Help with Fibro, pain & cant sleep at night

[Fiberno]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Fibro about 7 years ago. I also have Hashimoto Thyroid disease. I have been on amitrypline 50mg at night for pain & sleep but always felt really groggy and not right in the morning, really thirsty all the time. The pain has been getting worse and my doctor just suggests upping the tablets. I collapsed at work last week & was admitted to Hospital. They said it was low blood pressure, I have been feeling terrible since, in pain, not sleeping & very down. I would like to wean off the amitriplyine as I feel they are having bad side effects on my health. I know I can try different painkillers but is there anything I can take to help me sleep. Sleep has always been a problem (even on amitrip) and I don't know what to do anymore. If anyone can help or advise, I would really appreciate any help as I don't know what to do anymore. I feel fibro is robbing me of my life, thanks

[Hidden]

Hi

I know how you feel. If I manage to get to sleep which isn't often then pain wakes me up after about an hour and then that's it for the night!! I have fibromyalgia, diabetes, IBS, diverticulitis, Nash(non alcoholic steatohepititis) caused by meds from my drs, depression, sciatica, under active thyroid and costochondritis to name but a few!! I had to take ill health retirement last year. My boss and work friends were and still are brilliant. I had such good support, tried doing less hours but nothing would work. I'm very lucky that I've got a brilliant support network from family, friends and work. I do hope you feel much better soon. Please take care Lynne

[Fiberno]

Hi , thanks for your reply. I have been struggling trying to hold down job for last few years and the only answer from my dr is to take more amitrip! I know Im feeling very down as this has really made me look at my life. I have been afraid I might have to give up work, was ill health retirement a hard decision to make or was it out of your hands. I also have ibs ,migraine, disc protrusion in neck and dorsal spine. Im new to this site so sorry if I should be posting directly to you or not? (not sure how to) thanks again for your help, D

[FRreedman in reply to Fiberno]

Ask your GP about Nortriptyline, it works in a similar way to Amitriptyline, but with (in my case) less side effects. Good luck

[Fiberno in reply to FRreedman]

Thanks, I will try that

[Raboo in reply to FRreedman]

I tried the Amitriptyline and I woke up my hands felt frozen. Gp took me off and gave me nortriptyline, much better. I also take about 400mg of B6 in the am. Helps

[Lovetoboat]

I have found it very hard to sleep...my doctor suggested melatonin 5 mg...it actually helps.

[Fiberno in reply to Lovetoboat]

Thanks, I will ask doctor for melatonin, Did it take a while to kick in? Do you mind me asking if you are on amitriplyine or something different? I am just trying to find as much information before I head back to Doctor next week, thanks again

[Lovetoboat in reply to Fiberno]

I am taking sertraline for my PTSD...marcaine nerve block injections for fibromyalgia pain along with gabapentin...OxyContin...when osteoarthritis pain is severe...melatonin. 30 minutes before ged...5 mg ... no prescription required...it is over the counter... can be bought at health food stores.

Good luck.

[Monroecindy]

I also have hashimoto's and fibro...i just take over the counter sleep meds. There are several types available some will work better for you than others. Give them a try😴

[Fiberno in reply to Monroecindy]

Thanks for your reply. Do you mind sharing which ones work?. I don't know if its fibro fog but im not doing great retaining information, Asked in chemist for anything to help with sleep & was given Valerian root extract. Still trying it but wide awake at 3/4 in morning.

[Monroecindy in reply to Fiberno]

One over the counter sleep that I do Unisom that's Doxylamine succinate tablets then the other is Unisom sleep gels with diphenhydramine HCI 50mg. They both work different for me...good luck

[Fiberno in reply to Monroecindy]

Hi, thanks so much, fingers crossed they might do the trick

[Fiberno]

Thanks for all the replies & Happy Easter x

[Clarrisa]

I have Hashimotos & also insomnia. My pain is manageable at this time since decreased demands following retirement. Out of desperation I just ordered a at-home “Sleep Test” that set me back $250. It measures melatonin & cortisol in urine over a period of time. Supposedly you get a report back with specific recommendations. I have no idea if this will work but I’m game for anything right now. Should it not prove beneficial I will post this result in the future.

One thing I was apparently doing incorrectly was taking vitamin B-12 in the evenings. I have learned it can keep you awake.

Good luck in your quest for better sleep. I had gone the Amitriptyline route when younger but became concerned about side effects too. It seemed in my case a double edged sword.

[Fiberno in reply to Clarrisa]

Hi Clarissa, thanks for your reply, hope you get some answers from the Sleep Test. Best of Luck

[johnelijah]

Hello, 5 HTP has helped me with sleep. Try it for a few weeks. You willl be surprised. regards

[AmySholay]

Hi,

I too have trailed Amitriptaline and that drug has many awful side effects. It affected my blood pressure, made me sweat, feel dizzy and thirsty and tired all the time. It also, isn't helpful for sleep, as though it can help initiate it. It gives you lighter sleep once asleep.

Taking Pregabalin is the better option, around 250mg at night. This drug gives you deeper sleep and has less side effects and can be taken over a longer period of time. It can increase appetite like any seizure med can, in higher dosages, but sleeping better helps pain levels and is the greater priority.

My sleep is so bad, I can't work but this drug is helpful and the best tolerated so far. Many antidepressants and SSRI's are not good for sleep problems and have a host of nasty side effects. So, see a headache specialist if you are having problems sleeping and its impacting on your life.

[Marz]

Are you on an adequate dose of thyroid hormone ? If not then the adrenals can be stressed - have they been tested ? The 24hr Saliva test is more reliable but a private test ... How are your levels of B12 - Folate - Ferritin & VitD ?

[SaphiM]

Have you tried relaxation before going to sleep? I recently started to use "Relax & Sleep Well" app and it helps. I manage to sleep well and to wake up without pain. It remains to see how long it will work.