Amitriptyline and Atrial Fibrillation

[Jomaur]

I am currently not on any meds for Fibro but have just seen a Pain Consultant who has suggested a trial of 10mg Amitriptylene. He is aware that I have AFib for which I take a blood thinner but says this is a very low dose although he has said I should be cautious.Has anyone else had experience of taking this who has also got AFib?

[val757]

I was prescribed amitriptyline a couple of months ago with a warning that it can cause an irregular heart rhythm so to stop taking it immediately at the first sign.

I should say here that I have had paroxysmal AFib but after a cardiac ablation in 2017 I have been free of AFib episodes. I’m only on an anticoagulant now, Rivaroxaban

Unfortunately a few weeks into taking the amitriptylene I had a full on severe AFib episode. I stopped it immediately as advised. I’m now on a trial of gabapentin.

I do seem to be intolerant of a lot of medications (there’s a long and growing list) so it’s quite likely it’s just me. As your doctor has said, just be cautious and let them know immediately if you notice any worsening of your AFib.

I hope the amitriptylene works for you without any adverse effects. It did work wonders for me until I had to stop taking it.

[Jomaur in reply to val757]

Thank you so much for your reply it has been very helpful. When prescribing the Amitriptylene the Consultant did stress that 10 mg was a very low dose but to be cautious. Reading your reply and the experiences of people on other Fibro sites I have decided not to try it. I was offered Tramadol - which I am also very wary of and morphine patches. Strangely enough Gabapentin and Pregablin were not mentioned but this was only my first Consultation. I have seen this Consultant privately as the wait for the NHS Pain Clinic is about a year but am still on their waiting list. Hope the Gabapentin works for you it does seem a “no one size fits all” situation.

[BILL-D in reply to Jomaur]

I was put on Amitriptyline for depression and it resulted in me developing an irregular heart rhythm caused by branch block. Was advised never to take it again. I am on both tramadol n gabapentin one for fibro n one for nerve pain. Seems to help me keep the pain at bay most of time now

[Maud-ie in reply to val757]

I have heart disease (CHD) and take mountains of heart meds. I found that amytriptyline did nothing for me at all - no pain relief or improvement in sleep. Ditto Gabapentin. Now on Pregabalin which also does nothing except bloating and stomach cramps. Good luck

[Jomaur in reply to Maud-ie]

So sorry to read that none of the meds you’ve tried don’t help. You would have thought that by now the medics would have found something that would help but sadly it seems we just have to keep trying till we find something that works. That’s what makes it so horrible knowing that there is no magic medicine.

[Maud-ie in reply to Jomaur]

I have the Pain Management Clinic in December but don't hold out much hope. As so much hasn't worked I get the impression that they are fed up with me! Ps. Tramadol made me feel 'high as a kite' in a horrible way but didn't reduce pain.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Good morning, I am sorry I can not be of any help with your question. But I was wondering if you would not get more help from members on the AF forum. The link below may help. healthunlocked.com/programs...

Momo

[Iamthemedicalmystery]

I took it for two weeks and had a heart attack, the Cardiologist took them off me and said that nobody with heart issues should be taking this. It was my 2nd heart attack so the dr should of known

[honeybug in reply to Iamthemedicalmystery]

so sorry 🤗♥️🥰🙏🕊🌿🌸🦋

[Jomaur in reply to Iamthemedicalmystery]

Your story is certainly a warning. Why on earth do drs prescribe this to people with heart issues if they know this. I have been told to take it “with caution” but I can only take it ir not take it and maybe if I get a warning sign it could be too late. Thank you for your post I have decided not to take it.

[Maud-ie in reply to Jomaur]

Because they don't check your notes and you never see the same doctor twice?

[Maud-ie in reply to Iamthemedicalmystery]

So sorry - hope you are making a good recovery

[BostonBella]

It didn’t work for me… made me more foggy, didn’t feel myself, did nothing to help pain xx

[Bolognese2022]

I tried Amitriptyline for tension headaches, it helped the headaches and improved my sleep. Sadly I only tolerated it for six days and experienced a rare side effect of urine retention. As I have an irritable bladder already I came of it and let the surgery know why. They were fine with this decision. I am still glad I tried it as it seems to work well for some people. I am one of those whose body is not very good with medications.

At the moment some medications are interacting badly with one another, sometimes you just can’t win.

[jackiesj]

There are so many medicatons even advil that mess with cardio...check with cardio on a new med.They would know best and should know of a med change.