I have been taking Citalopram 20mg in the morning for some years to help with anxiety and they help a lot, but recently I have also been prescribed Amitriptyline 10mg taken at night to help with my lower stomach pain.
I decided to stop the citalopram a couple of days ago just incase it was not a good idea to be on two different ant-depressants.
The Amitriptyline do seem to be helping, but today for the first time I woke up and feel very agitated, just wonder if it could be caused by this medication and if so, what should I do.
Any thoughts please.
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It is accused of worsening RLS to a great degree, and causing agitation to such a level that people have considered suicide.Other people say one gets used to these effects. ???
I am a forum moderator at Pain Concern. I have just been reading through your post. At Pain Concern we have some resources with information about Amitriptyline that may be of help to you.
If you click on the link below it will take you a web based leaflet with information on how Amitriptyline works and its side effects.
I take amitriptyline at night for pain and to help with sleep. I also take other medications for depression and have never been told to stop taking them due to taking amitriptyline.
Have you actually discussed your concerns with a doctor? From your post it is unclear if you have suddenly just stopped taking the citalopram. If you have this could explain your agitation feeling. Most medications for depression and anxiety need to be carefully tapered off slowly and because you have been taking citalopram for years I would suggest this needs to be done extremely slowly.
But I would definitely check with your doctor or pharmacist if you actually need to stop citalopram because you may well not need to.
I have taken amitriptyline for a few years now for nerve pain. I don't get any agitation or any side effects that I notice. I would imagine it's to do with you stopping your other medication so suddenly. Read your leaflet that came with the citalopram or see your prescribing physician and ask him.
I couldn't take citalopram it made me ill. I only take amitriptyline when needed in low doses. I'm sensitive to these medications. They can make my mood worse. Some people take large doses for years and are ok. Speak to your medical practitioner.
Did you just stop the citalopram without reducing dosage? If so this could be part of the reason for your agitation. It is never a good idea to just get stop any antidepressants without tapering because of an increase in side effects and symptoms.
I am wondering why you decided to just stop the citalopram? If the GP has prescribed the amitriptyline as well as the citalopram they must not have been worried about the interaction between the two. Some people do take 2 antidepressants to manage different symptoms. Also, whilst amitriptyline is an antidepressant it sounds like you were given a low dose for pain so 10mg of amitriptyline is not high enough for it to work as an antidepressant.
Amitriptyline comes with its own set of side effects as it works on your central nervous system and for some that includes agitation. I think you should speak to your pharmacist as they are the best source of information about how to best take your meds as well as how to stop taking them and to manage side effects. I would also check back in with your GP.
I am glad that the amitriptyline seems to be helping your stomach pain but it is not a replacement for the citalopram for your anxiety.
Glad to read that you're back on the citalopram. I've been taking Amitriptyline for around 4yrs. Over that time it's changed from 20mg to 50mg (currently 30mg) it took a while to find the right amount to help with the pain and sleep. If it's not helping much speak to your doctor and they should increase the dose. I hope you get it sorted.🙂
I think it’s most likely the sudden withdrawal of no longer taking Citalopram that is upsetting your system. You mentioned you’ve taken it every morning for years and now cold turkey you’ve quit.
I just read that it very rare the combination of Citalopram and Amytriptyline will cause serotonin syndrome.
Amytriptyline has saved my life. I had a large nerve in my groin compressed by overused ligaments. It was pinched in three places. It was operated on 4 years too late.
10mg is a very low dose. I use 50 mg every evening and it helps the nociceptive and nerve tissue pain. I am not nor have I ever been depressed.
What is the root cause of your stomach pain? Have you modified your diet? Have you developed food intolerances? How old are you? Are you sure it’s your stomach and not another organ like your liver, gall bladder, or intestinal tract? Keep us posted. Good luck.
I have not changed my diet and don't have a gall bladder and recently I have had a couple of scans and a colonoscopy and all have come back clear so GP thinks it might be some form of IBS.
It seems the Amitriptyline are helping stomach pains now much better, also suffer with lower back pain caused by a trapped nerve, think GP is hoping the Amitriptyline will also help with that.
My age is 83, therefore I suppose I should expect a few aches and pains, I used to walk 5 to 7 miles with a walking group 4 years ago but now that is just not on, too painful, fortunate if I can walk a painless 1/4 mile these days.
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