amitriptyline dosage: Hi I’ve just been... - Endometriosis UK

Endometriosis UK

70,671 members52,134 posts

amitriptyline dosage

Claire_Alexandra profile image
6 Replies

Hi

I’ve just been prescribed amitriptyline 10mg to take nightly and GP said to take the week before and of ovulation when I get my worst symptoms however the pharmacist was concerned I’m also on venlafaxine and also said it only works if taking daily.

Does anyone have experience with it and if so do you take daily? And are you also on antidepressants and was this fine?

Thank you

Written by
Claire_Alexandra profile image
Claire_Alexandra
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
6 Replies
MagicTea profile image
MagicTea

I’ve been given this yesterday too, I was under the impression it only works if taken daily and can take a couple of weeks to kick in but my GP said the same, in regards to I don’t have to take it every day! I’m going to see if I can get an appointment with a different GP as that one wasn’t great and hasn’t been great in the past. Also, 10mg is low dose and I think the dose is a lot higher when used as an antidepressant. My sister takes the same does for shoulder pain and she takes it daily (at night a couple of hours before bed, as it can make you sleepy).

jostafford0 profile image
jostafford0

Hello - I've been on Amitriptyline for 18 years 10mg at night. I haven't heard of it being taken for Endometriosis though. I'm on it for neck and shoulder pain plus it helps me sleep (I also have thyroid issues). I can't see that dose working for Endometriosis pain (it doesn't do anything for my Endometriosis pain) but I hope it does for you. For my PMT/PMS symptoms I have started taking Agnus Castus and it has made a huge difference. It's worth exploring if you haven't already done so. For the pain I take Mefenamic Acid - it's ok but I usually have to double up as the pain is so bad. I also take ibuprofen & paracetamol combo or Co-codamol and that seems to be just as effective. Best of luck - Jo xx

Cailleach profile image
Cailleach

Hi,

I have had amitryptyline for endo pain, it works for nerve pain. I was prescribed it daily, but I had pain all the time, so I can’t comment on only taking it for part of the month. It did help the pain but left me sleepy in the morning, I took it in the evening. This is a common side effect I think.

I was on another antidepressant (fluoxetine) at the same time. The dose of 10mgamitryptyline is much smaller than you would get for depression though. I didn’t take it for long as the sleepiness was too much when the pain was not completely controlled and I moved on to something else.

I think check back with your GP re what the pharmacist said though, hopefully they can reassure you.

Starfish123 profile image
Starfish123

I took it a number of years ago for sciatica and back pain, my dose was 20mg every 2 days, don’t ask me why, dr said to take it that way. I found I was numb the day after taking and crying on the second day before dose was due. Another dr changed it to daily after a while. I came off it after getting pressure at home regarding taking it. Pain was much better then. Dr wants me now to retake it and remove my cocodamol that’s on prescription even though my pain is intermittent some days bad other days fine.

stacylee78 profile image
stacylee78

I take it for sciatic pain and shoulder, I’m on 30mg daily. My understanding is that you take it daily and gradually build up as it takes a couple of weeks to get in and stay in your system. I wanted to reduce my dose and just take more as and when needed but my dr told me it wouldn’t work that way... Hope you get some good GP advice!

635703 profile image
635703

I’ve taken it for 18 months for trimenigal neuropathic pain (face pain). The Neurologist told me 10mgs-100mgs to block the nerves in my face for pain relief.

According to Gynecologist (Endo specialist) it WILL help with Endo pain. I also take an SSRI Citalopram for anxiety and depression. Because of chronic pelvic pain.

Hope that helps someone. Any questions, happy to share my experiences 💗

You may also like...

Amitriptyline

because of COVID) and said he didn’t want to cause anymore adhesions or scar tissue I’ve had 3...

Experiences of Amitriptyline?

am concerned about the side effects. If you have had a personal experience on Amitriptyline whether...

Amitriptyline - Does it help?

morning. Also, it said it can take about 2 weeks to work. Update - 2 wks later - the amitriptyline...

Amitriptyline - side effects

I have been on amitriptyline for a month for nerve pain due to endometriosis. I’ve noticed some...

Amitriptyline, does it help?

be in the bowel. He wants to prescribe the same but I’m dreading taking them. He says the side...