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Amitriptyline and other tablets to help aid sleep

Posted , 9 users are following.

carla21795
carla21795

Just over the last few weeks I have seen plenty of articles and news feeds about the over use of Anti-depressants. I was put on 75mg of amitripyline around a year ago, not because i was depressed but for not being able to sleep because of pain and hot flushes. I also suffer alot with migraines and was told this would help with these.

Anyway I'm no worried about lasting side effects from taking such a high dose for a long time, i have spoke to my GP and as Ive had clomazepan and a few others he feels that this tablet would be the best one for me.

I have a stomach ulcer so cant take any NSAID.

Was just wondering if anyone could suggest any meds they make take at night for helping to sleep and for pain. 

Thank you

1 like, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Libby42
    Libby42 carla21795

    Posted

    Carla, I am amazed  that you were put onto such a high dose straight away. I have Fibro and ME and like you was having trouble with sleep..at least with 'staying asleep", I was put onto 10mg initially and advised to increase to 20 as required. 3 years later...I am still on 10, sleeping well and the feelings of depression have well and truly gone.  I know we are all different but 75mg seems un- necessarily high.  Has it been suggested you cut down at all?

    • caitlin39841
      caitlin39841 Libby42

      Posted

      Hi Libby

      I'm on 40 mgs of Nortriptyline ( a newer verson of amytriptline) for Fibro.  and other nerve related pain. it helps the pain but doesn't touch my insomnia i.e. Circadian Rhythm Disruption. i think it's a bit of a 'hit & miss' treatment - works for some but not for others.

      C

    • carla21795
      carla21795 Libby42

      Posted

      I started on 10mg with no effect, then raised to 20mg, then 50mg the only dose that seemed to get a result was the 75mg. I have had Gabapentin and tramadol and Neurontin in the pass with no result from these. 
  • elaine62759
    elaine62759 carla21795

    Posted

    As a natural alternative you could possible try cherry juice or a bath with magnesium flakes. I'm having problems sleeping too at the moment - pain/hot flushes and have been looking into things to try. I'm not great on meds from the docs. I've read they are both meant to help sleep so am planning on giving them a try.

  • KPD
    KPD carla21795

    Posted

    Doxepin (a trycyclic antideppressant) in low doses helps to promote REM sleep and helps with chronic pain. KPD
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