Amitriptyline and Constipation: What Users Say

• Rol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "To be honest, I always look for reviews but can never be bothered to leave my own. But had to make an exception for this drug. If you're like me and get vomiting and tremors from most SSRIs/SNRIs, you NEED to try this stuff. Anxiety, panic attacks, not to mention IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea), this has worked wonders. On 75mg per day, climbed dose very slowly which is good when you need to taper down/if you ever want to. (Comes in 10mg, 25mg & 50mg). The only negative side effect I experienced is my mouth gets VERY dry the higher the dose you go. It also slightly constipates you (actually quite welcoming for IBS-D.) Being on this also negated the need to take my Xanax/Valium. I will take the dry mouth in exchange for my life back!"

• Mer...
• January 9, 2020

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "After years of suffering from IBS-D, trying multiple prescriptions, diets, over-the-counter meds, etc., I heard about the use of antidepressants to treat it. My GP prescribed Zoloft, but after reading about side effects and personal accounts from other IBS-D sufferers, I decided the risk outweighed the reward. Continued doing research and came across posts about amitriptyline. Sounded promising, side effects of constipation/sleepiness were very appealing. I've also been dealing with intermittent sleep anxiety and insomnia. GI doc agreed to prescribe amitriptyline. Starting dose was 10mg/night. Didn't notice any change or side effects or improvement. Bumped it up to 20mg and definitely noticed a difference. BMs were improving, anxiety and stress levels were way down, sleeping great. Started to feel like my old self again. Been taking 25mg since Nov 2019 and have had 0 negative side effects. Highly recommend this drug amitriptyline to those suffering from IBS-D whose main trigger is anxiety."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2014

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "Amitriptyline has helped my insomnia by a tenfold. I have issues staying asleep due to my fibromyalgia and anxiety. I sleep all night for once. Unfortunately, it has side effects: no appetite, impotence, daytime drowsiness, constipation."

• sir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2018

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "I'm 65 years old so when the benzo stops being effective, I used Amitriptyline (Elavil) to sleep. I have to take 3 X 10mg with half of a banana to make it smoother on an empty stomach to make it work. It has some nasty side effects, but they tend to go away after a while. Constipation will not be a problem anymore after a month, drink a lot of water early in the evening to prevent constipation. Dry mouth will always be there, but will become less severe after a while, so chew some gum to fix this problem. Sex will also take a low profile :-) This drug can also be used to make the withdrawal of the benzos much easier to do. You will still sleep and will only need a small dosage of benzo, which you can lower slowly but surely. I get a better sleep pattern than with the benzos. Waking up ready to drive my car if I need to, unlike with Ambien. Cheap to buy also. My old mother still uses it after almost 50 years of usage. She is 85."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2019

For Pain "I had exhaustion, roving pains, burning eyes, and tummy troubles for 5 months and it was starting to interfere with my daily life. We did blood work and ultrasounds but nothing showed. The doctor decided to try amitriptyline. The first few days I experienced dry mouth and random prickly sensations. That went away and I was left with slight constipation, and a near constant craving sensation, but... I am 3 weeks into it now and even though I'm not exactly back to 'normal', I do have a happier outlook, more of my playful self, and I'm kinda 'detached' from my pain. I dream more, but sleep more soundly. I do feel it 'hit' me about half an hour after I take it but it's not enough of an effect to knock me out or anything though. Overall, I am very happy with the results so far. I take 10mg between 8 and 9 pm (any later and it's a bit too hard to wake up in the morning). I'm very happy we tried this and I'm hopeful that it will continue to improve my daily life."

• Ell...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2019

Amitriptyline for Interstitial Cystitis "Finally have relief of 3 years of relentless pain from interstitial cystitis. The grogginess and constipation are the only downsides. Made a remarkable difference to urgency and pain. Feel like a new woman. Thought I’d never have relief! Thank you."

• sno...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 2, 2019

For Pain "I've been taking Amitriptyline for 10 years plus for severe neuropathic pain, increasing the dosage to 200 mg as the pain increased. It has really helped with the pain relief. Although I started on a relatively small dose of 25 mg, I felt totally spaced out and sedated. It took my body a few weeks to get used to taking it. I do experience constipation and a dry mouth but it's better than severe pain."

• McC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2014

For Pain "Systemic Lupus for 3 years, severe spinal issues and now a trapped nerve in my buttocks. After no sleep for 5 days, I became suicidal. Doc prescribed 10 mg's of Elavil...but it didn't work UNTIL I increased the dose to 30 mg's. NOW, I am finally getting sleep and pain relief. This medicine is more effective than Oxycontin, hydromorphone, and many other medicines I have taken for pain (ibuprofen and other OTC medicines). For me, the key was to increase the dose. Yes, there are side effects - constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness - but this is mild compared to suffering in so much pain that I did not want to live anymore."

• Mah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2019

For Pain "I've been taking amitriptyline 10mg for two weeks now for peripheral neuropathy. I initially had side effects of dry mouth, constipation, heavy chest, muscle weakness, swollen tongue, and mouth, and was so anxious for a few days, but it's all passed now, and I am feeling a lot better. I still have some flare-ups, but I also have radiation-induced cystitis. It has also helped with bladder pain and my jaw clenching. Hopefully after the next couple of months, I have even more benefits. I'm extremely sensitive when it comes to medications, so I'm glad I stuck with it, even though I was so hesitant at first."

• Mag...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 28, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferer for years. Amitriptyline works really well for me. There are still certain foods I avoid and I very occasionally get a flare up (normally because I have either overeaten or eaten something I would normally avoid). I take 20mg at nighttime. I did try to reduce this down to 10mg but after a couple of weeks, all my symptoms were back - pain, bloating, constipation, etc. I'd advise anyone suffering to give it a go. It took several weeks of taking it before I experienced significant relief of symptoms. Although I read that for some people it works straight away. Hope this helps."

• Ran...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 21, 2016

For Depression "Been on the drug for 45 years. I have tried several other ones but had no relief. I hate the cholinergic side effects, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, dry eyes, and constipation. Every time I try to progressively wean off, I get sick as a dog. Still, this drug has probably saved my life."

• Kan...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking amitriptyline (50 mg daily at bedtime) for about 5 years now for migraine and tension-type headache prevention. I've tried to reduce the dosage but found the headaches returning. I haven't had a severe migraine with aura in months, and I only get around 2 tension headaches a week (extreme improvement). The only side effects that I've experienced are occasional constipation and heart palpitations. Despite this, the benefits of the medication far outweigh the side effects, which is why I continue taking it."

• Mmm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 24, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "Had a particularly nasty infection due to diverticulosis and developed a form of IBS afterwards. After 7 months of constant pain and massive weight loss, I got to see a specialist who prescribed amitriptyline. Started on 25 mg which was awful, just way too much. Felt so weird. Anyway, GP changed dose to 5 mg for a week, then 10 mg, etc., till back up to 25 mg after a month. Amazing. It has been a life-changer. No more pain. Can eat and enjoy life again. Have been taking it for 11 months. Have to drink plenty of water and other drinks so I don't get constipated, but all in all, as others have said, a life-saver. Sleep pretty solidly, and getting up is a bit tough, but other than that, all is good."

• Ort...
• January 23, 2016

For Pain "I have been taking amitriptyline on and off for over three years after a serious road accident, where my pelvis was crushed and I suffered major nerve damage. It really works, but I am trying to get off it permanently because of the side effects. It helps with pain and sleep, which are my two biggest complaints, but the side effects of constipation, dry mouth, and a weight gain of 50 pounds (from 120 to 170) are really quite terrible, especially when taken in connection with other side effect-causing drugs. I would be very careful about taking this drug. It's very important to weigh the costs vs benefits. Since I was a trauma patient, I didn't have much choice in the matter, and I am still living with the consequences."

• Vio...
• March 12, 2016

For Pain "This can be a life-changer. I'm 22 and had gotten a concussion back in Nov. I was in bed every day for over 2 months, told to avoid ALL stimulation, lost a few lbs, hit with multiple migraines per day. My doc prescribed amitriptyline & within a few days of starting, I was easing back out of the dark and into the light (metaphorically and literally). This med gave me my life back and now I'm able to graduate on-time which was threatened then. Symptoms: a little more constipation than my usual, dry mouth, a dampened libido... they're all not bad sacrifices for me. Also, I've been aura-migraine-free since this medicine too! My aunt has been on it for almost 30 yrs and it's helped her chronic migraines as well. She's about 55 I think. Consider it!!!"

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2019

For Depression "Well, I'm male, 30. I have severe hemophilia A, severe arthritis, pain, and depression. Also, I'm underweight. I started using amitriptyline from 5 to 25 mg. Anyone using it should know it takes a month for it to work. At first, you will have dry mouth, fast to sleep at nights, and weight gain. All of these side effects were my solutions. Actually, I was very thin, now I'm at a good weight scale. I gained weight, I became more sedated, had fewer mood swings, less pain, and was more active. So far, after a month of 25 mg amitriptyline, I became really better, both on depression and pain (also better at anxiety). For me, it’s great. Negative things are dry mouth and a bit of constipation, but these wane off after a while."

• sac...
• October 31, 2015

For Depression "I am an ex-heroin user and have currently been on a methadone program for fifteen years. I'm on propranolol for anxiety and chlorpromazine 50 mg for psychotic episodes. I'm also on Seroquel 200 mg during the day and 250 mg at night. My psychiatrist put me on amitriptyline 50 mg for depression and really bad anxiety. I haven't felt so good in years, get a great night's sleep, and I take it during the day, it helps with anxiety attacks. I was constipated really badly for years, and now I can go every day. Excellent results for me."

