Amitriptyline side effects

[SallyB8]

Hi I have a tremor in both hands, indigestionheart burn and pins and needles since taking this has anyone else felt similar side effects?

[Scottish-piglet]

I suffer those symptoms all the time even when I stopped taking the Amitriptyline and put it down to just another Fibro symptom xx

[TheAuthor]

I am so genuinely sorry to read that you are experiencing such horrid side effects since taking Amitriptyline, and I sincerely hope that they do not last. I have pasted below the side effects listings from WebMD and what you have listed is mostly there.

AMITRIPTYLINE SIDE EFFECTS

Sleepiness

Dryness of the mouth

Blurred sight

Constipation

Difficulty in passing water (urine)

Excessive sweating

Feeling sick (nausea)

Headache

Increased appetite and weight gain (sometimes weight loss)

Feeling faint or dizzy when standing up

Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

Feeling confused or unable to concentrate

Hearing or seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)

Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

Nightmares.

If any of these persist or you consider them severe then inform your doctor.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: feeling more depressed and/or thinking about suicide; effects on the blood (as may be indicated by fever or chills, sore throat, ulcers in the throat or mouth, unusually severe tiredness or weakness, unusual bleeding or bruising); sensitivity to the sun or to sun lamps/sun beds (skin itchiness, redness, bumps and/or rashes after a brief exposure).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

I would discuss the side effects that you are experiencing with your GP as there are other medications that they could give you that may not give you the same side effects? I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[SallyB8 in reply to TheAuthor]

thanks

[Molly_1919]

I have the hand problems but had them prior to amitryptaline. It may be that your dose needs altering or if you have only just begun with them then your body may need a week or so to adjust. Otherwise your GP might try a different medication such as gabapentin. It's all a bit of trial and error. As for the heartburn try not to eat late - the amitryptaline might be causing the diaphragm to relax and let stomach acid travel up into the oesophagus?? Hope it settles.

[Scouser58]

New to you medications can cause problems,,,but I would go back to the gp and see if there could be an adjustment,,or a change of tablet,,,,,before have another medication is used for the indigestion and heartburn,,,, when I took amitriptyline for depression it made very slow and sleepy,,,I changed it to another which worked better for me,,,,still got the depression though...,, these are unpleasant side effects,,,,,Karen.

[Hidden]

I have been put on amitriptyline for depression that has not responded to other meds (since having guillain barre syndrome almost 10 years ago and being DX'ed with fibro almost 8 years ago. I am med sensitive now and most things work backwards with me...a paradoxical reaction). Amitriptyline is used for pain relief in fibro patients as I am sure you know. I've been on it about 3-4 months now, a small dose of 50mg once a day, and I have noticed an increase in the pins and needles in my legs and feet. It also does not take much to make my hands 'fall asleep'. Pain has not really decreased, but my depression is somewhat better. I also have a harder time finding my words. I miss the days of $10 words that just rolled off my tongue.

The ringing in my ears is also much worse and can be maddening! it has affected my overall hearing and now family members are making comments about my 'age' and needing hearing aids. I am only 45. Blurred vision has gotten worse...as if it wasn't bad enough. Night time twitching has increased (something I have had since the GBS attack in 06. But it had gotten somewhat better, only acting up if I had over done things or was really tired or stressed). Dreams. wow! Intense and so real I wake up confused and disoriented a lot now. Oh yea!! How could i forget the auditory hallucinations?! Those are usually only at night and are real enough to wake me up. Horns honking, doorbells ringing, phones ringing, knocking, a cat meowing, a baby crying...pretty weird stuff. Yes, heart burn is more often than it has been before, but then again I also have this odd thing where whatever I drink seems to sit just above my stomach and moves up to the back of my throat if that makes any sense. It is almost as if the problems i have had swallowing BEFORE the med have become worse. If I take the tizanadine, that makes things even more intense so I won't eat because I have choked or had food stuck half way down. I haven't brought any of this up with my doc because not feeling suicidal has been a relief, and every other medication I have tried has made suicidal thoughts intense.

Read up on amitriptyline and dig deep past the first page of results to find info not always talked about or warned about.

For those who take Flexeril (or the generic) talk to your docs about the warning about kidney problems with long term use. I was switched to tizanadine 2mg and can take 2 up to 3 times a day as needed. I am only able to take 1 mg because it causes swallowing problems and breathing problems while sleeping at higher doses. This med does come with some serious warning though that it can affect your heart. I swear Rx's are some scary things.

Has anyone tried a magnesium citrate supplement for pain? I did and got some relief.

