Subject: How safe is this drug?
Forum: The Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum

Topic Area: Fibromyalgia

A quick question for a doctor. How safe is the drug Elavil? I was on 30mgs. per day to treat possible Fibromyalgia, but I don't think it makes much of a difference. I am coming off of it slowly over the next week or two and will see how I feel.

I don't like the idea of taking any drugs besides Advil! If I find that I start feeling worse after I come off the Elavil, I'll start it up again.

But how safe is it? What can you compare it to? I have not yet had children and don't want to take any risks.

Thanks for your help.

Dear Kim:

I don't know how appropriate this is since you are stopping the medication. There are very few side effects of elavil. Usually the most compliants come from patients indicating that they get drowsy, increased appetite, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness and headache. However, this occurs in the minority of patients, especially at the low concentrations that you are taking. Altough occuring at a lower frequency, sometimes an arrhythmia can occur. You should also avoid alcohol. We have used this medication for many years and for the most part it is very safe. but like all medications, if possible if you are considering getting pregnant we would recommend you stop. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS

Thanks for that really quick response!

The reason I'm coming off the Elavil is that my doc and I don't feel it's doing much. I honestly can't tell if it's making a difference because every day is different as far as discomfort and I get plenty of sleep, avg. 7-8 hours per night. And I'm a bit groggy during the day at only 30mgs. But as I said, if I feel worse, I'll start it up again. I don't seems to have any other side effects.

I don't plan on having children for a least another couple of years, but was just concerned about the effects of taking something like Elavil long-term.

Is there something else besides Elavil that is prescribed for Fibro that's effective? Thanks again!

Dear Kim:

There are a few people trying neurontin. If you start this, begin slow with a lower dose and slowly wean your way up.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD

Hi Kim, I needed help with my symptoms of Fibromyalgia and was given elavil. It caused me to dose off while driving my children to school, 15 miles away! When I picked them up, I slept for at least 15minutes before they came out of school. I stopped it with "permission" from my doctor and have been able to continue with aspirin or advil, etc in which the FB becomes tolerable unless I am too active!
Then not much helps but a little rest period before starting again! Good luck on finding the right med for you! I am lucky as I have a home business and have control of how much or little I am able to do for my clients. I am an artist, teacher and make my own hours! Elizabeth

Elizabeth (that happens to be my first name!):

Thanks for sharing your story. I never got that sleepy - you poor thing!!

I just feel groggy most of the day and they tell you to stay away from stimulants so there's not much you can do about it, right?!

I'm going to try the Advil and more exercise route (light exercise of course!).

Thanks again,

Kim

Good luck.

CCF Neuro

Dear Kim, I posted on taking advil, aspirin, etc instead of other meds; however, it is imperative that you and your doctor decide what is best for you! How are you doing now, that is, if you are receiving any meds. to date. There is so much to learn about Fibromyalgia Syndrome; you should go to the Shn. Website for more info. I am a member and they have many interesting conferences with various doctors and specialists as well as a chat line. I was dx for FB in 87-8, with the possible event of a specif disorder developing; now 10yrs later, I am having trouble!!!! If interested, e-mail me and I can give you the specific address. I hope you are doing well! FB can be a precursor to another disorder; however, some have live with just FB for many years and survived this particular FB disorder! It can be debilitating! Good luck in your search..Elizabeth

thanks,

CCF Neuro MD

Kim,

I do not suffer from your condition, but I can advise on Elavil because I've used it in the past as a pain medication for my genetic disorder. My opinion is... I don't like it. My reasons are: a.) it makes you gain weight b.) the false sense of well-being is perhaps too much c.) the stuff made a sleepwalker out of me, and that was reason enough for me to quit. I could just see myself now. There I am, in the middle of the night, going out the door in my birthday suit (I sleep that way) and waking up at the precise time one of my neighbors answers the door! That would be the ultimate embarassing situation, now wouldn't it? I couldn't take that kind of chance, so I quit and went on something else.

That something else was Neurontin. CCF Neuro (P) MD, RPS gave you the best drug known. I've been on it since 1996. One of the drugs finest attributes is the fact that it can be pushed and pushed according to pain progression and it continues to be a work-horse without the funky side-effects one experiences with the old, old, old and soon-to-be archaic Elavil of the 70's & 80's. Neurontin does, however, require a "going on it" phase, but it's nothing. Once you're on, you're on... hopefully with no side effects and no pain. If you still experience any, tell your Doc and he'll push it for you. It is "the drug" in my opinion.

Thanks to you CCF Neuro (P) MD, RPS for suggesting it (you know your stuff) and good luck to you Kim, have no fear of this drug... because it was designed with us in mind. You know, mothers who have to drive their kids to and from school? And artists like Elizabeth, writers like myself, and physicians like the aforementioned dynamite Doc... because the ability to function is important to all of us who suffer any kind of nerve pain. I loathe being labeled z-o-m-b-i-e.

Long-winded, aren't I? One has to be in order to get a point across. Take care and keep driving.

Yours,

Chris

Dear Chris:

Thanks, I am glad that neurontin helped you. Creation is a wonderful talent, I hope that your creations keep coming.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD

Follow Ups:

• Re: How safe is this drug? Chris 5/25/1999 (3)
  • How safe is this drug? CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/28/1999 (2)
    • Re: How safe is this drug? Chris 5/28/1999 (1)
      • How safe is this drug? CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS 5/29/1999 (0)

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