Pain Medication Question

[firemanswife21]

I was on Tramadol for my chronic pain, now he put me on Etodolac 500MG with Amitraptyline HCL 10 MG to help enhance the effect of the Etodalac. He said together they would work stronger than Tramadol. My pharacist sucked and didnt really tell me much about them. I read on the print out that the Amitraptyline was a antidepressent. Is it both or did I get the wrong thing?

[Tuckamore]

Hi,

If you physican said you could take them than always follow his/her advice. It may make you more drowsy or sleepy.

If you are concerned contact your pharmacist, they are the experts when it comes to medication and drug interactions.

I'm so glad that you are feeling better.
Take Care,
Tuck

[firemanswife21]

Wow that was some really great information! Thank you both of you! I have been on them now for about 24 hours and yesterday felt super drowsy and sleepy. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap! I never can take naps! And then slept hard for 11 hours! I had some severe pain again about an hour prior to taking the second dose at night of both. But I was able to fall asleep fast so I must have not been in much pain!
That makes me feel better that the Elavil is not really used as an antidepressant anymore. I did not want to be on an antidepressant I just wanted a stronger pain med.
So far so good. Thanks for the info!
Oh one more question. I take a muscle relaxer Soma at night, this wont be a problem with both of these meds right? My doctor knew I was on them and said I could continue taking them  with the new meds.

[Tuckamore]

Hello and welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us. Sandee has done a thorough job of providing you information regarding your new medications.

Amitriptyline (or Elavil) is an "old" tricyclic antidepressant.It is not used as often for depression as it is now is for other conditions. It has been around for a lot of years. In the 1960's to be exact. It is now used "off label" for a multitude of medical conditions including pain managment, bed wetting, OCD, Migraines and more. Be aware that it make take 4-6 weeks before you see the effects of this medication but the side effects will begin much sooner. You may want to goggle the side effects are there are a number of them.

Edodolac (Lodine) is a member of the pyranocarboxylic acid group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It works much like Celebrex or Ibuphren. It is one of the more potent NSAID's so please watch for signs or symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, including bleeding.

I don't know if this will be more effective for you than the Tramadol. Everyone's system responds differently. Please let us know how you are doing. If you have additional questions as Sandee said please feel free to post them.

Good luck to you,
Tuck  

[sandee1818]

Elavil ( the brand name for amitriptyline is a anti depressant and is used for a variety of reasons. It is commonly prescibed to those with fibromyalgia but can and is used for pain control too. Be careful as it will make you drowsy so do not drive until you see how it effects you.
Lodine the brand for Edodolac is a good drug, I took it when I was first diagnosed and it worked for awhile.  Etodolac belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other members of this class include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, etc.), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and numerous others. These drugs are used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that are responsible for pain and the fever and tenderness that occur with inflammation. Etodolac blocks the enzyme that makes prostaglandins (cyclooxygenase), resulting in lower concentrations of prostaglandins. As a consequence, inflammation, pain and fever are reduced. The FDA approved etodolac in January 1991.
I hope this helps if you have any more questions feel free to ask:)