Amitriptelyne

[Mandy_lw]

I've recently been prescribed amitriptelyne (taken at night time as I'm having a flare up of fibromyalgia symptoms) however I'm unsure as to whether I should be taking it when my flare up settles down. Of course I will question my Gp when I have my next appointment but until then I would like your views please.

[TheAuthor]

Hi again

Amitriptyline for Fibro works as a neural inhibitor and takes a while (up to 3 weeks) to build up in the body til it gets to the point whereby it starts to work fully for you. After this time, it is then supposed to work as a suppressant of your symptoms and help alleviate your pain.

Therefore it is one of these drugs that you are supposed to stay on indefinitely or until your GP / Medical Specialist decide that you should come off. Many users are on this medication for years. As their symptoms could return if they stop taking it. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your new medication.

I have pasted you a link below to the NHS cache on this drug. Please take note of any side effects that you experience and / or whether or not it is working for you and keep your GP updated so they know how you are getting on with it.

nhs.uk/Conditions/Periphera...

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Mandy_lw in reply to TheAuthor]

Thank you so much for your reply, it has helped me to understand the drug.

[ukmsmi4]

Hi

Like Ken says you are supposed to stay on Amitriptyline until your GP says you can come off it. Partly because it's one of those meds you need to wean yourself off. You can't just stop taking it or it will produce side effects. If you are worried you can always ring your GP, surgery or pharmacist and any of them will help with advice.

Personally I didn't get on with it, I couldn't cope with the way it made me felt, but many people swear by it. We all react differently and you will never know if it will work for you until you try.

Good luck

Gentle hugs

Margaret.x

[Mandy_lw in reply to ukmsmi4]

Very kind of you to reply Margaret, thank you for the information.

[wheezybronch]

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant, but in your case it is to try to relax you, which should help with "reffered" pain. Also it may help with your nerve sensitivity and reduce the pain you feel, this would also help you with "distraction" therapy which should lessen the pain , or the feeling of pain for you. Doctors prescribe this short term in a flare up but also long term to help you cope. Personally I would see if it helps you and tell your doctor at the next appointment so he can prescribe it long term for you or not as the case will be.

[Mandy_lw in reply to wheezybronch]

Thanks I will definitely ask my Gp about me using it long term, I will have to add it to my list as my memory isn't great.

[1954jac]

I've been taking this to help with IBS been on it now for over 5 years recently I have been feeling depressed so Dr increased my dose to 20mg per night and on the upside I was having to get up in the night to use the bathroom now I don't have to this drug is used for lots of different complaints I haven't had any side effects hope it works for you xx

[Mandy_lw in reply to 1954jac]

Hello and thanks for replying, I'm pleased amitriptelyne is working for you. I am on 35mg and I think (hope) my flare up is on its way out after three weeks spent mostly in bed.

[Margjean]

Amltripeline is also an antidepressant ,Endep.Like I said my friend takes it.Side effects are dry mouth I believe.

[Mandy_lw in reply to Margjean]

I have a very dry mouth but it seems to be improving, thanks for your comment.

[ailsamary]

Amytyptiline is now used for a number of things completely separate from depression so don't worry that that is why you have been given it. I think the therapeutic dose for fibro is between 30-50mg but you should be started on a small dose and work up to what suits you. Try and take it at least an hour before you go to bed.

It works for me by suppressing the touch sensitive pain that I can get and I am on 35mg.

[Mandy_lw in reply to ailsamary]

Thanks Ailsamary, the information is very useful.

[C_C_]

Hey there, I take amitriptyline for my fibro and depression. I'm currently taking 120 mgs before bed, and dry mouth is definitely a side effect. Biotene is a product group in North America that is used. (Tooth paste, mouth wash, mouth gel) to fight drug induced zerostomia (dry mouth. I am a registered dental hygienist and would reccomended it to all of my clients suffering from this, it wasn't until I started on the amitriptyline that I started to listen to my own advice. With decreased saliva in the mouth you are prone to increased chance of cavities and bacteria levels that can in turn cause other problems. Definitely talk to your GP about all of your concerns. With higher doses you also need to be aware of other meds you take with it. I was taking a combo of the amitriptyline and tramadol for pain until my body started to shut down due to "serotonin syndrome ".apparently there are groups of drug families that should not be combined and if taken over a period of time they can stop/severely increase your body's serotonin dose. In my case it was severe nausea, shakes all over, mild fever, horrible headache and very dizzy. While on amitriptyline make sure you maintain open communication with your Dr. And if anything changes or starts that worries you don't hesitate to call or go to them. Only you will know if something helps or hinders you. Best of luck on your journey. Hope you feel better soon.

C_C_

[Mandy_lw in reply to C_C_]

Thanks for your input, I hope you are well.

[Hidden]

Although I can no longer tolerate Amitriptilyne I do remember my Doctor saying I must not stop until they decide.

[Mandy_lw in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice.