Tag: Visceral hypersensitivity

While gastritis involves inflammation of the stomach lining, not all upper abdominal pain is caused by it. In fact, low-dose amitriptyline, a medication originally developed as an antidepressant, is often prescribed for chronic, unexplained gastrointestinal pain, raising the question: does amitriptyline help gastritis?. The answer depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Over 90% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gut, highlighting the strong connection between the central and enteric nervous systems. This relationship explains why a gastroenterologist would prescribe Amitriptyline, a medication traditionally known as an antidepressant, to treat functional digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD) at very low doses.

As a sugar alcohol or polyol, mannitol is poorly absorbed by a large portion of the population, which can trigger uncomfortable digestive symptoms even in healthy individuals. When someone asks, "Why am I sensitive to mannitol?" the answer often involves the substance's effect on gut bacteria and water balance in the digestive tract.

Affecting around 1 in 20 people worldwide, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition causing abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. For many, the question is what does amitriptyline do to the gut to provide relief.

Affecting around 1 in 20 people worldwide, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common reason for a specialist visit. So, why did my gastroenterologist prescribe amitriptyline, a medication originally for depression, for a gut issue?