Is anyone taking or have taken Elavil for gastroparesis? Has it helped?
I take Elavil (amitriptyline) and I have gastroparesis but I’m not taking it to treat gastroparesis. I take a very low dose of it to help me sleep. This drug is often prescribed as an anti-depressant but the dosage often used is 75-150 mg/day. I only take 10 mg/day.
I just read through this Mayo Clinic description of Elavil and did not see any mention of gastroparesis. Elavil does act on the central nervous system and the vagus nerve, a central player in gastroparesis, is part of the central nervous system.
Yet another example of using side effects of medications to treat new problems. Sigh.
Yes, Elavil/amitriptylline causes drowsiness and often was valuable in treatment of depression because it reduced the anxiety that often goes with depression.
It also relieves anxiety.
It also causes constipation due to a decrease in gastrointestinal motility, a hallmark of gastroparesis. Ask your doc why he prescribed this. Good luck.
No, but i do take MIRTAZAPINE. It helps with nausea and increases appetite. It is an antidepressant but side effects have helped my gastroperisis.