Hi everyone, not posted on here before but read all posts. I have been prescribed amitryptyline for pain relief as I have problems with my lower back. It is 10mg liquid, has anyone had any experience of this drug. It is used for depression in higher dose but is said to be good for blocking nerve pain.
Thank you
Hi Linshug,
Amitriptyline is very good for blocking nerve pain. I've only taken the tablet form, never tried the liquid.
Years ago I had a Bunion operation that went wrong, so i was put on Amitriptyline and they really did help.
I wish that i could still have them, but I have a Heart Problem and the Amitriptyline causes palpitations.
So they had to be stopped. I'm not a Doctor, but If you're a bit nervous about it, why don't you just take half the dose first, and go from there..
Thank you Gjkas I am on Methotrexate injections and Cimzia injection so I am cautious when it comes to painkillers as I can’t have ibuprofen only paracetamol. I will have to try it as I have problems walking.
Hi, i can't take ibuprofen either because it causes a lot of problems with my stomach. Paracetamol are not strong enough for me. I have been on Methotrexate, but it caused problems with my blood. So they were a no go.
Tried Leflunomide and several different types of medication for the Rheumatoid but they weren't any good for me either. Hope the Amitriptyline works for you, They really are a good tablet for nerve pain..
Good LUCK. 😊. Gjkas
Hi Linshug
I take the lowest dose 10mg a night to help my sleep. I have RA and I could sleep for 10 hours and still wake up feeling tired.
Since being on Amitryptaline I sleep so much better and do not wake up tired at all. I am so much better for it.
I have read up about heart palpitations etc, but personally if I weigh up how it does benefit me then I will take the risk. This is only my experience and I wanted to share this.
Good luck!
Thank you for your reply it is helpful as I was concerned about the tiredness side effect as the methotrexate can cause exhaustion. I cannot have tablets as they have blue colouring that I am allergic to as it induces migraine. I totally agree the benefits outway the risks. Good to hear they are helping you.
Hiya Linshug. I’ve been on amitriptyline around 5 years, dose 25mg morning 50mg evening, tablets though. I titrated the dose, having monthly reviews with my GP until this dose was found most effective. I'm prescribed it for muscular issues (spasms) relating to cervical & lumbar spondylosis.
It has the added benefit of relaxing me enough to have a good nights sleep, one reason I don't take a higher dose in the morning, it can make me dozy, don't need the extra help!
Hope this helps?
Hi I don’t sleep very well so a good nights sleep is a bonus. Glad it has helped you and thanks for replying the messages have all helped me make up my mind. I will pick it up Monday and give it a try. Fingers crossed 🤞🤞
I think starting on a low dose & increasing over time as needed is the key with these types of meds. I hope once you do start it it helps your back & with restful nights too. Fingers crossed for positive results.🤞🏼If you don't respond well enough there are other options. I'm also prescribed pregabalin, 150mg twice a day.
I take amitryptyline at night and it really helps me to get a nights sleep. I have problems with my neck and disc degeneration which causes spasms. I started off on 10mg and then increased to 20mg. I hope you get as much relief with it as I do.
I had tablet for Shingles but did not work as well as Pregabalin.
I was started on Amitryptaline about 5 weeks ago , 10mg, and it is starting to lower my pain levels. I take it at night but have to wait 2 or more hours before it makes me sleepy. I'm getting a much better sleep....getting my usual 9 to 10 hrs which I need.
Now I am finding that I can reduce my painkillers during the day. Also a week ago my lovely gp prescribed indocid supposorities at bed time. I can't take oral antiinfammatories any more but the indocid is my magic bullet!
I used to take 2 or 3 Panadeine forte a day and now I am down to one with Panadol. Yay!
I was at the point of desperation and despair with the pain but these combinations are wonderful for me. I still have pain,but it's bearable.
I'm also on methotrexate 15mg weekly for the last 3 months. It is slowly kicking in.
A lot of my pain is not RA but a nasty heel spur and nerve pain, plus spurs on my lower spine.
My hands are improving and my knees are not collapsing as often.
