[jess18]

Hello. I was prescribed Elavil for nerve pain today, and also take 5mg ( small dose) of Lexapro. Does anyone take these two together? My doctor knows what I am on, and I called the pharmacist, yet I feel unsure. One is the SSRI and the other Tri-cyclic.

Thanks in advance.

Oh, I should ask about the advantage anyone had on Elavil in reducing the neuro pain.

Jess

[JD3#2]

Hello Jess 18,

I had very good results with Elavil by itself. Then I built up tolerance and went on to other things (mostly Neurontin). The Drs. don't want me to go back on Elavil because of my age and my heart. But in your case it is probably allright.

It is true that you should not take an SSRI with a Tricyclic because of possible serontin overload, EXCEPT under a dr's. direction. So if it is working for you, fine. But you should not worry, but to be alert for possible side effects. Check out what the efffects of serotonin overload on the Internet.

Hope this helps, Take Care

[Raglet]

Hi Jess

The amounts of tricyclics (like elavil) that are prescribed for pain are very much lower than the amounts prescribed when a person is using them for depression (which next to nobody does these days as their side effects at depression dosages are pretty intolerable). So, you are likely on low dose elavil which is very safe along with an SSRI.

I was on effexor (an SSRI) for ages, plus I am on a low dose tricyclic for pain, and have had no problems with this. I am no longer on the effexor, but I would happily go back on to it if needed - along with my low dose tricyclic of course.

hth

raglet