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Amitriptyline - How long does it take to work?

Posted , 6 users are following.

taylor1997
taylor1997

I’ve been on amitriptyline for 5 weeks on 20mg for pressure/tension headaches but still suffering. How long should they take to work? Should I switch to propranolol instead? 

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • emma42203
    emma42203 taylor1997

    Posted

    It should take effect within a few days, propranolol slows down the heart so it may work better for if your headaches are to do with blood pressure, have you tried a more physical treatment like, accupressure? Ill look more into it if you like
    • taylor1997
      taylor1997 emma42203

      Posted

      Have you had any more experience with amitriptyline? They are meant to work for pressure headaches so unsure on why they are not working yet. I was on propranolol before for migraine headaches which seemed to work but unsure whether they will work for a more tension type feeling
  • postaldogg
    postaldogg taylor1997

    Posted

    I would give it a little more time. My neurologist also has me taking 400mg of magnesium and 200mg B2 every day.I might get 1 headache a week but the severity seems to have lessened
  • thomas44921
    thomas44921 taylor1997

    Posted

    Hello,

    I tried 25mg of amitriptyline for awhile (6 weeks maybe) as a migraine preventative and to help with tension headaches + anxiety.

    Honestly, they made the problems worse for me. That on top of the tiredness and and zombie like feeling, migraines were a lot worse and more frequent. When a migraine struck, it crippled me whereas beforehand, I could kinda get through the day with mid-level migraines.

    I have been moved to 80mg propranolol and I have to say, so far a lot better. Almost relief the next day, maybe 60% less severe.

    My migraines are definitely blood pressure related due to anxiety.

    I have been switched to Sertraline to go with the propranolol but not yet started.

    • taylor1997
      taylor1997 thomas44921

      Posted

      I’ve gone onto propranolol now just waiting to see if they work.
  • amanda59745
    amanda59745 taylor1997

    Posted

    You should have had some results by now, if your going to switch seek advice you may need to reduce the ami slowly to avoid the withdrawal type symptoms x
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