With time the drowsiness factor from the TCAs goes away.(2 to 3 weeks)

Nortriptyline is less sedating than Elavil typically. However, Elavil (amitriptyline) has new studies showing it is the only TCA that helps with peripheral nerve repair. So therefore, the Elavil works in two places...the other TCAs like nortriptyline only working centrally in the brain.

I have had excellent results with Elavil. I couldn't tolerate Neurontin because of significant mood changes. I also found with the Neurontin that I would have a "honeymoon period" with great symptom relief for a few day after each dose increase, and then my symptoms would gradually return. I started on Elavil in August at 20 mg in the PM. After a few days I added 10 mg in the AM. I initially split the 10mg taking 5mg in the AM and 5 mg mid-day which seemed to decrease the sedative effects that I was experiencing. By September I settled into a dose of 10mg AM, 20 mg pm with excellent symptom relief and significantly improved sleep. The only long-lasting side effect that I've experienced is a bit of tendency towards constipation. About 1 month ago I increased my PM dose to 30 mg because of the return of some sleep difficulties and have had an excellent response. The best news, which I haven't shared with anyone yet, knowing that, in all likelihood, it probably won't last, is that my body-wide symptoms are at the lowest level ever. I'll just have to enjoy it as long as it lasts

I used to take Amitriptyline for bladder pain years ago and it worked great. I was on it for 7 years and never had to increase the dose (50 mg at night). It did have horrible side effects at first. I started it at 5 mg. and increased upt to 50 mg. over a period of several months, which helped alot. The side effects do go away, and for me even the consitipation did too.

Thanks, I may see if I can wean down on the Neurontin and add a little more of the Elavil (I just realized that is what I have, not the nort_ _ _ _ one, but the one that begins with an "A", too lazy to get up for correct spelling. Yes it does make one sleep like a baby. I am a little constipated, but a few tabs of Slow Mag (Magnesium) helps with that (gently.) Magnesium won't hurt you at a low dose, I take 164mg. a day, it also has Calcium in it.

Amitriptylene. Ive been taking it for several years now. At first it was a little strong as far as being able to stay awake in the morning after taking it the night before. Now it doesnt so much help me to get to sleep but it helps me to stay asleep. Very vivid dreams with it.

I was Rx'd it about 12 yrs ago before I started Gabapentin.
It caused urinary hesitancy, so I stopped it and went on to other trials

I'm taking Elavil. And Gabapentin. And Carbamazepine.

I'm not sure if any of it really helps, but my neuro claims that my latest EMG was slightly better than the one a year ago. Maybe I do feel slightly better, but I find it hard to distinguish between really feeling better vs. learning how to feel better about feeling bad...did that make sense, or am I just really stoned from all of these drugs I'm taking?

thanks for that, i have heard about nerve repair studies recently regarding amitriptyline. It may be beneficial to switch. A pain killer that works and is good for you?