with the absorbtion of pain relief medication...

>

> All I know is that I hurt all over, my depression is spiralling out of control

and I haven't got a clue what to do.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi - Fibromyalgia is not CFS, and elavil at the doses prescribed for

fibromyalgia are below the level at which elavil have an effect on

depression, so at that level it doesn't have a significant effect on

serotonin receptors. Interestingly, a new study on fibromyalgia showed

that at 25mg, elavil is capable of increasing blood flow to certain

areas of brain which are known to be decreased in people with

fibromyalgia:

http://www.sma.org/pdfs/objecttypes/smj/2410608C-BCD4-FF26-DC3FD5E056D7B\

064/The%20Possible%20Effect.pdf

<http://www.sma.org/pdfs/objecttypes/smj/2410608C-BCD4-FF26-DC3FD5E056D7\

B064/The%20Possible%20Effect.pdf>

- Mark

>

> Hello,

> Elavil and these types of SSRI's are prescribed as the first line of

treatment for ME/CFS and FMS and I believe that is a mistake.

>

[Guest guest]

HI - Venlafaxine can have analgeisc effects also, although the literature

debates as to whether this is due to an interaction with opioid receptors, or

whether it's due to an effect on nitric oxide.

I'm glad you posted, because I'm only taking 30mg of elavil, and I recently had

an injury which caused my fibromyalgia to flare up. My doctor suggested adding

cymbalta. However, he wanted me to go down on the elavil if I increased the

cymbalta above the starting dose. I had no interest in doing this, knowing that

how much I needed elavil for a good night's sleep. I decided to stop the

cymbalta, and treat the flare up in other ways (i.e. reducing stressors, and

rest). However, the injury has become chronic, and I know at some point it's

going to continue to cause flare ups. So if my doctor suggests cymbalta again,

I think I'll insist that I stay at my present dose of elavil. - Mark

>

>  I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I understand as I am in a lot of

pain much of the time. If its not the pain its the extreme fatigue. I so

understand. I am finally on a combination of antidepressants that is controlling

my depression.I am on 60 cymbalta and75mg elavil and25 mg pamelor with 1ml zanaz

2 times per day as needed. I'm also on 75 mg of venlafaxine and I'm not sure

what that is for. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

> hugs

> Debbie

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Sally <herauville@...>

>

> Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 7:50:16 PM

> Subject: Re: elivil

> rer

>  

> I have only recently (last October) been diagnosed with CFS but according to

my neurologist I have had it for about 10 years... He put me on 20mg of

amitriptyline (Elivil) to go with the 60mg of fluoxetine and epam when I

need it.

>

> I got really bad tremors in December so my GP took me off the Fluoxetine (that

I had been taking for 2 years)and epam and raised the amitriptyline to 30mg

a day. She said there were too many contraindications.

>

> Saw my neurologist for my first appointment since diagnosis last week and he

said that I shouldn't have been taken off the fluoxetine as that has made my

depression go out of control and that the doc should have taken me off the

amitriptyline as it wasn't doing anything to help me if I was having tremors...

He said that now I will have to be referred to a psychiatrist to look at

anti-depression medicine again as it would probably be a bad thing to put me

back on fluoxetine and amitriptyline doesn't work. As for the tremors, he said

to just go with them and discuss them when I get to be assessed by the CFS

clinic.

>

> Two days ago I had to have a medical interview by a doctor from the DWP as

I've been trying to claim Disability Living Allowance (claim now in it's 20th

week...)and he said that the amitriptyline should sort out the tremors and will

help with the absorbtion of pain relief medication.. .

>

> All I know is that I hurt all over, my depression is spiralling out of control

and I haven't got a clue what to do.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you to everyone who has sent me such lovely comments. I'm in the UK and

CFS is often mixed up with ME, and ME gained the nickname of " Yuppie Flu " and

isn't always classed as being as debilitating as it is. My neurologist told me

to read the guidance by NICE (National Institute for Health and Clinical

Excellence)to show that CFS is a real condition.

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG53/Guidance/pdf/English is the link to the

guidance.

I'm taking things one day at a time.

Sal

[Guest guest]

Hello Deb and Sally,

I am curious why it seems that you have not been given something for pain? I

believe that long term, unresolved pain leads to depressed immunity not to

mention contributes to depression.

