angelone2

[angelone2]

As if PMR sufferers dont have enough to cope with both with the disease itself and the side effects of Prednisolene, my friend was taking Ametryptiline and now her doctor has taken them off her as he says they can cause Alzheimers!! Has an yone else come across this?

[Runrig01]

That is a bit of a knee jerk reaction. In the news in the last few days is a research study which shows that some medications inc over the counter can increase the risk of you developing dementia. I seem to recall it was when medication was used regularly for 3 years or more, but the paper also stated there was no need to stop taking these meds. Tricyclic antidepressants, which Amitriptyline is one of was amongst the list. I currently take it, have done for 3 years and have no plan to stop on the basis of the research. It should be an informed discussion with GP and patient.

Here is a link explaining it:

m.bbc.co.uk/news/health-309...

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There was an article reported just this last week that substances that are anticholinergic agents can increase the risk of Alzheimers and amitryptiline has an anticholinergic action. However - the study did NOT prove a link, it was one which said it "merited further investigation" - which usually means we didn't see anything really but there might possibly be something in it.

Was the amitryptiline helping her pain? It doesn't usually do anything for PMR. If it did help her, I would be inclined to find another doctor and discuss it with them.

[Angela123]

Hello. I did read the report in the paper, but I didn't realise that Amytriptyline was included. I've been taking one tablet per day (a very low dose) for a year. I was given it to help my neck pain. Cervical spondylosis was triggering migraines and I'm happy to say it's done the trick. I will discuss it at my next appointment though. I'd rather have a stiff neck and a headache than Alzheimer's. Angela.