A new medication for me
#313222 - 08/14/07 04:18 PM
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Gaia
Reged: 11/16/06
Posts: 67
Loc: NY
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My GI put me on 25mg of Imipramine. He said it's for the abdominal pain I experience so much of. In the past and at higher doses, 150 mg, it was used for anxiety, but is now being prescribed for pain.
Anyone here use it? If yes, what do you think of it?
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Anyone?
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Tricyclic antidepressants in low dose such as Imipramine are commonly used for the treat of pain in GI disorders such as IBS. There is some interesting information of the use of ADs for IBS in this article
Good luck.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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A lot of IBSers (with D and pain) have used tricyclics. Imipramine is one kind, amitriptyline is another, but there are several more. I'm currently using 10 mg of amitriptyline with great results. Try a board search for imipramine and tricyclics. Heather also provides information in her book and on the main site about how low doses of ADs (anti-depressants) can be used to treat IBS symptoms.
I hope your new med works out for you!
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A big thanks to both of you for responding. That was a very comprehensive article, Syl. I have to go back and read it again.
One more question...is Lexapro and other SSRI's usually prescribed in conjunction w/tricyclics? Am I correct in understanding that they are 2 different types of medication that address different needs? I'm just wondering if I need to take both.
Thanks for your input.
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They are two different types of AD. They act in different ways. Low dose tricyclic AD tend to be more beneficial for D and SSRIs for C. I have not heard of them being prescribed together. In fact, I suspect that it could be dangerous.
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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Thanks, Syl. I questioned both doctors about that (psychiatrist and GI). They both said that because I'm on such low doses, that it's fine. For people on very high doses, who take both medications, the SSRI (Lexapro) will increase the effects of the Imipramine and raise the risk of cardiovascular effects.
They both don't think that I will have to stay on them forever. Something about the meds "kick starting" the system and helping it to regain some semblance of normalcy. Here's to hoping it's true!
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Ah - that is interesting to know. Thanks for posting this information
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STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
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