I was put on elavil (amitriptyline) for interstitial cystitis but i read that it causes retention. why would i be on this medicine then?

Elavil (amitriptyline) is a common: Treatment tried for ic. At the doses used and at your age, urinary retention would be very unlikely. Try it - it is sometimes very helpful.

Elavil (amitriptyline): Elavil (amitriptyline) at low doses can be helpful in chronic pain conditions like interstitial cystitis. It's true that Elavil (amitriptyline) also has strong anticholinergic properties that can lead to urinary retention, constipation, etc. This doesn't usually happen at the low doses used to symptomatically help interstitial cystitis. Please discuss this with your own physician. Best wishes.