Can I take Elavil for fibromyalgia?

Q For several years, I suffered from fibromyalgia and was told there was very little that could be done.

[Sharon King]

I have been taking Nortriptylline for fibromyalgia for over 3 years (25mg.), and I have found it incredibly effective. Prior to that I was most symptomatic in summer, from entering air-conditioned rooms. No amount of clothing would protect me from the pain. Now I actually have no symptoms. It is true that my sleep has improved, which is appreciated. My only problem is that within the past 8 months or so, I have experienced a urinary retention upon arising in the morning. I have some concerns about this, as I am 69 years old, and I don't want to look forwar to bladder problems The dilemma? I don't want to give up the Nortriptylline, which for me has been wondrous!

[psykocandy]

Sharon King wrote:

I have been taking Nortriptylline for fibromyalgia for over 3 years (25mg.), and I have found it incredibly effective. Prior to that I was most symptomatic in summer, from entering air-conditioned rooms. No amount of clothing would protect me from the pain. Now I actually have no symptoms. It is true that my sleep has improved, which is appreciated. My only problem is that within the past 8 months or so, I have experienced a urinary retention upon arising in the morning. I have some concerns about this, as I am 69 years old, and I don't want to look forwar to bladder problems The dilemma? I don't want to give up the Nortriptylline, which for me has been wondrous!

I don't have fibromyalgia but I might be able to help you a little with some of the other symptoms. I have problems with urinary retention from some of my psych meds. I'm assuming you're a woman like me, too. I am prescribed Flomax which I take when i'm having problems with it and I was taught how to catheterize myself (I promise it's a breeze to do!). The other thing that you're worried about with shingles, there's medications out, one of them being Valtrex, that can treat it so you won't have to suffer with it without any help. Maybe you can talk to your doctor about these things, especially the urinary retention issue. I know that used to make me absolutely miserable and now i feel a million times better! Good luck!:)

[my reflection]

Never seek or take advise from non-physicians regarding medications regardless of whether is prescription or over the counter. Drugs can interact and have an adverse effect as well as the fact that the adviser has no idea what else you are treating for or if it is safe for you to take such a medication. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST!

[psykocandy]

my reflection wrote:

Never seek or take advise from non-physicians regarding medications regardless of whether is prescription or over the counter. Drugs can interact and have an adverse effect as well as the fact that the adviser has no idea what else you are treating for or if it is safe for you to take such a medication. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST!

I'm not sure if you are making a general statement or not here, but if you were remarking on my post to her, I did tell her to talk to her doctor about what I was suggesting. Not to mention that she couldn't even get anything I suggested without a prescription from a doctor. If you were just making a broad statement, then I apologize.

[Sarcastic Sid]

my reflection wrote:

Never seek or take advise from non-physicians regarding medications regardless of whether is prescription or over the counter. Drugs can interact and have an adverse effect as well as the fact that the adviser has no idea what else you are treating for or if it is safe for you to take such a medication. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST!

So which drug manufacturer are you a lobbyist for????

Here is my warning...

CAUTION: ADVICE FROM PEOPLE EMPLOYED BY THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY SHOULD BE VERIFIED WITH YOUR DOCTOR ONLY AFTER YOUR DOCTOR CONFIRMS HOW MANY FRR PENS AND SCRATCHPADS HE/SHE HAS RECEIVED IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.

[my reflection]

I don't work for any medical related business whatsoever. I had an aunt who now resides in an assisted living establishment incoherent because of a medication interaction. She was taking over the counter medication recommended to her by a neighbor that interacted with prescription meds and she will never be the same. I am not suggesting anyone on here is giving bad advise. I just wouldn't want anyone to suffer like she is suffering and felt I should say something about it. Sorry if I offended anyone.

Sarcastic Sid wrote:

<quoted text>
So which drug manufacturer are you a lobbyist for????
Here is my warning...
CAUTION: ADVICE FROM PEOPLE EMPLOYED BY THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY SHOULD BE VERIFIED WITH YOUR DOCTOR ONLY AFTER YOUR DOCTOR CONFIRMS HOW MANY FRR PENS AND SCRATCHPADS HE/SHE HAS RECEIVED IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS.

[psykocandy]

my reflection wrote:

I don't work for any medical related business whatsoever. I had an aunt who now resides in an assisted living establishment incoherent because of a medication interaction. She was taking over the counter medication recommended to her by a neighbor that interacted with prescription meds and she will never be the same. I am not suggesting anyone on here is giving bad advise. I just wouldn't want anyone to suffer like she is suffering and felt I should say something about it. Sorry if I offended anyone.
<quoted text>

Sorry to hear about your aunt. Sometimes people come on here to get info when they're not getting the results they want from their current treatment and hope that maybe someone else can suggest something that might work. They're looking for solutions and you can't fault them for asking for help where ever they can find it. Most people are sensible enough to sort through it and ask their doctor or do the research on it.

[Neill]

I've been on Elavil for some months (I ordered from http://pillrx.info ). It helped me to treat depression. About fibromyalgia... It's better to consult with your doctor.