Can Amitriptyline Cause Intestinal Lymphoma?Suffering From Hypothyrodism.

Posted on Sun, 1 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 1 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : In October I experienced diarrhea and loss of appetite. During this time I lost about 10lvs because I wasn't eating. I was depressed thinking that I had colon cancer. I had 3 cbc, 3 metabolic panels, chest xray, abdominal xray, colonoscopy, stool culture, o&p, h. Pylori - all tests were negative/normal. Doctor put me on amitriptyline 10mg as a start for anxiety/depression (he tried Paxil and celexa but I didn't like the way they made me feel). I've been on amitriptyline 10mg for almost a month. Stools are back to normal and appetite is back. I've gained back about 3lbs. I've recently noticed that I've been having some very mild back pain. So I googled it and now I'm super concerned about the amitriptyline possibly masking the symptoms of intestinal lymphoma! What's the likelihood? I'm 26year old female, only medical problem is hypothyroidism (controlled with levothyroxine).

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: More information needed. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for posting your query. I am Dr.Ratnakar Kini and I am pleased to assist you. I would like to know what symptom you have makes you think yo have small bowel lymphoma. Was a CT scan of the abdomen done? Kindly get back to me with these information and I would give my opinion. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 minutes later)

No, haven't had a CT scan done. I googled my symptoms and came up with diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and lower back pain are signs of lymphoma. I havent had any fevers or night sweats.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (14 hours later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight and lower back pain are not specific diagnostic features of small intestinal lymphoma. They are nonspecific symptoms and can occur in different conditions. Since your appetite has become normal now, you have gained weight and you no longer have diarrhea, it is unlikely that you have small intestinal lymphoma. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (2 hours later)

I know that amitriptyline can constipate you and increase your appetite. Also the past few days ive been experiencing indigestion with very very mild nausea. I dont know if its from dehydration or a little anxiety/depression acting up, but im really getting worried.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (10 hours later)

Brief Answer: Detailed answer given below Detailed Answer: Hi, Anxiety can cause nausea. Deep breathing and meditation would help to relieve anxiety and in turn nausea. If it still persists you can take zofran which usually relieves symptoms like nausea and vomiting. If you are still worried that you might be having small intestinal lymphoma, you can get a CT scan or an enteroscopy done to look for it. But I can tell you it very unlikely as small bowel malignancies are very rare and the symptoms you have mentioned are not specific. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr.Ratnakar Kini

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (11 minutes later)

Thank you for your help doc - just your reassurance that it's very rare make me feel better!

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Welcome Detailed Answer: .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar