Amitriptyline and A Fib

[Wanderer80]

Hi there. I’ve had AF for years but had an ablation in 2014 and manage without meds at the moment, although I’ve been told I’ll likely need another ablation in the next few years. I’ve just been prescribed amitriptyline for nerve related pain but the leaflet has made me seriously question if I should take it due to quite common effects relating to heart rhythm. Has anyone here any experience of taking amitriptyline?

[bmand]

My GI doctor put me on amitriptyline when my EP found out I was on it he told me to stop immediately, which I did.

[Hidden]

G'day Wanderer,I was prescribed it for nerve pain arising from osteoarthritis pain in left shoulder AC joint. The idea being to help me sleep at night by overcoming pain caused by putting pressure on AC joint when sleeping. I have since abandoned the drug after taking only 5 out of the 28 in the packet.

The reason for abandoning it was because it caused diarrhoea. It also mentions this on the bit of paper in the packet.

It was when I experienced this diarrhoea that I read the paper in the packet ...... and damn nearly had a fit when I read it. Amongst many things it said to tell your GP about was if you are on ............... long list ........ then Warfarin ! I am on Warfarin. Then I thought , well she knew I was on Warfarin why prescribe it in the first place. Dumb or Dumber !!

Didn't take me long to tell her I don't want it any more, I'll just stay with CoCodomol 30/500 for pain relief.

John

[jedimasterlincoln]

I've been on it when I've had knee issues and sleep problems, only 10mg but being able to increase to 20. I have to say I've only ever really needed 10mg to knock me out within about 2 hours of taking it.

In terms of the AF it's supposed to increase the QT interval which can lead to AF, but I remember being on it when my AF first started in 2013 - nothing was mentioned about it being a potential trigger.... though when I think back to my diagnosis then not a lot was and it was a lot of research on my part.

Amytryptaline has been mentioned on here before and people have often taken the low dose without ill effect and found the respite it gives outweighs the risk factors in their case, but you should check with the GP if there are concerns.

[BigDunc]

Hi WandererI was prescribed amitriptyline by a Neurologist for nerve pain due prolapsed discs in my neck this was a few years ago when my AF was under control and as soon as I took it I experienced a run of AF. Had another go the night after same happened again so discontinued.

A different Neurologist advised that I shouldn’t have been prescribed amitriptyline and put me Pregabalin I’ve had no Arrhythmia problems related to this drug

Hope this helps

[sotolol]

Hi Wanderer80

I’ve been on amitriptyline since the dinosaur era Triassic I think.

I take for back pain.

I would not survive without it.

But we are all different.

You have to do what your body tells you.

I wish you luck in your decision.

[Kaz747]

What dosage have you been prescribed? I was put on 10mg at night a for postherpetic neuralgia after Shingles and then when I saw the sleep specialist he recommended staying on it as it helps with sleeping. My EP is fine with it.

[marcyh]

I've been on it for sleep but my cardiologist doesn't want me using it. By the time I was diagnosed I had tapered off and I'll avoid it if at all possible.

[3killeens]

Was prescribed it last week for nerve pain and sleep, my AF under control successful ablation, so no problems so far on low dose so going to stick with it and hopefully no bad side affects, good luck ☘️