Amitriptyline - side effects

[SwedishCoffee]

Hello! I have been on amitriptyline for a month for nerve pain due to endometriosis. I’ve noticed some side effects and wondered if others have experienced anything like it? Also, did it subside after a while, or stay the whole time taking the medication?

I have loads of spots / acne (whereas I usually had maybe one/month now it’s constant and red and sometimes itchy), I will be suddenly very hot and sweaty, or I’m freezing, I am very tired (which I know is common), and generally quite low.

Thank you in advance for your advice!!

[Vee2508]

Hi there, I’m on Amitriptyline too, but for migraines, and I had the same side effects in the beginning as well, I was always cold and shivery but they subsided after about a month, along with the low moods too. Unfortunately Amitriptyline is one of those medications that has a plethora of side effects, if they don’t get better after a month of use, I’d recommend contacting your surgery to inform them of the side effects. Or if you find it difficult to get through to them, you can get your pharmacy to email them or call them on your behalf to get them to contact you. I hope it helps ❤️

[SwedishCoffee in reply to Vee2508]

Thank you for you advice! It’s comforting to know that you’re not alone. I’m so pleased the side effects subsided for you, and all the best on your pain management journey xx

[JOSANDY40]

Unfortunately yes. I found I had all the same problems . It had no effect on my Endometriosis symptoms and the low feeling was rotten. I stopped taking it on the second mth and started to feel alot better! I was told it was allergic response.

[SwedishCoffee in reply to JOSANDY40]

Thank you for sharing! Can I ask how long it tool to feel better/for the symptoms to go away once you stopped?

[Escapologygirl in reply to JOSANDY40]

I was the same, no effect on my endometriosis at all and the rotten mood was awful, only thing it did was make me sleep

[RosieFalkor]

I had similar effects, plus I read it increases the chances of dementia in old age so I stopped taking it.

[SwedishCoffee in reply to RosieFalkor]

It’s so difficult, isn’t it. Thank you for your response!

[Kaita16]

ask them to switch you onto noritryptyline - it does the same thing but has less side effects

[SwedishCoffee in reply to Kaita16]

Thank you - my doctor mentioned it was an option but that there’s no difference between them other than the name. Will investigate!

[KittyTherapy]

Hi, I've been on amitriptyline for about 10 yrs for vulvodynia which is related to endometriosis. I honestly have a hard time remembering the initial side effects but nowadays the only side effects are drowsiness (which isn't a problem, I just take at night), dry mouth and it can make me constipated but I find the side effects manageable and a trade off as its the only med to help that nerve pain and the pain was really reducing my quality of life before x

[SwedishCoffee in reply to KittyTherapy]

Thanks so much for sharing! It sounds like it’s helped you, which is fab. I’m still deciding if the side effects outweigh any positives, but so far none! X

[Aino26]

I've been on Amitriptylene for about 3 years now and it only makes me drowsy. If I don't take it, I struggle with sleep. I'm on it for nerve pain due to endo and take 2-3 every night at the same time. Are you taking it consistently at the same time? I don't recall any other side effects but I know its not for everyone.

[PinkButterfly25]

Hiya,

I've been taking Amitriptyline for the past 5 months, and I didn't experience the same side effects as you; however, I do experience occasional constipation. I would recommend you to carry on taking it for another month as it does take 6-8 weeks of taking the drug before you can say whether or not it works.

In my case, Amitriptyline is the best solution for the chronic pain I have experienced for the past 3 years.

If you feel tired, I would recommend that you start taking vitamin D. Type in the following into Amazon: Vitamin D 4000 IU - 500 Micro Tablets-Nutravita

Good luck