Amitriptyline and pregnancy

[Bekah27]

Hi there, my husband and I are wanting to try for a baby in the summer, I currently take 50mg amitriptyline every night which works wonders for my symptoms but is hellish if I don't take it even for one day. I went to my GP who was really unclear on what to do re stopping them or if it's ok to take during pregnancy does anyone out there have any experience of medication and pregnancy. My husband and I are really concerned about how bad pregnancy could be if I stop meds altogether. Any help and advice would be really appreciated! Thanks x

[_lmh_1223]

Hi there, hope u are well, sorry I dont have experience of taking meds during my pregnancy, but was interested in your post so decided to look it up on google, it does state that you could continue your amitriptolene but at a lower dose as your baby when born could demonstrate withdrawal symptoms, you should visit your local family planning clinic for more information on this though, sorry I couldn't be more helpful to you and I sincerely hope you find the answers you are looking for 😁 xx

[TheAuthor]

Please find below excerpt and link to NHS Choices cache on Amitriptyline and it does not recommend them during pregnancy.

Excerpt From NHS Choices

Family planning and pregnancy

Most medicines, in some way, can affect the development of a baby in the womb. The effect on the baby differs between medicines and also depends on the stage of pregnancy that you have reached when you take the medicine.

In the case of Amitriptyline hydrochloride:

the use of this medicine during pregnancy is not recommended. You should only take this medicine during pregnancy if your doctor thinks that you need it if you take this medicine during the late stages of pregnancy, your baby may have withdrawal symptoms from Amitriptyline hydrochloride after birth

This medicine is not suitable during pregnancy. It is very important that you seek urgent medical advice if you become pregnant or think you have become pregnant while taking this medicine.

If you are planning to become pregnant, you should discuss your personal circumstances with your doctor so that together you can make a decision about what treatment you may need during your pregnancy.

Link to NHS Choices - Amitriptyline

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

I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your pregnancy and having your baby.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[bentleyfoxer]

I managed totake it successfully 35 years ago and my daughter was born healthy and has two sonsof her own now.

[Fibrofoggiest]

Hi Bekah,

How lovely for you to be trying for a baby, such excitement and joy 😀😀😀

I think Ken has given very good advice, and also it really is something you need to talk with your GP about, I'm sure they will be very supportive.

Sending lots of positive vibes for you and your hopefully expanding family 😀😀

Foggy x

[Mdaisy]

Hello Bekah27,

Here's my experience of pregnancy if it helps;

I have a 3 year old and have had Fibro for 8 years. I found the first part of pregnancy quite good but unfortunately had quite bad morning sickness (well 24/7 for several weeks) so this made me feel quite bad. I had opted for a potential water birth & my nearest was at another hospital that was not where pregnant ladies would go in our area as a rule. i thought the Gynae was understanding of Fibro but it turned out he wasn't at all! i asked him to keep an eye on my B12 levels as if they drop it seems to make my Fibro symptoms worse. They do not even need to go below the 200 (set level GP's treat) before I feel bad, in fact Dr Choy when at St Guys - London asked my GP Practice to treat at borderline low 240. Long story short he didn't mention to anyone it had dropped & I only realised when I asked for my levels! End of pregnancy was the same as anyones I think - everyone is feeling like it's time, due to weight & feeling you want the baby to come already!

I spoke to my comunity midwife who was FAB & very understanding - she did some enquiries to find the most suitable Gynae Consultant who understood Fibro. This helped immensely. So my top tip would be ask your Midwife advice about Consultant best for you & your situation. Labour was fine, in fact less pain than I've experienced with Fibro to be honest, she did get stuck and needed forceps in the operating theatre but all was OK!

Many people feel better during pregnancy due to the relaxin produced and equally others can feel worse, again it with Fibro it is different from one person to another. I was just about able to not take any medications until after the 30 week period and Amitriptline was the first one given apparently as such an old medication that was suggested by my GP as safest although no drug is completely safe and all carries a risk. In my mind after my baby was fully grown and the stress I was under it was best to take something but this is only my personal opinion & decision at the time. You will be best guided by your Healthcare Professionals as to what they think is best.

Another thing to mention is FMA UK has some information & a Midwife you can contact I believe - might be something to check out.

Wishing you well for your plans to start a family.

Emma

FibroAction Administrator