I suffer from Anxiety/Panic attacks

[BadKarma116]

Hi I'm new, and I have terrible anxiety/ with a bit of panic that has started up again, it's hard to eat. I have this tightness in my ears that drives me nuts and the only thing I can think of is my 25 mg amitriptyline isn't working anymore. I asked my doctor to increase it 50 mg since I have had it before and it work wonders, I call it a multipurpose pill, I should have never stopped the 50. I felt good on it, now I'm waiting for it to kick in as it has only been 9 days. I'm also almost finished with the medrol pack, which isn't doing anything to help the tightness in my ears.

[Agora1]

Hi BadKarma116 and Welcome to a helpful support forum. At one time during my overwhelming anxiety, I developed the same

as you regarding "tightness in the ears". Very annoying and painful

feeling. If it is coming from your Anxiety/Panic right now, let me share

a trick that may help release that feeling.

While sitting up in a chair, place your thumbs or your forefinger inside

the top of your ear and gently pull up. Doing this several times as well as

whenever you feel the need will help stretch that tight muscle and release

some of the pain.

It was a little trick taught me by my physical therapist. I hope it brings you

some relief while you are waiting for the medication to take full effect.

I'm happy you are here with us. xx

[BadKarma116 in reply to Agora1]

Thank You! I don't know what is causing this tightness in my ears other than its anxiety.

[Ryanlion]

Try not to worry Amitryptaline is a great drug, it just takes longer to work than the modern drugs. I think these tricylic antidepressants are far better than the modern drugs but they can take 6 weeks before you notice an improvement. Hang in there, your on your way.

[BadKarma116 in reply to Ryanlion]

Thank You! I've been on 25 mg for a really long time, I was just hoping 50 mg would kick fast since I have been on it for so many years. You are right it has been a good drug for me until 25mg stopped working and now need to increase it. Helps a lot of issues.

[designguy]

Decreasing or quitting meds abruptly can cause your body to have some withdrawal symptoms so that could be what is going on for you. If you do this again in the future try tapering very slowly to give your body and mind time to adjust.

It could also be just your anxiety playing tricks with you, it tends to make you blow things out of proportion and be overly hyper-focused on your body sensations so try to relax some and not constantly focus on it and know it will pass.

[BadKarma116]

Thanks, I got my anxiety before I increased the dosage, I never quit any of the meds and I will never stop taking this amitriptyline ever. I will take it till I die 😒

[Jeff1943]

I was on amitryptiline many years ago. I was started on 75mg and it took only 3 weeks to kick in. The Priory Clinic wanted me to take 150mg but I declined and was on a maintenance dose if 50mg for a while. But I found it was no longer effective so decided to come of it but discovered it was very addictive and had to taper down very slowly.

Anxiety disorder in all its forms is caused by a lack of understanding about what causes extreme nervous sensitisation. We actually create for ourself a vicious circle of symptoms causing fear causing more symptoms causing more fear. We are the ones feeding our high anxiety by adding second fear to the flash of first fear. Through understanding and reassurance we can retrain our thinking which leads to recovery.

A self-help book that has helped literally millions to overcome over sensitised nerves was written many years ago and continues to make life worth living again no matter how long or how deeply we have suffered. It is a short easy-to-read book devoid of technical jargon that brings understanding, reassurance and a road plan to recovery.

Reading the book does not bring a cure, that requires the reader to practice what has been learned and takes time.

I refer to the first book of Claire Weekes published in the u.k. as 'Self help for your nerves' and in the u.s. as 'Hope and help for your nerves'. You can pick up a new or pre-owned copy on Amazon or Ebay for the price of a posh sandwich. I commend this book to you.

[BadKarma116 in reply to Jeff1943]

I have been on 25mg of amitriptyline since 2002 except for 3 years on 50 mg than I went back to 25mg and it has worked until lately. I think I will be on 50 mg for the rest of my life, if 25 worked for almost 20 years, I think 50 mg will get me though. 75 mg would be to strong for me I am 67 years old, gotta watch that, don't want to fall.

[jrgallagh]

Do you know about Tinitus?

[Steni]

You are taking a very small dose of amitriptyline , I think a review of your prescription with an experienced GP will help enourmously.