Elavil (Amitriptyline) Questions

GERDSucks96

New Member

Joined : Jan 2016

Posts : 1

Posted 1/23/2016 8:44 PM (GMT 0)

Hello everyone!

I have been taking Omeprazole 20mg everyday for about 4 years now. I am currently 19 years old. I have had an endoscopy done along with a pH monitoring device about 2 years ago. The doctor found no signs of inflammation or damage but the pH test did show that I have moderate-severe reflux.

After changing my diet and lifestyle, my GERD problems were still present. No matter what I eat or drink I have a consistent burning sensation in my esophagus. I recently had an appointment with my specialist regarding my continuous GERD. Because of my age, he wants to avoid surgery at all costs. He suspects that I have a hypersensitive esophagus and functional GERD. He prescribed me 10mg of Amitriptyline to be taken before bed along with my 20mg of Omeprazole before dinner. Eventually, he wants me to get off the Omeprazole because of the possible side effects of long term use. He also scheduled me for another endoscopy in about 4 months. I was wondering if any of you have experience with this medication or with a hypersensitive esophagus. Any feedback would be appreciated!

TL;DR: Doc prescribed me Amitriptyline to treat my possible hypersensitive esophagus. Does anybody have experience with this type of treatment?

Linda Sue

Regular Member

Joined : Mar 2014

Posts : 482

Posted 1/24/2016 8:35 PM (GMT 0)

GERDSucks96,
Have you ever had any upper GI tests, like manometry to determine if your esophagus is working as it should?

I also had that constant burning sensation in my chest for years. I'm post-op 6+ months having had Laprascopic Nissen Fundoplication surgery, and that fixed my acid reflux problem, but I still had the burning chest pain. To make a long story short, I have been diagnosed with 'Jackhammer Esophagus'. It was found on manometry test.

I am taking Amitriptyline 50mg at bedtime along with Diltiazem 90mg. 4x daily to control chest pain. My understanding is that these meds work together to control chest pain and promote restful sleep and help with anxiety.

My recent endoscopy revealed hypertensive LES and stomach inflammation, as well.

So, I really feel for you being so young and having this awful condition. (I am 68).

If you haven't already, get in to see a gastroenterologist, as 'Jackhammer Esophagus' is a condition that is NOT common, but IS frequently misdiagnosed as GERD. I always wondered why acid controllers never worked for me. Acid controllers won't fix Jackhammer Esophagus.

I did, however, have GERD that the Esophageal pH test revealed.

Just make sure you are being properly diagnosed and can be treated accordingly. It took 7 long, painful years for me to get a complete diagnosis.

I wish you the best.

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