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

[Pinkiezoom]

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

[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]

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 in reply to jillylin]

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 in reply to jillylin]

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 in reply to Pinkiezoom]

Hugs. NOt fun

[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 in reply to Ghost2345]

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]

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]

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 in reply to woodlog]

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

[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 in reply to MigraineAction1]

Hello and thank you for your advice. x

[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 in reply to tazdis]

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