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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Amitriptyline Effective In The Treatment Of Fibromyalgia And Bipolar Disorder?

I have fibromyalgia and bipolar. My question is....would amytryptaline (Elavil) help my situation. I am not on any medication for the bipolar and have been doing alright by using behavioral techniques and tracking my moods. I am fearful of being on an anti-depressant due to the bipolar. Need some advice! Thank you. Janet
Wed, 19 Oct 2016
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
it is one of the most effective medicines for fibromyalgia. It's use in bipolar illness is not as clear cut. It is an antidepressant that has many side effects that are beneficial for pain. It often causes slight sedation. The combination of slight sedation from a non-addictive drug AND anti-depressant effects often is helpful in bipolar BUT amitryptiline isn't the most often used. It isn't studied well as a bipolar drug and it could cause mania. Or, more likely, it would help moods in bipolar. It is not predictable in a particular individual.
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Is Amitriptyline Effective In The Treatment Of Fibromyalgia And Bipolar Disorder?

it is one of the most effective medicines for fibromyalgia. It s use in bipolar illness is not as clear cut. It is an antidepressant that has many side effects that are beneficial for pain. It often causes slight sedation. The combination of slight sedation from a non-addictive drug AND anti-depressant effects often is helpful in bipolar BUT amitryptiline isn t the most often used. It isn t studied well as a bipolar drug and it could cause mania. Or, more likely, it would help moods in bipolar. It is not predictable in a particular individual.