Look up anti inflammatory diet and supplements. Ceylon cinnamon, fermented turmeric, omega 3, probiotics...these are things that have helped take the edge off of my pain and discomfort. Not 100% but enough for me to notice a difference. Of course always talk to your docs about anything you would like to try and research a lot. They say fibro is not an inflammatory disease, but they prescribe us things that are for anti inflammatory problems. I have a 17 year old who was DX'ed with ulcerative colitis (runs on his dad's side of the family and his dad had it too), we have been trying like crazy to treat it with natural means. Healthy foods (all anti inflammatory without much of an increase in immune system increase because that is what is causing the disease) and doctor approved supplements have become our new lifestyle. It has helped me too and if I dare eat something fast food related my system lets me know I messed up. Anyhow, just thoughts to consider if you are interested.

Sorry this is long and a bit off topic. Just have been going through a lot lately and wanted to pass along things that I have learned and come across and am currently trying. Again, talk to your docs.

[Hidden]

It didn't agree with me at all, came out with bad cold sores felt sick and kept feeling like I was falling forward , and after reading what Ken has put, I am glad I am not taking it. Might be best to chat with your Doc.

[22Ponies]

My GP actually called Amitriptyline a "dirty drug" I took 20mg at night for over 5 years. Weaned myself off Amitriptyline last Summer, not easy, lots of strange withdrawal symptoms, however it was well worth it! My family say that I am a different person. I was diagnosed with FM 6 years ago by A Professor at Guys hospital. I have now stopped taking all medication accept Co-codamal which I am weaning off currently. Yes I still have pain, tender points, fatigue and brain fog. I am coping by choosing JOY on a daily basis and enjoying life. Sometimes I just need to have a nap during the day. I am eating healthy and have lost 17 lb since coming off Amitriptyline. This has encouraged me as my clothes look so much nicer on me now! Love yourself, be grateful, think about other people who have

Much worse conditions to bear. I took early retirement mainly

Because of FM, but now I work 2 shifts a week doing the job I love, nursing. Try walking, massage, singing and reading. Happy New Year!

[Hidden]

I take gabapentin 4x300mg daily for fibro . Cant take amitriplyne due to another tab im on . I suffer hands shaking too some days worse than others . People i meet say i must have had a lot of alcohol night before but not true im off it 16 months. Ths shakes seem to get very strong after doing something like lifted something heavy or putting body under pressure. Ive had this b4 going on gabapentin . I also at times get a very strong tremor like feeling in upper part of body from shoulders to hips inc.arms and hands . I dont know yet what it is but doc made refferral to neurologist consultant on 22/12 to investigate also reffered to physio. My neck hurts a lot and sometimes turning head i hear crunching . The pain also goes up into back of head . Any reasons or knowledge for this would be greatly appreciated . Have a DLA tribunal now fri 8/12 to get rate raised as condition has worsened . Presently on low rate care of £21/week.fingers crossed come friday i can drill home how my life has sadly changed

[Sorebones in reply to Hidden]

In regard to your neck it sounds like osteoarthritis. I suffer from it, badly. It can feel like someone putting a crowbar in under the base of your skull at the top of the neck and trying to prise your head off. Your neurosurgeon will do further tests to see what is causing your problems. Only he can tell you exactly what is going on. I had an MRI to show the degeneration. It's a painless procedure, if noisy.

Hope you get some answers soon 🐸

[Hidden]

Sorry tribunal is fri 8 jan 2016

[Heliboy911]

Hello I also take it at night 3 tablets of 5mg and I wake up after 3 hours sleep with really bad aches in my arms and legs similar to cramp but a lot worse. I have read on the instruction sheet that comes with the tablets that this is one of the side effects.

For me sooner suffer that than not having any sleep at all because my doctor(old git) has refused to give me any more sleeping tablets as they are in his words "addicted"

[Robbie138 in reply to Heliboy911]

I was put on Quetiapine as they not addictive for sleep

[lizashfield]

Hi. I take Amitriptyline. I do have most of the above but I had them before taking this medicine. It might be worth checking with your doctor.

[MariLiz]

Some of those symptoms could be low B12? Has your level been checked during blood testing? I also have tremor in both hands, pins & needles and heartburn, but my symptoms began long before I was given Amitryptiline as a medication.

I have low B12, underactive thyroid and Fibro. Best wishes MariLiz

[gilford]

After I started on amatryptlin I told my doctor they hurt my stomach but he said "that's not on the side effects list" and looked at me like I was lying! I told my consultant and he gave the same response! I still take the medication but regardless of the doubting looks I get from the doctors I DO get pain when I initially take the tablet but persevere as they help me get a good nights sleep.

