Amitiptyline for Chronic Pelvic Pain???

[blessedmamma23]

I am 25/F and have had chronic pelvic pain for over 6 years and pain in my lower sternum for over a year with no diagnosis.
My symptoms include:
*sever pain in pelvic/lower abdominal area (every day/all day ranging from cramping to stabbing pain)
*pain during intercourse
*chronic fatigue
*frequent urination
*headaches
*back pain (on and off every week)
*pressure and stabbing pains in lower sternum (on and off every week)
*my periods have become irregular but i stared a BC 7 months ago

I have had blood work, ultra sounds, MRI's, X-Ray's, and a Laparoscopy. All showed normal (except a tiny polyp on my gallbladder). I have tried pain meds, gas/acid reflux meds, etc. and nothing has worked.

I was referred to a GI who suggested I try Amitriptyline (25mg one a day at bed time). The thought of an antidepressant, even in a low dose, concerns me. I want to know if anyone has had this prescribed and what they thought of it. Also, if you have any of the same symptoms, maybe a suggestion for something else that helped.

[achilles2]

I forgot to mention if you are having bladder issues Amitriptyline may not be the best choice has it can interfere with bladder function a better alternatvie would be Doxipen-- it is also a tri-cyclic used for pain.

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us and took the time to post your questions/concerns!

You are always welcome here but you may also want to post on our Undiagnosed Symptoms Forum. You can locate any of our Forums by clicking on the word Forums in the Blue Banner at the top of this page.

You're correct; Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It is the most widely used TCA in the USA. However it is also used off label for medical issues such as migraines, tension headaches, chronic pain, tinnitus, chronic cough, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, male chronic pelvic pain syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, neurological pain and more.  In other words it's used in MANY situations.

It was precribed for me some years ago but it was not effective. However it is effective for many ppl or it would not be so widely prescribed. You're on a very l ow starting dose. I imagine they will increase the dosage as your system adjusts to the medication.

I wish you well and hope you'll keep in touch.

Take Care,
~Tuck

[achilles2]

I see you have had a laparoscopy was it an endo specialist and did it include biopsy-- a lot of times endo is too small to be seen with the scope. If not with an endo specialist. I recommend that you find an endo specialist as a gen ob/gyn does not know enough some do not even take enough biopsies if any. To find an endo specialist in your area contact the endo assoc:
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/

Also has anyone looked into intersticial cystitis or Celiacs?  (A blood test for Celiacs is not very sensitive and a diagnosis can be missed. (The best way to find out is to go off gluten for 10-15 days and then eat a lot of gluten and see if there is a difference in how you feel.)