I went for 4 years with unresolved pain due to my stubborn-ness at taking

medication and from my experience watching my sister sleep her life away from

all the pain meds she was on but a kind doctor took the time to help me find the

right medication(s) for me that allows me to be awake during the day but be free

from pain.

In that time that I wasn't taking anything for pain, I feel that I really went

downhill and since being on pain medication, I don't feel that I am getting

progressively worse - holding steady. This is subjective and certainly a long

term observation. I plan to start low dose naltrexone next month (as money

allows) which will then replace the pain medication that I am on.

With all of the medication that you (Deb) are on (my opinion, it seems like a

lot to me and that they are overlapping in function), you should at least be on

something that relieves your pain or at least takes the edge off so that you can

function and have a life -whatever that may be...

Perhaps a rheumatologist or Pain Management specialist would be helpful to you.

It can be difficult to get pain medication sometimes, no matter what country you

are in. Sometimes it is difficult just getting to their office. I have to drive

an hour and a half to get to the pain doctor but I have felt it worth the

hassle.

Currently, I am on the generic form of Ultram (50mg up to 4 times per day, as

needed)- this is an atypical opioid narcotic. Since it is atypical, it not as

likely to cause addiction and can be prescribed by a GP or primary care physican

(at least in US). Then, generic Robaxin (methocarbomol 750mg twice a day) -

this is a muscle relaxer, I rarely take two per day as I use other natural

supplements to deal with Fibro pain. Then for bad nights, I take a small dose

Darvocet.

So, for a typical day, I may take 2-3 Ultram for pain, 1 -1 1/2 Robaxin and one

half of a Darvocet. I am pain-free. This does not relieve my fatigue or other

issues but it is easier to think without having to deal with pain all day.

There is no need to suffer each day with pain, I urge you to find a doctor who

will help you get some relief. Or follow the research using low dose naltrexone

- this seems promising and I have been anxious to start it as I prefer natural

or low dose supplements/medications and this medication is used in tiny doses.

You can search the archives or google it. LDN or low dose naltrexone.

http://www.low dose naltrexone.org/

Lastly, I recently had some spinal injections for spinal stenosis in a couple of

places in my back (I have had similar injections some years ago). These really

do help my fibro pain as well and I seem to take less medication than usual.

Just throwing out some ideas - we are all different and what works for me may

not work for you and vice versa.

All the best,

Marti

>

>  I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I understand as I am in a lot of

pain much of the time. If its not the pain its the extreme fatigue. I so

understand. I am finally on a combination of antidepressants that is controlling

my depression.I am on 60 cymbalta and75mg elavil and25 mg pamelor with 1ml zanaz

2 times per day as needed. I'm also on 75 mg of venlafaxine and I'm not sure

what that is for. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

> hugs

> Debbie

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: Sally <herauville@...>

>

> Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 7:50:16 PM

> Subject: Re: elivil

> rer

>  

> I have only recently (last October) been diagnosed with CFS but according to

my neurologist I have had it for about 10 years... He put me on 20mg of

amitriptyline (Elivil) to go with the 60mg of fluoxetine and epam when I

need it.

>

> I got really bad tremors in December so my GP took me off the Fluoxetine (that

I had been taking for 2 years)and epam and raised the amitriptyline to 30mg

a day. She said there were too many contraindications.

>

> Saw my neurologist for my first appointment since diagnosis last week and he

said that I shouldn't have been taken off the fluoxetine as that has made my

depression go out of control and that the doc should have taken me off the

amitriptyline as it wasn't doing anything to help me if I was having tremors...

He said that now I will have to be referred to a psychiatrist to look at

anti-depression medicine again as it would probably be a bad thing to put me

back on fluoxetine and amitriptyline doesn't work. As for the tremors, he said

to just go with them and discuss them when I get to be assessed by the CFS

clinic.

>

> Two days ago I had to have a medical interview by a doctor from the DWP as

I've been trying to claim Disability Living Allowance (claim now in it's 20th

week...)and he said that the amitriptyline should sort out the tremors and will

help with the absorbtion of pain relief medication.. .

>

> All I know is that I hurt all over, my depression is spiralling out of control

and I haven't got a clue what to do.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

I couldn't figure out your last question so I will repeat what I think you are

asking for. Let me know if your question isn't answered.

