Saw new GI, has me starting amitrypltaline

[Kero]

Met with my new GI yesterday. She listened to all my symptoms. She doesn't think it's crohns, but does want to rule it out. She has me starting Amitryptaline (sp?) and will be going in for an Endoscopy and a colonoscopy on July 14th. She said if that doesn't show anything, the next step would be a CAT scan of my small bowel. Hoping the new med will help

 

[DJW]

Hi kero. I'm on that drug but not for crohns. Wondering how it's used for possible crohns?
Thanks.

 

[Orchid]

Amitriptyline is a powerful tricyclic antidepressant whose only on label use is the treatment of major depression. It has been used offlabel for the treatment of serious IBS though. It has no use in CD to the best of my knowledge.

 

[DJW]

Thanks Orchid. I'm on it to help me sleep.

 

[ellie]

I take a small dose at night to augment analgesics for sacroiliac Crohn's related back pain. Seems to help fend off waking at 3am with back pain!


HD

 

[DJW]

Sorry. Didn't intend to hijack this thread.

 

[darster]

I used to take it for IBS, and it did help. Just not always.

 

[vonfunk]

It's used far more in the UK than in North America. To the best of my knowledge, it helps to relax the smooth muscles of the intestines reducing cramping and what not. It has usages as part of a treatment plan, but usually deals with the symptom as opposed to the cause.

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

I'm on Amitriptyline (25 mg) to prevent headaches & migraines - it works well for me for that purpose. It also helps me sleep at night. My GI had hoped that it would help "calm" my bowels (that's how he phrased it) but I've been on it for over 3 years now and I haven't ever noticed any "calmness" happening. But I'm happy to stay on it for the sleep & headache benefits it gives me.