Has anyone tryed Amitriptyline?

Hi Sarah

I have used Amitriptyline for my Fibromyalgia and still currently on the priscription. I don't usually use it anymore. Only when my chronic pain as gone on consistently for over 1 week and unbearable. I have been trying to manage my pain when its not too bad. I'm very active person and need my evening to do a lot.

Amitriptyline kind of shut down my nerves after 2/3 hours of using. I won't be able to function again until i fall asleep.

So what i leanrt to do is to take it around 6pm and use 2 hours to do all i need to do for the eveining and after 8pm, that's it can't even think again, i become relaxed and then will sleep by 9pm and then need 10hours sleep.

I also noticed body becomes use to it after 2 weeks consistent use.

But please note, it does affect people differently depending on dose level too.

But overall i think its better than all other anti-depressants in terms of side effects.

Hi Sarah,  From what I understand it is a really old anti depressant, but if they tweak the dosage, it is usually prescribed for migrains, pain, etc.  Doc had me try for migrains and neck tension (arthritis).  I got impatient and only lasted a week on it...made my headaches worse.  Slept like a baby though!  I’m on a different AD now for anxiety.  Good luck...worth a try if it helps! 😊

 

Well, it's a really, really old drug--as in before the 70's.  There might be better ones out there for you.  It can produce a rather hypnotic effect.  You're "there" but you don't care.  When I took it, I didn't like the fact that I wasn't really aware and felt so detached.  When a patient is over-prescribed they tend to sit and stare, vacantly.

Please be careful of it and of its effects. xx 

Hi Sarah, I've had it, and I found it awful. Made me worse, and although I only took it a few weeks, I'm now photosensitive because of it, and I can't go outside in hot sun. If I have to attend an appointment in hot sunny weather, it's a hat, glasses, full length sleeves and long skirt or leggings and factor 50 sun cream on any bits left showing. I wasn't this way before the drug, but now I'm permanently like it. I would consider it very seriously before you take it. XXX

Hiya sarah

I used it a few months ago to help with sleep and anxiety. I was prescribed 10mg to be taken early evening. I slept really well, but after a week I was a wreck crying, dark thoughts etc much worse than I was. I spoke to the GP and decided not to try another tablet, it's just not for me. So now I take over the counter stuff :kalms, kalms nighttime, rescue remedy and have just started to see a hypnotherapist /psychotherapist and I'm seeing a more positive improvement. I think everyone is different, my sister used to take 50mg each night for fibromialgia and she was absolutely fine xx

Hi ladies, thanks for your replys. I told my doc when first saw him I didn't want to take anti depressants but they keep trying to give you them if your not feeling better. I've been taking hrt for a month and that's not helping either but he has given me 2 more month's supply.

Hi sarah

I wouldn't start taking anything until you're further along with the Hrt, but of course it depends on how bad you feel. I didn't feel better after a month either, it has taken over 3 months to get to a better place. I waited until 3 months (that's how long it takes), then had my levels tested and confirmed as back to pre menopause and then tried amitriptyline to try to resolve the anxiety that was left. While the hormones are sorting themselves out, you won't know what is helping what really xxx

Hi on a positive note I’ve taken Amitriptyline for about 7 years on and off. Initially for migraines but it really helps me sleep and anxiety is gone. for me it has worked wonders and makes menopause much easier.No side effects and I take 10 mg. Anything that works is worth trying good luck x

Remember everyone is different.  I have taken 25mg for years because of anxiety - I am a terrible worrier but I have a diabetic son who left home and I couldn't cope with not seeing he was up in the morning and not seeing if he ate before bed or tested before he drove his car. I just couldn't cope. It was terrible and affected my whole family. I got the amitriptyline 10mg for a start then 20mg then supposed to get it up to 30mg and the 30mg was too much so have stuck with 25mg for years. told in small doses it would help my anxiety by making me feel as if my anxieties were at the back of my mind. The top dose for depression is about 100mg or more but I have never taken more than 25mg I remember it took effect about six weeks after I first started it and suppose it took the edge off the anxiety and of course it helps with sleep too. I suppose it does sort of make you feel as if you have a hangover but that passes. I would not consider stopping it because I wouldn't know how I would be without it. I take the 25mg about 8.30pm every night and don't think I have any bad effects at all. As they say *your body gets used to anything in time*  I think it might depend on the reason why you are taking it. I have never been depressed. If you are taking it for anxiety I think it will help you if you give it time. 

Hi Sarah, i was on it for  a couple of years for nerve pain it helped and i slept great. BUT, it took me 11 months to get off of 10 mg i had awful withdrawal. It is not addictive but, it effects the neurons in your brain and is an anti cholinergic medication and it is this that causes the withdrawal like systems. It drys up all mucus membranes in your body and is linked to dementia. It is an old antidepressant  used more for pain, insomnia, bed wetting and migraines and would try a different one as some have less side effects. x