Suggest Treatment For Withdrawal Symptoms Of Elavil

Posted on Thu, 21 Jan 2016

Question: I am having stomach aches after stopping Elavil 24 days ago. have tried antacids but don't work during the day? What OTC drug can I take to help the dull ache in my stomach. Lower and upper abdomen.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
start PPIs&buscopan...following tests to determine right cause...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

Elavil is the trade name for the generic drug called Amitriptyline which is tricyclic antidepressant. It is also used in treating certain conditions associated with unbearable pain.

In your case, the dull ache you feel in your stomach has nothing to do with stopping Elavil, but most likely due to any upper GI problem like : gastritis, reflux or ulcer. An upper endoscopy is advised to determine the right cause.

Usually, such stomach issues are associated with hyperacidity. Antacids will alter the pH of the stomach contributing into easing the symptoms. Zantac will also help. To my opinion, you need to start PPIs (e.g. omeprazole, pantoprazole, etc) in order to get some pain-relief. You can find them OTC.

Anti-spasmodic medications (e.g. buscopan or papaverin) can also help ease the spasms and get some pain-relief. For these medications, you need to have a prescription from your doctor.

The very first thing is to determine what is causing the dull ache as mentioned above. Then, we can treat it adequately.

If, apart the dull ache, you are also having problems with urination or passing the stool, further investigations are needed:
- urine analysis
- abdominal ultrasound
- stool analysis

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)

Thank You for your response. I will try Nexium. I disagree with you on the Elavil being the reason as 100's of people on the withdrawal internet site are having the same problem and worse for very long periods of time after Elavil.

I don't have any of the other problems you mentioned and had stomach problems the whole time I was on this drug. I do appreciate your input.

Answered by Dr. Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hope Nexium will help you further......

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Hope Nexium will help you.

With regards to Elavil, I understand the withdrawal problems with this drug. My aim is to help you find a way to overcome your actual problems especially if they are temporary.

Again, a close monitoring of your health problems is advised and regular check ups until improvement.

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar