pls help never heard of this med!!! - Anxiety Message Board

hayley0610 · 01-17-2005, 08:29 PM

my dh has been prescribed Elavil and we have looked it up but it contradicts what the doc gave it to him for!! he made it seem like it was a temp anti aniety med like xanax or ativan but this seems like it is something for long term use. The doc also gave him wellbutrin which he has taken before but had quite a few side effects. the doc gave hime elavil for trouble sleeping.he also has had aches and pains but i think the doc prescribed it more for that but this really seems to be an antidepressent!!! i dont know what to think! he gave him 30 days worth with no refills but this seems to be something he should be on on a reg basis! why would he give him both wellbutrin and this other med?? im very confused, has anyone taken it??

Guineapig5 · 01-17-2005, 08:57 PM

I have taken it - in low doses to control the pain of interstitial cystitis. In high doses it is prescribed as an antidepressant. In lower doses, it is used to relieve pain, help people sleep, and perhaps has some other uses. Is your husband having difficulty sleeping?

hayley0610 · 01-17-2005, 09:23 PM

yes that was part of the problem was his lack of sleep but ive read that it can cause problems with sleeping!!! it was prescribed at 25 mg, but i dont know if this is something for him to take reglularly or just when he has problems sleepinh. it seems strange to me but maybe his dose isnt high enough to cause probs if he suddenly stops taking it.

Guineapig5 · 01-18-2005, 08:52 AM

All I can say is that I had no problems sleeping on it, but bigtime problems not sleeping when I stopped it cold turkey after a few years. Noone warned me it could have this effect, so if your husband takes it an extended time, have hime taper gradually.

At the small 25 mg. dose it sounds as if the doctor prescribed it to quell your husband's anxiety and help him sleep at night, but I'm just guessing. Since the doctor only prescribed one months worth, my guess is that he's waiting to see how he does before prescribing more. Does he have a follow-up appointment? If so, I would take it as prescribed, and see how he does. If not, definitely give the doctor a call and ask him specifics!

hayley0610 · 01-18-2005, 08:54 AM

dh and i had talked more about it last night and it is suppose to be as a sleep aid i just wouldve thought some otc med or something else but he does have a follow up in a month.