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Amitriptyline start up side effects?

Posted , 7 users are following.

alison81137
alison81137

I have been put on Amitriptyline, starting off really low at only 5 mg as I have severe anxiety and depression. I am now on 20 mg. Have been on that dose for 6 days. I know I need to be on a higher dose for it to have an impact on the depression and hopefully will get there slowly.

I have definitely had the grogginess qnd tiredness the following day and try to take it early evening. However I think im also experiencing heightened anxiety....it almost feels like nervousness in my tummy and feel a bit restless and agitated first thing in the morning . Am I right in saying that people who are being treated for anxiety disorders experience it getting worse at the beginning of treatment???

I hope somebody has had some good experiences with amitriptyline and can reassure me its going to get better.

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • zaphod
    zaphod

    Posted

    I have just been put on Amitriptalyne for OA!, this is after some research, and me refusung to go anywhere near Gabapentin or Pregabalin (mainly due to the dangerous and harmful outcomes of taking SSRI`s on me (Seroxat/Paroxatine which seem to have very similar side effects)), the Dr Threw me a curve ball when he suggested Amitriptalyne as an add on to my regular pain meds (mostly Morphine), I hadn`t looked into them, and always thought that they were an anti-depressent, that I last tried for that about 20yrs ago (they were totally inneffective as an anti-depressent in my case). After reading the patient info on the slip of paper in the box, I`m more worried about taking these than either Gaba or Pregab, it starts off with a warning about Suicidal thoughts, and the BNF, has a warning that one is more likely to be successful at harming yourself when one is suicidal and taking Amitriptalyne.

    I`m not trying to scare anyone from taking these, I have some mental issues as well as the pain, but although I generally take any medication the Dr throws at me, I`m really concerned about the risks vs the benefits with this drug.

    Has it been effective in treating anyones pain?= hence maybe worthwhile taking.?

    Or am I just being obsessive (I have BPD, so that is a very likely the problem).= not worth the risk?

    All the best to all

    Paddy

  • tracey82876
    tracey82876

    Posted

    I have been on 25mg of amitriptyline (endep) for 7 years now. I was put on it when I had a Tia , and the dr found that I have pionealoma.. Which is a cyst on the pioneal gland in the brain. I was put on endep to help with the migraines that I get . These pills are not just for anxiety or depression but for a range of things. I do get some jerking movements sometimes. Sitting on the lounge and my leg jumps all by itself. Same with muscle spasims . It is not the best thing to happen to you a specially when you are on the damn bus...people look at me a bit wears because it looks like I have ticks... OH WE'LL I AM ME! it is frustrating sometimes but the side effects are actually better than being sick and having headaches all the time. Everyday exercise ok!!! LAUGH ATLEAST ONCE A DAY ABOUT SOMETHING . Laughter is a way of healing within. I have a lot of health problems and even I need someone to talk to,, so don't be shy , and talk. Laugh, do something that is just for you.. Keep your chin up and LIVE YOUR LIFE?? DON'T JUST EXIST IN IT... God bless. Hope to hear back from you. Let me know how you are going...
  • TheRoyalGeek
    TheRoyalGeek alison81137

    Posted

    I've been on it for almost a week, I don't really get drowsy with it. I can take it and watch shows after for hours. Though the side effects I think I am having is itchy skin all over and the dehydration. 
  • rstep04
    rstep04 alison81137

    Posted

    I'm on 20mg for the next 2 days then on 30mg for 5 days 40mg for 5 days until my dose is UPTO 70mg I'm just feeling dizzy and feeling sick with stomach pain and general I'll feeling done nothing for anxiety disorder yet but I suppose it's too early to say yet how's it going for you
  • amy75782
    amy75782 alison81137

    Posted

    Hi, I've taken 10mg for 2 nights to treat migraine/headache. I suffer from a numb sensation the right side of my face, arm and leg. Could amitriptyline be making it worse? I also start shivering after I take it just before bed like I'm freezing.
  • t61446
    t61446 alison81137

    Posted

    Hi Alison

    I've just started on Amitriptyline (5 days ago - 10mg each evening). I'm taking it for chronic pain. I do also have a mild anxiety disorder (which I cope with normally without any medication) but I have felt anxiety symptoms since starting the Amitriptyline. I can't really tell if it's either:

    1 - I'm anxious about taking the tablets - quite possible, as I hate 'pills'

    2 - A side effect that will ease as my body gets used to the medication?

    Either way I hope it dies down soon - I hate my anxiety symptoms!!

    I hope things improve for you soon and you've got the proper support to get you through this rough time.

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