Hi I started amitriptyline last night and it says no alcohol but I want to have some wine this afternoon whilst having a meal

[newbie68]

Will this be a no go? Thanks Tina x

[rosewine]

Hi Tina

I haven't taken that particular drug myself but I would err on the side of caution until you know how the drug affects you as it could increase any side effects. I am on Pregablin and it said that it could increase the side effects and like you I like a glass of wine with my dinner. My doctor at the time who admitted liking a tipple himself and felt a glass of wine was good for you said to wait to see how it affected me and to let my body get used to it and then try having half a glass with a meal and seeing what happens and to let the body have 2 alcohol free days a week. I did this and can now have a glass without any added side effects. In fact I am just about to have a glass of champagne to celebrate my anniversary, that is if my husband can get the cork out!

[ladytelita]

I'm on it's sister drug, Nortriptyline and haven't had any trouble with alcohol. Sadly I do find the Tramadol I take reacts with alcohol so I had to choose between pain killers and drinking......no contest. Haven't had a drink since my birthday, and even that was a half a glass of white.

As you've only just started the medication I would err on the side of caution and forego the alcohol until it's settled in your system.

P.

[newbie68]

Thank you both I had a small glass and now wonder if I should take the med tonight or not x

[TheAuthor]

Hi newbie68

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I really hope that you enjoyed your tipple of wine? I do not drink alcohol at all so I cannot really comment. However, amitriptyline is a inhibitor medication, therefore it does not work after taking the drug but it has to build up in the system and takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to have any effect in most people.

I have pasted you the NHS Choices overview relating to this medication, so I hope that you find this really useful:

nhs.uk/medicine-guides/page...

So sadly, if you start and stop taking it on a regular basis it will not perform its specified duties on inhibiting pain in the body. Also, I would just like to add that if you find (after taking it for a few weeks) that the sedative effect is overwhelming on your system, it's sister drug (Nortryptaline) is sedative free. It is something worth knowing in case you want to discuss alternatives with your GP?

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

[newbie68 in reply to TheAuthor]

Hi and thank you thats been most helpful im still a young 45 year old lady and want to live my life without being held back by this .I'm determined to be able to enjoy the things in life like a glass of wine with a meal as I'm sure my doctor does too lol I'll go back to him and ask what my options are. Thank you again and have a lovely day Tina

[Mdaisy]

Hello Newbie68,

Sorry but I must mention that I feel that we are unable to personally provide any advice in relation to taking medication, as per disclaimer content of this site does not replace the relationship between you and Doctors or other Healthcare Professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Please consult your GP, your pharmacist, see NHS information & medication leaflet and/or ring 111.

Apologies, however I'm sure you'll understand & appreciate that we are not in a position to help on this occasion.

Best Wishes

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[Cheesedoff]

I've had several attemps at taking amitriptyline, it just did not suit me al all,,,,,,,,,,had to get up through the night for a drink as it dehydrated me completly,,,,,then woke up with a hangover !,,,,,,,Only found this board yesterday so hoping I will be able to find something to help my Fibro,,,,,,,,,

I've noted the mention of Nortryptaline,,,,,,,,,I will mention it to my GP, but I do really need something to help me sleep,,,,,,,,,,,,so I have some milk and bannana an hour before I go to bed and it does help !

As for Tramadol ,,,,,,,,I can honestly say it is the worst drug I have ever taken,,,,,,,,,thought my head was going to blow off my shoulder's as the pain was so bad and the feeling through-out my body was frightening plus I also lost a few hours as it knocked me out, but not in a nice way !

I never mix any medication with alcohol !

My Fibro is very bad atm,,,,,,,,,hence me searching Dr.Google for some help !.

No advice intended of course,

[rowantree]

I think you'll find amitriptyline gets better as you get used to it. I took 10mg for a month, then was increased each week. GP said to keep going up to 70mg, but obviously pause at a set dose if it starts helping. Each increase made me feel hungover in the mornings for 3 days but then improved.

[Hidden]

I agree with rowantree. You start with a small dose and work with your GP until you reach a dose that works for you. You will feel hungover with any Trycillic Antidepressant in the beginning, the secret is in perseverance to find the right dose for you, and working with your GP. and taking their advice.

Thank you Mdaisy for your post about giving advice about meds. We are not Drs. or Pharmacists, Therefore we are not qualified to give advice. There might be a very good reason as to why we are on one drug and not another. Opinions are one thing, but advice is another and I don't think it is the place of this forum to advise that if one drug doesn't work to go back and ask your GP to change it for another.

Sorry for the rant. I do find this forum is great, but we have to take care in what we post as "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing"

[mimiwen]

I'm on Nortriptyline, but only a very low dose. I get migraine and I find having a glass of wine with it seems more likely to trigger a migraine. I would be careful and see how it affects you.

I think the key is severe moderation - if you really want a glass of wine then have one, but make sure it is only one.

I'm on other drugs so if I do, I use a small wine glass and add a couple of ice cubes to it. Gives me the psychological feeling of having more wine than I really am.

I suppose my gut feeling is that life is so miserable when we're living in chronic pain, I don't think it hurts to have a little bit of anything you really enjoy! xx

[Sarah-Jane]

Hi I am on Amitriptyline, Lyrica and Tegretol. All help me with my FM although I am thinking the weight gain is getting seriously too much! [Lyrica to blame I think]. Anyway I have a low tolerance towards alcohol and have always become giggly too soon. A cheap date my boyfriend [30yrs hubby] used to call me. Regarding your question, I have found that the meds have made me dislike the taste of wine more and I also found the side effects not very nice. As the labelling states to avoid alcohol, why not try an alcohol free wine? You could have fun testing them to see which you like the most! Just pretend you are the designated driver and enjoy the company!

[justmai]

Having one glass of wine is not going to do any harm, I was on amytripterlene for years and drank on it, it all the time and didn't do me any harm, might have made me sleep a bit deeper but that's not a bad thing, but keep it in moderation one glass is ok, three or four and you will be very sedated.

[Itsmedealwithit]

Wow! My Dr started me on 25mg and increased by another 25mg every 3 days. I felt the "hangover" feeling just the first day each dose but am now set on 100mg and feel none of that. I rarely have a drink but when I do I just make sure that I drink very little and then give myself 3 hours before taking my medication. Even if that means setting an alarm to wake me up. I have never had any problems with doing that, however as previous people mentioned, you should always err on the side of caution. If you think there may still be any alcohol in your system, set an alarm for a little later and take your meds when you feel confident. Skipping a dose completely is a bad idea, but there are lots of tools out there that can tell you your BAC so use them and you should be fine!

[Arniesmate]

I find it quite unwelcoming when there are comments that are so stiff that you just don't want to read or even ask a question. Yes you should liaise with your GP, but when someone just asks a question, they aren't necessarily looking for advice, maybe they are looking for experiences from others. So people on these forums are just so stiff, how about you don't add starch next time you want to reply to a comment or question. Also some people just want some reassurance about some medications and yes they all affect people in different ways, but there may be a similarity. So here's a prescription, take a lifetime of chill pills!!!!!