Amitriptyline to Lexapro

[Mimiqt]

I was prescribed with 10mg Amitriptyline to help me with my migraine, sleeping disorder and gastritis. In recent years, I also develop depression. Another clinician continue this meds for me and after almost two years, he recommended a change of meds which is Lexapro. I’ve taken it for two weeks and it seems to have better effect than Ami. I sleep and wake up easier too. Less drug-hangover during the day and I feel generally happier than the past years I was with Ami.

Does anyone have the same experience here?

Now that I feel better, a friend of mine suggested for me to try natural remedy instead i.e discontinue any meds. It’s easy for people without depression to rule meds out but it is with kindest heart that he doesn’t want me to rely on meds. Thoughts?

[_Alex_]

That lexapro helped to improve mood compared to 10mg amitriptyline... well you were on a very low dose for a different condition, and so that's likely not even a suitable dose *IF* it was also being given at a later stage for depression.

As for coming off meds, that ultimately has to be up to you... if you *can* come off and still feel relatively good, then of course in a way it's better to not be taking medications with potential side effects that you no longer need to risk.

However, your friend may simply be naive that a prescribed antidepressant can be successfully replaced with a natural remedy. And hey, if a natural remedy really could do that, who is to say it would even have less side effect risk?

[Mimiqt in reply to _Alex_]

Well his idea of “natural remedy” is actually no medication at all but only continuous social support. In time I wonder if that will work.

[_Alex_ in reply to Mimiqt]

Ah I see. Well two weeks is only a short period to judge the results from anyway. Only thing I can say is that you shouldn't (as I'm sure you already know) feel under any pressure from what your friend wants. Some people have a negative view of psychiatric medications and may perhaps be dogmatic against them.

[Mimiqt in reply to _Alex_]

Yeah. Certainly. I find it so hard to explain/educate him on that. He made me feel like I’m only harming myself with meds while all I wish is the opposite.

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Mimiqt. It's good that the change in medication is helping you. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for Lexapro to work effectively.

Although your friend undoubtedly has your best interests at heart I think at this early stage it would be best to remain on this new medication for now and review progress with your clinician periodically.

Have you had any form of talking therapy?

Our members will also share their experiences and wisdom with you

Please keep in touch.

MAS Nurse & Moderator

[Mimiqt in reply to MAS_Nurse]

For now talking to my clinician whenever i visit for pill refill has been a breather. I take it as some sort of talking therapy for me. It’s good to have someone validate my experience and guide me medically.

[Mimiqt in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Hi. I finally made an appointment with local psychiatrist for professional assessment. He maintained my prescription of escilatopram and gave very good advices. I was diagnosed with MDD.

He also said my amitriptyline didn’t work well with me because it wasn’t the correct dose and mainly targeted the pain (that i couldn’t notice relieving anyway).

I feel so glad to finally meet an expert. The other clinician is a medical practitioner but was no specialist. He just happened to suffer from Depression and he recommended meds that works well for him. Luckily it suits me as well.

However, there’s no promise I’ll be excused from this med soon. Even with the med and mood elevated, I could still feel that constant sadness, albeit in less intensity in normal days.

[Hidden]

Hi Mimiqt

If Lexapro is working for you I would stick with it. For me it has been a very good drug (10 mg for 5 months) when nothing else did. Good luck 😊

[Mimiqt in reply to Hidden]

Hi.

How have you been?

My dr raised my dose yesterday. When I thought of coming off meds trouble seems to follow and my stressor just multiplied... hence the raise..