I had To go off methotrexate for a yr as I had a nasty wound caused by a horse accident. Compound fracture etc.
I've had RA for 26 yrs and my rheumy thinks I may have fibromyalgia now as well.
Hence soft tissue pain.
It's good not to have the mental fog that comes from taking large doses of Panadeine forte.
I took 10mg amitryptiline for a while for sleep but after a while I developed breast tenderness, which is a known side effect. Also, at that dose anyway, it didn't do much for my sleep, and I thought it made me slightly depressed.
hi there, I have been on amitriptyline 10mgs since April 2019 and am very grateful as it has really helped the awful nerve pain I had from my neck. my only issues with it is the constipation so really take prevention of this side effect seriously. I had to take a laxative initially while my system adjusted and I sorted out my diet to the right fibre levels. it made me sleepy at first but I didn't drive anyway then as I couldn't move my neck to see!!! Once I was settled on the dose the side effects of drowsiness just aids sleep rather than makes me sleepy in a bad way. I drive normally and go about my day in relative comfort. I also have RA on MTX and benepali. Since amitriptyline I hardly ever need any pain killers which is a significant change for me. it took about 4 weeks to really kick in so be patient and go with it. I wish you well.
Tracy.
Hi, I’ve been on Amitriptyline on a night for a long time, but in tablet form. It controls the pain in my neck and this is the only drug I panic about if I run out as it does such a good job. I hope it helps you too. 😊
Hiya, I've taken Amitriptyline before when I've either had a flare up or when I had rotator cuff problems. Each time it's been effective in helping me sleep and I only took it short term until the pain subsided. I also take Hydroxychloroquine and injection Methotrexate. 😊
I have been on this for approximately 10 years I had terrible headaches for over a week and I was admitted for a brain scan and lumber puncture , and also sent for MRI (a very scary time ) Found the bulge in my neck and I now take Amitriptyline 4 at night around 2 hours before bed and it has really helped I was offered an operation but don’t fancy it!! I’ll stick with the pills. Good luck
I have not heard of amitriptyline but I’ve recently been prescribed duloxitine (Cymbalta) and it is also is used for depression and nerve pain. I wonder if there is an ingredient in both that is actually what helps the pain.
Hi, i have been prescribed amitriptyline for pain too. I had 5mg for 4 weeks increased to 10 for 4 weeks then 25 and then 50 mg. that is what im taking now and it does seem to help.
I've been on amytrptylin for eight years it really helps with nerve pain I take 20-50mg daily depending on pain. It use to make me sleepy but doesn't now. Few side effects when I first started dizziness and headaches but worth it for the relief it gives. Hope it works well for you.
I have been on amitriptyline for about 20 years now. I take 32.5mg 2 hours before bedtime. It was originally prescribed for my frequent migraines. It has helped tremendously with reducing the frequency (from about once a week to about once a month or two). However, I was in a car accident several years ago which caused 3 herniated cervical discs, and I also have a bit of spinal stenosis - I can’t say with any certainty that it has helped with that pain, but who knows, I could be suffering more pain were I not on the amitriptyline. On a side note, my husband tried it for chronic knee pain and sleeplessness, but it made him feel horrible all the time. Also, it is worth mentioning that in some individuals it can cause bed wetting. Just something to keep in mind. The doctors don’t tell you that. Best of luck to you - I hope it helps you.
Hi I've been on this but in tablet form for a year now, tbh I dont feel i get much relief, the side affects I've had are dry mouth , tiredness and forgetfulness
Like Gabapentin!
Nerve pain?? For crying out loud we RA folks do not have nerve pain! We have pain from inflammation and joint damage!
Most people who have RA are already extremely tired. "Here take something else to make you even more tired".
May be great to help someone with Neuropathy, but RA?
Why these doctors hand out antidepressants for RA patients is beyond belief to me!
Doctors are so afraid to give sufferers real pain relief because of the Opiod Epidemic! So now they handout out antidepressants like candy!
PAIN
Rib and Back pain
Hydroxy side effects
RA plus something else 
side effects Alendronic acid