" So, for a typical day, I may take 2-3 Ultram for pain, 1 -1 1/2 Robaxin and one

half of a Darvocet. I am pain-free. This does not relieve my fatigue or other

issues but it is easier to think without having to deal with pain all day. "

LDN or low dose naltrexone is used in regular sized doses - 50mg to 300mg for

people getting off heroin and alcohol. But used in small doses (1.5mg -4.5mg)

per day is helping people who are not addicted to these drugs/alcolhol resolve

several issues including pain. It seems to modulate the immune response. Very

interesting.

Again, most of what we talk about here is experimental and some of us treat

ourselves so please talk things over with a doctor that you trust if you are

unsure of something.

http://www.low dose naltrexone.org/

Hope this helps,

Marti

> >

> >  I am so sorry that you are in so much pain. I understand as I am in a

lot of pain much of the time. If its not the pain its the extreme fatigue. I so

understand. I am finally on a combination of antidepressants that is controlling

my depression.I am on 60 cymbalta and75mg elavil and25 mg pamelor with 1ml zanaz

2 times per day as needed. I'm also on 75 mg of venlafaxine and I'm not sure

what that is for. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

> > hugs

> > Debbie

> >

> >

> >

> > ____________ _________ _________ __

> > From: Sally <herauville@ ...>

> >

> > Sent: Sat, January 30, 2010 7:50:16 PM

> > Subject: Re: elivil

> > rer

> >  

> > I have only recently (last October) been diagnosed with CFS but according to

my neurologist I have had it for about 10 years... He put me on 20mg of

amitriptyline (Elivil) to go with the 60mg of fluoxetine and epam when I

need it.

> >

> > I got really bad tremors in December so my GP took me off the Fluoxetine

(that I had been taking for 2 years)and epam and raised the amitriptyline to

30mg a day. She said there were too many contraindications.

> >

> > Saw my neurologist for my first appointment since diagnosis last week and he

said that I shouldn't have been taken off the fluoxetine as that has made my

depression go out of control and that the doc should have taken me off the

amitriptyline as it wasn't doing anything to help me if I was having tremors...

He said that now I will have to be referred to a psychiatrist to look at

anti-depression medicine again as it would probably be a bad thing to put me

back on fluoxetine and amitriptyline doesn't work. As for the tremors, he said

to just go with them and discuss them when I get to be assessed by the CFS

clinic.

> >

> > Two days ago I had to have a medical interview by a doctor from the DWP as

I've been trying to claim Disability Living Allowance (claim now in it's 20th

week...)and he said that the amitriptyline should sort out the tremors and will

help with the absorbtion of pain relief medication.. .

> >

> > All I know is that I hurt all over, my depression is spiralling out of

control and I haven't got a clue what to do.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

please look up detoxing from tramadol or ultram. i think you may

want to know.

[Guest guest]

Hi Joyce,

How long have you been on the LDN and how is it working for you? I just started

on it, 3rd day. I jumped in at 3mg. I haven't taken the amitripyline the last

couple of days because I thought the LDN was suppose to be all you need.

However, I think I'll try taking it tonight. I just feel more stable on it.

Gail

>

> I was taking 25 mg of it until I started on 1.5mg of ldn and I was able to

lower my dosage to 10mg. Now I don't have such dry eyes and mouth. I use it for

cfs and fibro and sjogrens.

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, I'm just taking 5mg! I'm afraid more will constipate me because I can

get that way so bad that nothing works. For some reason my hysterectomy

corrected the problem but still gun shy about anything that might

constipate. I'm having severe visceral pain in stomach and intestines that

seems related to severe body-wide pain. It's all a puzzle I can't figure

out and I am so scared by it all. Think I'm depressed for the first time in

my life.

Thanks Joyce and everyone for all your helpful responses and for being

there. Robbi

On Sun, Jan 1, 2012 at 9:27 AM, joyce <jamkaye1@...> wrote:

> **

>

>

> I was taking 25 mg of it until I started on 1.5mg of ldn and I was able to

> lower my dosage to 10mg. Now I don't have such dry eyes and mouth. I use it

> for cfs and fibro and sjogrens.

>

>

>