Amitriptyline: Hi All, I was just... - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Amitriptyline

Sharron13 profile image
25 Replies

Hi All,

I was just wondering if anyone had been prescribed Amitriptyline for their fibromyalgia? I had to go to the doctors today as my pain has been really bad and I have been coping with just painkillers. The doctor suggested Amitriptyline but said the side affects can be worse than the illness which at the least was a little disconcerting. So now I am in 2 minds whether or not to take them. I am allergic to a lot of medications so always apprehensive about trying new ones. I must admit it is getting me down not sleeping well having to work and then there's Christmas and to be honest my husband hasn't a clue bless him so its left to me if it was left to him God only knows what people would get..lol Any input from anyone would be great.

Thank you x

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Sharron13
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25 Replies
ErosisSore profile image
ErosisSore

Hi Sharron13, I was put on Amitriptyline 25mg and Naproxen but I found that even though it helped with sleep I was very groggy and out of it for at least 3 days after. I tried it with just ibuprofen and it had the same effect. I'm on the 10mg now but it doesn't help me much with the symptoms. I can not take anything with codine in it and even paracetamol makes me sick. I can't be sleepy all the time as I have 2 children to care for. But saying that Amitriptyline works very well for a lot of people with no side effects, so I think it's a matter of trial and error with all of these meds.

All the best

Jo x

in reply to ErosisSore

I used to be the same as you until I stopped using all prescription drugs and went for natural remedies and mindfulness. Now I'm much much much better than I was.

bluebell99 profile image
bluebell99

Hi

I would say you won't know unless you try. I would take it about seven in the evening, starting at a low dose until you know how it will affect you.

I take it and have found it quite good, nothing gets rid of all pain all of the time so don't expect miracles. It will make you have a more restful sleep which should help you cope next day.

It is true that many of us have different symptoms of fibro and it is true of the medication, what works for one may not necessarily work for another.

If you look over to the right in Related Posts you will see what other members have written.

Hope it helps you to find relief.

BlueMermaid3 profile image
BlueMermaid3

Hi there

I just wanted to quickly answer your post.

Please do try the Amitryptyline. I have been on antidepressants for 30 years and I react badly to them, antibiotics and steriods.

You will be started on a very low dose. It is very important to take it around 6pm to avoid feeling hungover and groggy the next day.

Amitryptyline as a general rule is what most Rheumatologists, when diagnosing Fibromyalgia, prescribe.

It helps with pain, sleep and low mood.

Please do not be put off by other peoples reactions.

The only way you will know is to try it yourself.

Bear in mind that it can take up to 6 weeks to work at its optimum level.

If you'd like to ask me anything please do. I am no expert but I have had a lot of personal experience with different medications including this one.

Fibro is unique to everyone in how it affects them. The same goes for medications. We all react differently.

Try to go in with an open mind. If you feel extremely poorly when you first start them you will obviously need to let your GP now.

In my experience on my 5 years here on the forum this medication has and does help many of our members.

Wishing you much peace

Lu xx

TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi my friend

I am not taking this drug as I am on it's sister drug, Nortriptyline. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck with your new medication.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken x

peck profile image
peck

Hi Sharron13 , I was on it and wish I still was, I slept so well, I was on it for depression. My dr changed me to Celexa which I take in the morning so does not help sleep.Hope it helps! ! Peck.🐤

Hi I have fibromyalgia and was prescribed amitriptyline. You should listen to your doctor. The side effects of that dreadful pill combined with pregabalin made me so bad that I was off work to three months. After stopping taking them and taking only herbal medicine, I have improved dramatically. I still have the illness, but I am able to cope with it. Also, ask your doctor to refer you to a pain management course. The methods they give you to live with the illness really work. Now I'm back at work, and doing the things I enjoy.

Hope you have a great day.

St_Bridie profile image
St_Bridie

It works for some but not all. You need to way the pros and cons. Unfortunately, didn't work for me. Good luck.

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace in reply to St_Bridie

Nor me sad to say.

Trikki profile image
Trikki

All those confusing answers makes you realise just how differently we all react to meds. I will say though that I take Amitriptyline 50 or 75mg about 7pm and I know I sleep so much better with them and have had no nasty side effects.....xx

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace in reply to Trikki

They're great but I was taken off of them when they had to change my BP meds. Now another consultant is keen to be able to get me on them again. It's all very complicated.

angiesmith50 profile image
angiesmith50

Hiya Sharron13 sorry to hear your feeling rough darling. I have been on Amitriptyline for a long time now and it was prescribed for restless legs syndrome. I would get no sleep without it. I take 75mg to 100mg and I take it at 6pm so as not to feel groggy next day. It really is trial and error finding medication which works for you. Take care darling and good luck xx

MariLiz profile image
MariLiz

I take just 10mg at night and it does help me sleep. I was also told by my GP that it will increase the effect of any painkillers taken with it. So you may only need one painkiller instead of two. It's worth a try, but does take a few weeks to really feel the benefit of taking it.

