Is amitriptyline good to treat headaches after suffering from viral meningitis, as this is what has been prescribed to me by my GP.?

[kirklington]

[Jester68uk]

I take amitriptyline mainly for the nerve damage and sleep problems I encounter daily but it does not help my headaches but saying that it may help others this way as we are all different.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amitr...

facebook.com/groups/2217358...

all the best

Pat

[Hidden in reply to Jester68uk]

I'm also recovering from meningitis. One year on and I too get the headaches but they are getting less as time goes by. Personally I wouldn't recommend amitriptyline as it is an anti depressant drug. yes at low doses it does control pain but it leaves you with a drunk feeling and in a bubble feeling the next day. it san affect the brain as well. Its also given to people with ME and I know a few who have had to come off it as it isnt good. the choice is up to you but I came off it and find that the one thing which really does help with the headaches is a sleep in the afternoon

[Tupshaw in reply to Hidden]

Did you by chance have a lot of pressure in your head after viral meningitis?

[Tiga]

HI. if anytime you are sure just pop to your local boots chemist and ask them.

Also a great thing to help headaches (as you know too many pain killers can bring on headaches) are cool sticks you can get from boots but about £4, try local £1 shop, also peppermint, me I like to use VIC on forehead, thou everyone takes the mick out of me.

also cutting out coffee and drink can help

good luck

tiga

.

[Tiga]

sorry forgot to ask you can call meningitis gang on:

Freephone UK number:

0808 80 10 388*

Freephone Republic of Ireland:

1800 523 196

nurse-led helpline is available 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year

[kirklington]

Thanks for your comments, I m going to try the course of amitriptyline my doctor has prescribed me and see if this helps,

Thanks again.

[Jonad724]

Amitryptyline is an old style anti-depressant which was commonly used following a nervous breakdown and basically stops you thinking but was found not to actually help with the depression and anxiety. In subsequent clinical trials however they discovered that people who suffered from depression and persistent headaches didn't recover from the depression but didn't have the headache any longer. Its taken at night otherwise it zombifies you during the day, personal experience coming out here!

I have a persistent headache from VM (having had it 10 years ago) so I do know what it feels like and I hope it works. As Tiga said cool sticks (Like ForHead) or their cheaper equivalent work really well, as does 'cold as ice' gel as does exercise.

Good luck!

[Lemie]

I take it to help me sleep on a night. My husband takes it for headaches.

[LisaT]

Hi there

I took it for a few weeks and felt like a total zombie, no painkillers seem to work either, but one thing I have found helps the headaches now is paracetomal with caffine ( I was told to avoid caffine ) but it is the only thing that has helped. Also try meditation - that really helped me get over horrendous imsomnia and I think it helped reprogram my brain a bit as my memory improved and concentration levels, I know it probably sounds wacky but anything is worth a try. I really hope you start to feel better soon

Lisa

[kirklington in reply to LisaT]

Hi LisaT

Thanks for the advise and I will have a look into meditation. The Meningitis Trust have offered to look into funding for acupuncture for me but I don't want to use their funds when someone who is far worse than me could benefit from them and help improve the life of others who have far worse after effects than me. My GP has offered to send me to a pain specialist so I will see what they have to say.

Thanks again for you advise.

Nick