[Robbie138 in reply to gilford]

Since I've been taken off amitriptyline I've struggled to sleep I go to see Dr on 8/1/16 to see how I've coped . I can honestly say I feel like climbing the walls with this not sleeping.

[Paulaw22]

Both myself and my husband take this. He gets tremors and I get the heartburn and indigestion. I have been on lansoprazole for many years but not sure if amitriptyllin is the cause of my issues. I also get puns and needles and tingling in my hands and legs but I do have spinal damage so could just be that?

I think it depends on how much you take? My OH takes 100mg all at night and I only take 50mg

[bwaite]

I've been on this med for at

Least 14 years have same symptoms except tremor

Is it possibly aside affect not

sure. All medications effect

everyone differently. I hope

you find the answer. X

[Blueby]

I have been on it for about 6 months now. I take 25mg per night. Any more and I get nightmares and other mental health problems.

It took me about 3 months before I felt normal on it. It has helped me sleep and also has removed pins and needles and burning sensation and occasional suicidal thoughts. I still have painful stiff joints. I stopped taking it for a few days as I ran out and I felt brighter and more like my old self so it must dull personality a bit. But it helps me be able to keep working. I think when they get rid of me from work, I will stop taking it and get my old self back.

[Fibroman]

All medication have some kind of side effects. But I suffered really badly for 8 years because I refused to take Amitriptyline because 10mg just made me tired during the days. After reading on this website that people take a much higher dose I decided to try it again . Currently take 50mg a night and get great sleep. My symptoms have reduced and pain levels as low as they have ever been. Without Amitriptyline I would have very poor sleep and sleep in key to this condition.

[sazzo]

Hi,

Yes I get awful heartburn still after taking Amitriptyline 50mg for the past seven years. Luckily every other symptom disappeared after a few months. I can recommend Nexium Control for the heartburn though, they are little miracle workers in my opinion! Hope this helps xx

[kiwibutterfly]

Just one 10mg one makes me very thirsty. i also get the odd skipped heartbeat when relaxing at night but as these are supposed to help people sleep, I wonder why one symptom is insomnia! What dosage are you on? My dad was on 8 of them, presume 80mg but may be wrong but he came off them as he didn't get on with them

[Beverlyd]

Hi sally . I've been on 50mg of elavil for 2 months with no side effects until about a week ago . I'm having night sweats, heart palpation. Can this be from the elavil.

[belford]

my foster daughter was also on this drug my sister in law is a PO and she said that prisoners are given this to keep them quiet my foster daughter needless to say has come off the stuff as she had the same reaction to it as you have had try looking on the USA site about this drug

[belford]

to add to last comment my foster daughter has also fibromyalgia as do I we have been trying colliodal silver and it is helping quite a lot the only trouble is it doesn't help with the tiredness but it does with all the other things that come with fybro the only thing wrong with colliodal silver is it tends to be expensive and doctors will NOT give it as a treatment one main thing it certainly does it clears the mugginess in the brain and the forgetfulness is definatlly a lot less good part about it as well as the above even though it is expensive it lasts a long time so averages out at about £1.50 a month the costliness is the initial payment usually £30 for 1000ml

[Matrix]

Hi ,I felt shaky sick and disoriented and heartburn but stuck with it .To be honest there are side effects with all the meds we take ,but if they don't go away see your dr it's the safest thing .On the list Ken has put up I can honestly say I have all of them and I just wish they (Drs) would check and not give meds that stop sleep as we have enough probs are .Hope you feel better soon and don't forget to go and see dr if you still have problems

[5631205st]

Just to chime in for a second: I had migraines that were crushing me so many days, I had to seek more pro-active approach. The doctor prescribed Amitriptyline. I was an insomniac since childhood - not only did I get sleep, I had a tremendous improvement in my migraines. But once my honeymoon with "Ami" was over, I realized I gained 20 lbs, began tiny tremors, tremors too behind eyes just at sleep start, and the final deal breaker: restless leg syndrome. I took this drug over six years so it was a long time going through side effects less important than my splitting head (and half of one eye blocked).

[dottyboro]

i have them and use to take amtriptaline but the pins and needles have been put down to carpal tunnel so they are operating see were i go after that still get tremors and terrible neck ache and headaches .and i have spondulothesis and spondulitis.x

[SallyB8 in reply to dottyboro]

thank you for replying