Sharron13 profile image
Sharron13

Hi All,

Thank you so much to everyone that has replied to my post. I can see from all your replies that as some of you have said that it works for some and not for others but has given me a lot of information and I feel a lot better about that it has helped a great deal, as this is still all new to me. x x x

Hi Sharron I've been taking this for a few months now increased it to 30mg and find that's ok for me but as other Fibro friends have said take it early evening and you shouldn't be groggy in the mornings - they work by relaxing the muscles etc plus giving you a good sleep which helps. Only side effect I get (but this is ME ) is dry mouth but rights itself one fed and watered - I think this is a small thing if it gives me relief and a good nights sleep. Hope you give it a go. Take care and be well. 😘🤗🎄🎅🏻🎁🔔🦃🎉

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace in reply to

Did anyone get fat taking Amitrypt? I've seriously got to take care because it's taken ages to get me back down to 'pleasantly' plump! Size 14. :) Oh! The pain and good results of all that DENIAL could be lost in a few weeks of tablets if they increase weight. I was taken off f the unfortunately because they clashed with certain BP meds I think I recall.

in reply to Amy-Grace

I was already with a slimming group before I was diagnosed with Fibro in June and I have still lost weight and can't wait until I'm your size. Take care and keep it up losing weight. 😘🤗

Amy-Grace profile image
Amy-Grace in reply to

That's so kind of you to remind me. I know how horrible it is to be overweight and the rewards of losing is so much more than vanity isn't it? With every size loss, movement becomes easier and more weight loss follows. If you're ever on a downer and need a boost please feel free to contact me. I'll remind you quick smart! Enjoy each goal reached and celebrate my friend. KEEP ON LOSING with joy! Without any insincere platitudes, you have my admiration!

in reply to Amy-Grace

Thanks Amy Grace the reason I started slimming group was I was having a lot of pain walking felt top of legs stiffening up and like lead weights - went to docs he advised me to lose weight and I just wanted to be able to walk the dog without pain - mentioned to my neighbour she said oh I go to dah come along with me so I did and I've never looked back - I can walk further and quicker I am dropping clothes sizes and yes I feel good but have a long way to go yet. You take care and hope you have a good night. 😘🤗🎄🎅🏻

LottieD profile image
LottieD

Hi Sharron 13 I have been on these for quite a while now. 3 at night to help me Sleep

Although think now I must be getting used to them because it is now 1.18am and I am writing this! I also take 2 gabapentin, 2 Zapain. I think if your finding it hard to sleep because of pain it may be worth a go..Hope you feel the benefit xx

Sharron13 profile image
Sharron13 in reply to LottieD

Hi Lottie,

Thank you, sleep is something I don't much of to be honest. It does seem to be a mine field this medication lark I understand what works for one doesn't work for another I suppose it is trail and error. Well heres hoping It gets sorted and I hope you managed to get some sleep x x x

LottieD profile image
LottieD in reply to Sharron13

Hi Sharron 13. Did you get any sleep because I didn't! Cleaning the bathroom at 3am is not a good idea lol. What's the use in just lying there. My knees were burning so bad. Not a good day. Well I do stupid things and then my body tells me off!! Hope you have a good night xx

Sharron13 profile image
Sharron13

Hi LottieD

No I didn't get much sleep and still awake now guess I will be for a while yet :-(

My back has been killing me all day and like you my knees haven't been much better. Managed to get the kitchen clean at 4am so thats a bonus...lol

Hope you sleep well tonight x x x

Jholbrook profile image
Jholbrook

Hi I take 50mg at nite along with 60mg of codeine and 600mg of gabapentin it helps me sleep and keeps restless legs at bay - I am very sensitive to drugs but I've had no side effects other than taking a while to wake up hope this helps x

I have fibromyalgia and was prescribed Amitriptylene 10mg. I took it for a while and it really helped all the aches and pains and I got a reasonable nights sleep too. I took it early in the evening so that I wasn't too groggy in the morning. But....now I've started having palpitations in the night and sometimes it can be a bit alarming! Last night was quite scary and my heart was really racing for what seemed like a very long time. So I'm not taking anymore and will see my doctor next week. Not sure if it is the Amitriptyline.

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