• Vio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "Oops! I had put my review under the wrong category. Long story short, I got a concussion and was unexpectedly bed-ridden and in the dark, both metaphorically and literally, for almost 3 months. Migraines wracked me every day, among other symptoms - it was basically hell on earth. My doctor prescribed me 25 mg of amitriptyline and said most of his concussion patients had a lot of success with it. Anyway, it gave me my life back. I've been on it for 4 months now... I don't get aura migraines anymore, headaches now are duller and infrequent :) Dry mouth, a little more constipation, and had some depressed feelings when I first started, but my body adjusted. I really do recommend this! Give yourself enough hours to sleep at first."

• Lis...
• February 26, 2017

For Interstitial Cystitis "I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, had severe bladder pain and pressure for a couple of months. I used OTC meds and even low-dose hydromorphone, but it did not help. My doctor prescribed amitriptyline 25 mg, however, told me to cut it in half and initially use 12.5 mg to see if it helps, if not, increase to 25. I took the half pill in the evening, and in the morning, I woke up with no bladder pain, the first time in months. During the day, I still had some bladder pressure, but no pain. After 2 weeks on the amitriptyline, my pain and pressure are all gone. I have not noticed any side effects, perhaps an occasional constipation, so I started taking fiber."

• C61...
• January 23, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "About 3 months ago, I started experiencing thunderclap migraines. My doctor put me on Atenolol, which did nothing for me. She then put me on Amitriptyline 25 mg, which has pretty much eliminated the migraines. I guess I was somewhat depressed because now I feel wonderful, patient, and have a sense of well-being. My emotions seem to have leveled out. I have experienced some not-so-pleasant side effects, such as vivid, bizarre dreams, blurry vision, constipation, and dry mouth. I kept hearing about serious weight gain, but due to my newfound satisfaction in life, I don't turn to food for comfort anymore, so I've lost weight on this medicine! I love what this medicine has done for me."

• BUT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 22, 2014

For Depression "I take this for bipolar disorder 2, with severe depressive episodes. Helps tremendously for my depression symptoms, as well as aiding in controlling mood swings along with a mood stabilizer. Helps with insomnia tremendously. Sometimes the daytime sedation can last a long time at higher doses, and you'll probably get dry mouth, constipation, or blurry vision/dizziness, at least at first. This medication works great for a lot of people when other things fail, just be aware that the trade-off is that some annoying side effects are fairly common. Myself, the benefits far outweigh the negatives."

• edw...
• March 9, 2023

Amitriptyline for Depression "I have been diagnosed with depression since college. Since then, I have tried every antidepressant and had no luck. My doctor put me on Elavil, and boom, depression is gone, though I have IBS-C big time. Tried to taper down from 100 mg, and got down to 60 mg, but am still constipated. It's a nightmare. I am now taking Linzess, Motegrity, Miralax, and coconut oil, which helps a little bit. Has anybody else had the same problems?"

• Slo...
• December 8, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Took this for IBS-C for about 2 months, 10 mg. Worked great for pain, even a bit for my anxiety. Unfortunately, it gave me hard stools, which was already a problem. Took more Miralax, and it helped with that. Still made me drowsy after a month. I suggest taking it early in the evening so you don't feel groggy in the morning."

• Pau...
• November 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "1 month in on my 2nd stint on amitriptyline for migraines, anxiety, low mood, 25 mg/day. I feel it's starting to have a good effect, symptoms have gone from a 7-8 to a 2-3. At first, it seemed to be making things worse, the side effects the first week were horrific: headaches, confusion, brain fog, anxiety. But around week 2-3, I started to feel some improvement and have continued slow but steady improvement since then. Last time I took it was a few years ago for about a year and a half, eventually, I weaned off of it and was fine for a while, but then the migraines came back. I have seen some studies where amitriptyline has been shown to increase neurogenesis in the brain, so it helps to rebuild and rewire the brain. Hopefully, I will be able to wean off of it again in time. Happy to have found something that works, I would give it a 10, but some minor side effects that have to be dealt with: constipation, dry skin, mouth, weight gain."

• Ste...
• February 4, 2013

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I've got two issues going now: irritable bowel syndrome - or at least they are pretty sure that is what it is - sour stomach and bloating and lots of gas - plus urinary urges from prostate surgery. The IBS symptoms started in Oct (4 months ago). I am a 68-year-old male. The doctor prescribed the amitriptyline last week and I'm on my fourth day of 10 mg before bed. I sleep sounder than ever and get up after 8 hours but tired, trying to eat a healthy breakfast (oatmeal, toast, and coffee - gotta have my coffee). Getting some late morning headaches and some of the day better than others. I do not have diarrhea but some constipation. Not sure how many days before I know it works. I really feel for those of you who posted that you've had IBS for years!"