Side effects of Amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)

[Jimmy1971]

I was put on Elavil for three months. Ii worked well at the beginning then i started to experience side effect including swift shaking while in bed and muscle twitching. These effects are still with me even though i stopped taking the drug one and half year ago. Also, i suspect the drug has changed my skin color. I talked to my doctor and he told me there is nothing i can do for. He seemed he did not care.

What should i do? These side effects have become permanent. Should i sue my doc or what?

Has anyone experienced the above mentioned side effects? Thank, Jim

[chicagopsy]

I don't think you have jaundice.   You might want to find a Hepatologist and have a consultation just for peace of mind.  

Jaundice is a very obvious condition, you can actually see it in the color of the skin and urine.  If you have been to a doctor recently and were not given a diagnosis then you are okay as far as jaundice is concerned.  No doctor - repeat, NO DOCTOR will overlook or misdiagnose jaundice.

[Jimmy1971]

Yes i have jaundice. I am so concerned about it. It has been with me for almost 7 months. Have you ever had it?

[chicagopsy]

Elavil is a safe but old tricyclic antidepressant.  Some of these older AD's are making a ressurgence in light of side effects of SSRI's, and that many persons who suffer from depression and do not respond to serotonin-specific drugs like Paxil and Celexa.

Elavil has side effects and they can be troublesome but nothing like what you are describing.   Some people develop a slight tremor at very high doses.   The shaking you're experiencing seems unrelated to the medication.  

The only skin problem you could have related to Elavil might be jaundice but any first year med student can spot jaundice from 20 yards away.  The whites of your eyes would turn yellow, the skin beneath your fingernails would turn yellow and progressively, your skin would begin to turn yellow.   Jaundice is a treatable condition, it is not permanent, and is not dangerous if caught early.

I suspect that your doctor will not treat you for any disorders which cannot be verified by testing.   Some doctors have a low threshold of patience for people with hypochondria, which is too bad because anxiety is a problem no matter how it manifests itself.    

Please try to relax and keep your focus.  If you are no longer taking the Elavil then you are okay, the drug cannot create any irreversible medical conditions.