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December 29, 2011 9:34 PM   Subscribe

Does constipation subside eventually with Amitriptyline (Elavil)?

I started taking 25mg Elavil last week before bedtime for problems with sleep. It helps me there, but I have side effects of dry mouth and constipation. The dry mouth I can deal with, but the constipation is getting to be a real nuisance and I'm thinking of going off it.

Does anyone know if the side effect of constipation eventually goes away on Amitriptyline?

Thanks in advance. Throwaway email: k324az21@gmail.com
posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (9 answers total)
 
Why not try to deal with the constipation? Fiber supplements (e.g., Citrucel or any of the psyllium powders) with water, and plenty of additional water throughout the day, are the place to start, and can be taken more or less permanently if need be. If that doesn't work, check with your doctor for suggestions. But going off the medication that's working for you shouldn't necessarily be the first response.
posted by scody at 1:11 AM on December 30, 2011 [1 favorite]


Unless medical advice tells you otherwise, constipation is almost always due to poor diet, commonly insufficient fibre and hydration.

Assuming the cause is dietary, regardless of the tablets, up your water levels and fibre intake. Try to let your body sort itself out. Drink lots of water, eat more high fibre foods.

For a boost (when well hydrated) try a stiff double espresso or two (boy, does that loosen muscles), I find that eating a largish orange can have an incredible laxative effect (within 30 minutes), for you it might be bananas.

Regardless of your method, stay well hydrated. Trying to overcome constipation when not hydrated is, in every sense of the word, rough.
posted by epo at 3:08 AM on December 30, 2011


Unless medical advice tells you otherwise, constipation is almost always due to poor diet, commonly insufficient fibre and hydration.

Many medications can cause constipation.
posted by ellieBOA at 3:26 AM on December 30, 2011 [3 favorites]


Unless medical advice tells you otherwise, constipation is almost always due to poor diet, commonly insufficient fibre and hydration.

Totally untrue. Many, many medications can cause constipation. With short-term medications (like heavy-duty painkillers) some doctors will prescribe stool softeners to go along. You may want to ask your doctor if that's an option (Please don't start any course of medications based on what strangers on the internet tell you.)
posted by xingcat at 5:07 AM on December 30, 2011


Drink more fluid and go for a nice long walk are my stand bys for constipation, when I had to take a lot of codeine though the only thing that worked for me was a stool softener. Talk to your pharmacist and explain the situation I am sure they will be able to recommend something OTC that would work and won't interfere with the drugs you are taking. If you need something stronger then I'd talk to your doctor.
posted by wwax at 7:46 AM on December 30, 2011


Unless medical advice tells you otherwise, constipation is almost always due to poor diet, commonly insufficient fibre and hydration.

As others have said, this is untrue (though fiber and hydration are certainly important factors in avoiding or treating constipation in general). Constipation is an extremely common side effect of many medications and supplements (including painkillers, antihistamines, antidepressants, sleeping aids, iron supplements, certain antacids, and others), even for people with otherwise good dietary/hydration habits.
posted by scody at 11:13 AM on December 30, 2011


Talk to your doctor before quitting.

If amitriptyline is discontinued abruptly, dizziness, headache, nausea, and restlessness may occur. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when even a few doses are missed. Therefore, it is recommended that the dose of antidepressant be reduced gradually when therapy is discontinued. (from the fact-sheet included with it)

As for the constipation, most people eventually adjust.
posted by DaveP at 12:20 PM on December 30, 2011


Elavil has anticholinergic properties that may cause constipation. How bad depends on the dose and your body. As others have said, your diet may contribute this this problem. Until you can talk to your doctor about discontinuing the drug, drink more fluids and try some prune juice which has a laxative effect.
posted by drug_dealer73 at 1:26 PM on December 30, 2011


i started this drug a few months ago for migraines. the dry mouth is still epic, but the constipation problems have subsided (though are not totally gone). i did add metamucil to my diet for a few days because i was totally freaked by the constipation, having never had that problem in my life. so try that if you like, though your body may just adjust.
posted by misanthropicsarah at 6:11 PM on December 30, 2011


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