Change in meds from amatrip to beta b... - National Migraine...

National Migraine Centre

9,197 members2,684 posts

Change in meds from amatrip to beta blockers......

Pinkiezoom profile image
14 Replies

Hi I am new here, and yesterday my doc changed me medication from 50mg of Amatriptaline a night to a beta blocker. I have been on Amatrip for 7 years now, just for migraines, not as an anti depressant, and to be honest, i constantly have a dull headache but was still getting migraines, so using naramig when i have an attack, which lately has been getting more frequently and more severe.

So my doc has given me betablockers proprotolol ( i think ) am i likely to get any withdrawals from just stopping the amatrip? and i have only had one betablocker so far, but felt so dizzy after it, i was wondering if this will pass after a few days?

Sorry so many questions, but i was a bit surprised that he changed my meds so just took the prescription and walked out of the office. Now i am concerned.

Many Thanks

Al x

Written by
Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
14 Replies
teadrinker profile image
teadrinker

I took nortriptyline for over a year for facial pain & migraine - was told to come off it by slowly reducing the dose over a couple of weeks. If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.

I am on atenolol, a beta-blocker similar to propanolol. I did feel a little dizzy at first but as I took it at bed time it was quite a nice sensation and I fell asleep quickly. But it did wear off after a couple of weeks. I get a bit dizzy if i stand up too quickly - it does lower the blood pressure.

I also take naramig - have found it works much better if i take it with a domperidone tablet - the doctor said this will help it to be absorbed by the gut more quickly, and it also stops the nausea.

Hope things work out for you.

jillylin profile image
jillylin

Hi Ali,

I have amitriptylene for nerve pain but I was prescribed Pizofitin for Migraine prevention…doesn't work! :-). I am interested to know how you get on with the BetaBlocker.

Hugs

Jillyxx

Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom in reply tojillylin

Hi Jilly,

Well i am only 3 days in with the betablockers, and to be honest ,i think they are stopping the normal dull headache i contstantly have, but i have noticed as the time is approaching for me to take my next tablet that i feel a headache starting. But no migraines yet, but its early doors, i will let you know in another week how i am getting on. I was really skeptical but think they might be better. I am not sleeping too well though. :( x

Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom in reply tojillylin

Hi i am now 3 weeks in on the beta blockers. and i was really optimistic at the start, but i have been crippled for 10 days now, taken all 6 naramig and back at docs later to get some more, and discuss the situation :( feels relentless at the moment!

jillylin profile image
jillylin in reply toPinkiezoom

Hugs. NOt fun :-(

Ghost2345 profile image
Ghost2345

Don't just stop your amitriptyline, I would suggest that you reduce your dose down to 1 tab for two weeks then alternate days 1tab for 2 weeks then off.

As for the Beta Blocker have you read the side effects leaflet? I would suggest if you continue to feel dizzy after say 4 days you should go back to your GP as it could be your Blood Pressure may be too low. If your not happy with how your headaches are being managed asked to be referred to a Migraine clinic or a Neurologist.

Hope you feel better soon.

Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom in reply toGhost2345

Thank you for the advice, I cant reduce my amatrip as i dont have any left, i was at the docs trying to get another prescription when he changed my meds! i seem to be doing ok though.

I have read the side effects of beta blockers, and i know dizzyness is on there, so will see if it calms down in the next day or 2. Thank you for your advice x

Pipgriff profile image
Pipgriff

I have recently just come off amatriplatiline too for migraines and the first three nights could not sleep at all, I feel a lot clearer in my head but need to get some sleep soon. I have changed my diet and hopefully will not need to go back on drugs. I do not have any preservative, no chocolate, no caffeine and try not to have too much sugar I so try and eat organic. This has helped heaps!. Good luck!

woodlog profile image
woodlog

Beta blockers work for some people but many suffer dizziness. NICE guidelines suggest that you need to have been on three different prophylactic drugs (amitrip., betablockers, calcium channel blockers...) before you can be considered for Botox treatment which is MUCH better than anything else and has no side effects. So maybe your doctor is moving you in the right direction!

Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom in reply towoodlog

Hi Woodlog, this is useful info about the 3 types of med, thanks you. x

MigraineAction1 profile image
MigraineAction1

Hi Al

I am currently taking Propanolol and the first couple of weeks i felt sick and dizzy all the time. This has improved but every now and then i still feel nausea. I was also getting headaches but am pleased to say that the headaches have now stopped. With regards to the Triptan, I'm surprised your GP did not explain to you that you shouldn't stop taking this medication staightaway, you should reduce the mg bit by bit. However, it is good that your GP is looking at your medication and sounds like you are moving the right way forward. I also work for a charity called Migraine Action, which is a patient support based. Visit our website migraine.org.uk

Just remember you are not alone!

Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom in reply toMigraineAction1

Hello and thank you for your advice. x

tazdis profile image
tazdis

Hi

I too have been On amitriptyline for nearly 7 years now. I am a month into my second round of voted and have an appointment with my neurologist next week. I have never been prescribed anything to take when I get a headache other than nsaids. I am thinking I want to come off amitriptyline and try a different drug. Can anyone recommend a drug to take when you have a headache. I have only really tried amitriptyline, lyrica and cybalta. None of these work for me and I hate the side effects of amitriptyline.

Pinkiezoom profile image
Pinkiezoom in reply totazdis

I am given Naramig for when I have a migraine attack, they are the only thing that seems to help mine, but everyone is different x

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Beta blockers

Hi I have suffered with Migraines for years they would normally happen once or twice a month around...
Ladyone1 profile image

Use of Beta Blockers to treat Migraines

Hi I was diagnosed as having Migraines last week and my gp has given me beta blockers to try to...
Morbidia profile image

Something must be wrong! 13/12/2016

Hi I've just stumbled across this website and read many of your stories which now make my situation...
Roro86 profile image

Migraines becoming more frequent

Hi, I have been suffering severe headaches for a number of years (approx 10 years), but they have...
d3llgurl profile image

possible abdominal migraine

hello I’m 62 and suffered from migraine for 40 years. Originally it was hormonal so I’d hoped it...
Florapaige profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.