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Amitriptyline- when should I take it?

Posted , 6 users are following.

scryfox
scryfox

Today I went to the Doctors and they finally took me seriously about how I've been feeling for the last 8 months, and my doctor prescribed me amitriptyline to help me sleep better. I often work until 1030pm and get home around 11pm, and I drive to and from work, so I was wondering when it's best to take my prescribed dose as I don't want to be drowsier at work but I want to take it at a consistent time.

2 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • keely40239
    keely40239 scryfox

    Posted

    They usually say the effects last 12 hours and to take a couple of hours before you want to go to sleep
  • littleme1969
    littleme1969 scryfox

    Posted

    take an hour before bed.. that way it will help with sleep also.  Dont take during the day as it can cause drowseyness..  Expect sleep issues for a few weeks until it gets into your system, but after that its great.. really helps. But watch what you eat.. makes you hungry and you will put weight on if you're not careful.  Thats the only side effect i have ever had with it once you get over the initial 2 week settling in period.
    • scryfox
      scryfox littleme1969

      Posted

      Thank you cheesygrin^ I will ensure that I have fruity snacks at work to try stop myself buying snacky food (I work in a supermarket) after work.
  • georgeGG
    georgeGG scryfox

    Posted

    This is the CFS group. Your doctors seems to think you are depressed? Is that correct?
    • littleme1969
      littleme1969 georgeGG

      Posted

      Amitriptyline is used to treat nerve pain, sleep problems and generally with CFS they use it in small doses ... itw was orogonally used to treat depression but has been replaced with the newer drugs now. 
    • scryfox
      scryfox georgeGG

      Posted

      They don't think I'm depressed and amitriptyline is no longer used to treat depression. My doctor is going to talk to me in a couple of weeks about referring me to our local ME clinic. 
    • bronwyn97278
      bronwyn97278 georgeGG

      Posted

      No, this drug is not for depression only,  but works very well for pain...I actually take same for Fibromyalgia pain....it is The Only drug that takes away the "burning" pain that I get in my muscles....Bron
    • georgeGG
      georgeGG bronwyn97278

      Posted

      Yes, I too have had it for pain. It is a much lower dose than for depression. Years ago I had a very high dose of it in an attempt to counteract multiple side effects from four pills three of which were meant to counteract the ill effects of the first. The Amitripteline was ineffective in that application.

      My point is that doctors too frequently treat CFS and ME as depression. Some do not admit their purpose. This needs to be kept in mind.

    • georgeGG
      georgeGG scryfox

      Posted

      I am glad of that development, not that I would wish ME on anyone. However, if it is ME it is very important to have diagnosis. Recovery is possible. There is no magic pill. With great care, perseverance and fortitude recovery from ME is possible.
  • lynne69494
    lynne69494 scryfox

    Posted

    l was prescribed it when diagnosed with intersticial cystitus, as are most with same problem, its a known nerve end calmer, and when used as anti depressant was also found to reduce frequency, which was a help to women with ic who can need to go regular and that irritating inflammation. But with ic you only need a small dose to help, re l0m, for depression it can by 50plus, and 10 still helps you  sleeping better. 
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