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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Elavil
        
(Message started by: LasVegas on Sep 18^th, 2003, 5:56pm)

Title: Elavil
Post by LasVegas on Sep 18^th, 2003, 5:56pm

I've had CH for 25 years since I was 11 years old. On and off, some years i have them, some I don't, etc. Cycles are typically in the late summer/fall. I just posted something similar in the General Topics messgae area titled "HELP". In a nutshell, Sansert worked the last cycle which was over 2 years ago. My new doctor, not a neuroligist like the Sansert prescribing was, has recently prescribed me Elavil. This anti-depressant is known to help with chronic pain. But will 50 mg taken every night prior to bedtime really compare to Sansert? I read it takes 10 to 14 days to reach full benefit. I don't have this type of time to wait and see if it works. The doctor didn't explain why he wrote this instead of a script for Sansert, just said it doesn't have the bad side effects that Sansert does. Does Elavil work as a maintenance/preventative drug of choice? I want the best, I will pay cash if the insurance doesn't cover it and need a qualit maintenance/preventative CH drug for my cycle. Any Elavil or knowledgeanble CH drug users? have suggestions? Please reply to GHWIESER@AOL.COM.
Thanks in advance, Gregg in Las Vegas

Title: Re: Elavil
Post by Prense on Sep 18^th, 2003, 6:00pm

I am just guessing...but if you are in the US, that is why he didn't prescribe sansert.

As for Elavil, I cannot answer your question.

Title: Re: Elavil
Post by vig on Sep 19^th, 2003, 10:18am

I took 10 mg of Elavil and after about 6 days, an episode would stop.

The side effects were lethargy, weight gain and a general state of retardedness....among other things!

I won't be doing that again.

pick your poison

Title: Re: Elavil
Post by Bob P on Sep 19^th, 2003, 10:51am

It's my understanding that Sansert is not available in the US at this time.
It does have far worse side effects that Elavil (amitriptaline).
Here's the scoop on the tricyclic antidepressants like Elavil:
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/medications/tricyclic_antidepressants.htm