antidepressants for pain? - Pain Management Message Board

A Miracle · 05-16-2005, 01:43 AM

hi, i have been having abdominal pain from scar tissue adhesions i have from a surgery over a year ago. the doctors i am seeing will not operate to remove the scar tissue, instead, they have prescribed me elavil, which is an antidepressant. has anyone been on this medication for pain, and if so, did it help and what were the side effects?

junglemonkey · 05-16-2005, 05:36 AM

Yes I have been on anti-depressants for chronic pain relief for stomach aches.

Personally, it worked a tiny little bit in that it changed the pain if that makes sense. My problem was not being able to eat due to pain in my stomach and intestines, and it delayed the pain for me so I could eat that bit more.

I had to come off because it was messing with my moods and I didn't like it at all.

I've heard great reports from other people, you should give it a shot!

mona1958 · 05-20-2005, 11:52 PM

Hi I just wanted to reply,,I have just had my 3rd surg. for severe scar adhesions, and yes my Dr. gave me the elivil also..she explained to me that it relaxes mussels which in turn helps the pain,also helps with the anxiety.Good luck to you

vamp36 · 05-22-2005, 01:45 PM

I have been on Cymbalta to help with my nerve pain. It has decreased it and I was able to decrease my pain meds. I am no longer on MsContin because of it. I had some minor side effects ib the beginning but they disappeared.

jbot · 05-22-2005, 05:12 PM

Hi I was on it for 8 mos and gained 80#. I was on it for depression and not pain control. Alone with making me want to eat all the time I retained a lot of fluid and had to go on fluid pills. I was seeing the dr once a month and he had my weight gain recorded. I asked him if my weight gain could be from the meds and he said no. I had read that it did cause weight. I went off it and got on a diet and the 1st month lost 20# from all the fluid. It took me another 6 mos to lose the other 60#. I have heard that it helps people with pain but as for myself I would never take it again for any reason. I`ve had dr try to give it to me for pain but my answer is the same no thanks. If it is helping you then by all means give it a try but I would keep an eye to the scales. Carrying around alot of extra weight can`t be good for the pain not to mention the heart. I wish you luck hope you find something to help. Meds work different for us all so maybe you will be able to take it....jbot