The old-world charm has perhaps faded away entirely, but it is effective for me, where I have a combination of GAD and anxiety-linked IBS. There is something surprisingly effective about how Tryptomer has helped me in controlling diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms. That constant sense of worry about untimely bowel movement and sudden changes in body weight was first controlled via Tryptomer. Initially, when my symptoms were acute, I needed as much as 75 mg Tryptomer daily, divided across 3 equal doses of 25 mg each. It takes a bit of time to build up. Give it a week, and if you have been suffering from IBS associated with anxiety or depression, Tryptomer should give you some remarkable results.
Never take Amitriptyline on an empty stomach! This is one rule I have followed for the longest time. Take it after meals, and be patient with it. Tryptomer will get the job done, but if you suffer from acute panic attacks, this is not the best option. For me, getting hooked on to Tryptomer happened after trying and failing at least 4 other prescription drugs, including Valium, Anti-Dep, Tancodpe, and Fluoxetine. Valium is just a short-term sedative at best. I believe it presents the highest chance of abuse. When you are really choking with anxiety, any medication that can give you quick symptomatic relief also presents a higher probability of causing substance abuse. This is where I have done well to be patient, giving each of the prescription drugs for anxiety control some time before trying the next one.
Tryptomer has a stomach-binding effect. Hard to explain in strictly medical terms, but understand it like this - it tends to tighten up and cement the nerves that connect your gut to your mind. This is as basic a definition as you will find online. As a result, the typical symptoms of IBS-D associated with long-term sufferers, such as acidity, bloating, undigested food, and cramping, are controlled with Tryptomer. Yes, the pitfall of sudden weight gain is there, but it is not the drug alone that is at work. Like most psychotic medications, Tryptomer can make you a bit sleepier, and this is when your daily schedule should help you keep away from gaining too much. For many people, Tryptomer is an outdated medication for those with classical, textbook symptoms of depression or anxiety, but for me, it has really worked!
If you tend to believe medical wisdom borrowed from Google searches, you are likely to find that Tryptomer / Amitriptyline has been used for migraine prevention and for serious sleep issues. The latter scenario might still work in higher dosages. But, to be used as a means of extreme, splitting headache caused by a flare-up at home or office? Tryptomer would not be my recommendation!
- AVAILABILITY: not that easy to find in Delhi NCR. Prescription is a must.
- PRICING: not an expensive medication, given the usual rates of prescription meds for depression and anxiety.
- EASE OF USE: Try to take it after meals. Just might suit some when taken on an empty stomach, but that seems rare.
- SIDE EFFECTS: dry mouth and bloating might happen at the outset.
- SEDATION ISSUES: not that serious.
- ANTI-DEPRESSANT EFFECTS: moderate to good over a period.
- ANXIETY CONTROL EFFECTS: good in low dosages and longer periods.
- IBS CONTROL CAPABILITIES: impressive for IBS-D sufferers.
- INSOMNIA SUPPORT: reasonably good without being extreme.
- CONSTIPATION PROBABILITY: a bit higher than other substitutes.
- KICK-IN PERIOD: at least a week, as a minimum.
- RANGE OF INTERACTIONS: not much, rather limited.
- NEED TO RAISE THE DOSAGE PROGRESSIVELY: not really, unless your symptoms are getting out of control
- WHAT IS TRYPTOMER 'BINDING EFFECT'? This term is often used by your consulting neurologist or physician. It refers to the effect that Amitriptyline has on intestinal motility. It reduces excessive intestinal movement. Hence, it is effective against diarrhea-first type of IBS caused by anxiety. This is also what leads to a mild constipation effect at times.
Common Indian Brands for Amitriptyline
- Tryptomer (Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd.) - Very common, available in 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg.
- Eliwel (Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.) - Available in 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg.
- Amitone (Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.) - Widely used in 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, and 75mg.
- Shine (Shine Pharmaceuticals Ltd.)
- Sarotena (Lundbeck India Pvt Ltd.)
- Triplent (Talent India)
- Amitryn (K.C. Laboratories) Not that common.
- TripTAZ (Linux Laboratories) Not that common.
- Tadamit (Alkem Laboratories Ltd.)
- Relidep (Reliance Formulation Pvt Ltd.) Not that common.
- Amitrip (Generic) Not that common.
- DavaIndia Amitriptyline - Never found it.
