New to amytryptlin coming off pregabalin

I have been on pregabalin for a few months 100mg twice a day has controlled the pain but I am having cognitive side effects which discussing with dr he feels it is not good. So I am now weaning off it over next 10 days. He has put me on amitryptalin at night starting yesterday and I already take mirtazapine.

Been on mirtazapine for about 6 weeks and they really help me sleep. So I thought having amitryptalin as well I would zonk out last night. But I didn't and I barely slept at all.

I took both together about an hour before bed. Any comments or advice please? I don't feel drowsy this morning either. Wondering if I should take amitryptalin before the other tablet and much earlier.

Thanks for advice.x

[Creativeness1]

Hi TJ-01 as i am on different medication it is difficult to say what the best thing would be.

Others on this medication may be able to help. If not can i recommend a visit to GP.

I do think it will probably help with sleeping your are most likely in right track with how you take them.

Good luck my friend

[Harper27]

Hi there. Have you tried taking the Amitryptiline in the morning and the Mirtazapine at night instead? I've heard people on Ami usually finds that it helps them sleep rather than keep them awake. Mirtazapine is more sedating though so maybe keep the Mirtazapine at night and take the Ami either in the morning or a while before you go to bed xx

[BlueMermaid3]

Hi Hidden

I have taken Mirtazapine for many many years.

I also tried Amitryptyline for a few months.

The optimum time to take Amitryptyline is 12 hours before you need to get up the next day (on GP's advice).

I found it best to take the Amitryptyline around 6pm this then means that the "hung over" feeling some people get doesn't happen.

I take my Mirtazapine just before I go to bed.

I have tried all different sorts of times etc to take these meds and have found the above to be best for me.

I think it is a matter of trial and error to find out what is best for you.

Take care of yourself

Lu xx

[Hidden in reply to BlueMermaid3]

That is what I was more or less going to try. Thanks for advice will have a go tonight.xx

[BlueMermaid3 in reply to Hidden]

You're very welcome 😊

Let us know how you get on & don't forget that the Amitriptyline can take up to 4 weeks to kick in.

Are you starting on 10mg?

Lu xx

[Hidden in reply to BlueMermaid3]

Yes 10mg but moving to 20mg in a few days . My mitazapine is 15mg. What doseages have you tried? I know we are all different but just wondering as a ball park figure.x

[BlueMermaid3 in reply to Hidden]

I am on the max dose of Mirtazapine which is 45mg.

My Rheumatologist wanted me to build up to a very high dose of Amitryptyline (125mg) but I didn't want to be on that much.

The max dose of Amitryptyline is about 175mg.

Obviously I am not a doctor and you need to take his/her advice but if I were you I would only increase my dose weekly otherwise you don't give your body time to get used to the first dose if that makes sense?

Also if you increase too quickly you don't have time to find out if it is working for you.

Have you started both the Mirtazapine and the Amitryptyline at the same time?

Lu xx

[Hidden in reply to BlueMermaid3]

No, been on mirtazapine for about 6 weeks and it definitely helps with my sleep. Having some really good sleep now.

The reason for amitryptalin is that I wanteded to come of pregabalin to which my Gp readily agreed given I was having a lot of side effects although they were controlling the pain.

I hope this combination works for me.

I am also cleaning up my diet and eating only homemade food and avoiding processed food. I have removed gluten too. I have done this before and lost two stone very easily so looking to repeat this.

I very much want to control my life not let the fibro control me. I have already noticed people making excuses for me because of my disability....it has just made me angry so I am fighting back. Lol.( while I can) x

[BlueMermaid3 in reply to Hidden]

Good for you!

I don't know if you already are, but if not keeping a diary whilst you have all this going on is a good idea.

I had horrendous side effects with Pregabalin but the sad thing is that it did help with my pain so I am now on Gabapentin.

Amitryptyline is more of an antidepressant than a primary paid med. However it does help with sleep, low mood and pain.

It didn't seem to be helping me with any of those so I weaned off it with my GP' advice.

Good luck with your journey.

Keep us updated on how you are getting on xx

[Hidden in reply to BlueMermaid3]

Thanks for all your help.x

[BlueMermaid3 in reply to Hidden]

Pleased to be of some help 😊 xx

[TheAuthor]

Hi Hidden

I have never taken either of these medications my friend but I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck with them, and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Hidden]

🙏🏻

[DippyDame]

Hello TJN1...I was given 10mg amitryptiline for pain relief, to be taken at 8pm. It seems it is rarely used for depression these days, but for pain relief instead. I slept better after the first dose but woke up feeling tense and 'wiped out' and could hardly keep my eyes open for the rest of the day. I didn't notice much difference in pain level but persevered for a week by which time my face has become flushed and my skin felt rough. I was feeling generally rotten, but I'm never sure how much is down to fibro and how much other issues like meds. Saw a GP yesterday (my regular lovely GP is on holiday) and he advised stopping the ami ...didn't sleep quite so well last night but feel slightly more human today. I'm due to see my GP when she comes back so we'll take it from there. Maybe not the advice you had hoped for...but your experience appears to be very different and hopefully more positive. Living with fibro really is like a ride on a shuddering roller coaster.

All the best, hope it works out for you. Take care and think positive.

Dippy Dame

[BlueMermaid3 in reply to DippyDame]

Hi

You could be feeling wiped out as you're taking the Amitriptyline too late in the day.

It should be taken around 6pm to avoid that wiped out feeling.

My GP said to take it at least 12 hours before you need to get up the next day.

Take care

Lu xx

[Hidden]

Thanks for sharing...I totally agree about the ride. No day is ever the same and seems determined to trip us up somehow. Hope you are having a good day today.x