Help please, sciatica and amitriptyline

[Pixie1771]

Hi, hoping I can get some help...been having crippling sciatica for 6 months now . Have tried numerous pills etc and had a spinal nerve block last week (hasn't worked)
Most days I can't get out of bed, the pain is literally horrific.
Just been put on amitriptyline....started really low 5mg a night, got the usual dry mouth and sleepy etc.
Has anyone had a good response for sciatica on amitriptyline? I just need some hope as I honestly can't go on like this. Desperate.
Hoping someone can give me some reason to carry on. Thanks

I was on amitryptaline and couldn't get on with it but do know people who say it really helps them

I’ve been taking 30mg at night (about 3 hours before going to bed) I find it has really helped for sciatica, I started at 10mg, then 20mg then 30mg. Took me quite a few weeks to stop feeling sleepy in day no other side effects. Have been on it for 18 months

Thanks I have only done 5mg last 2 nights but going to 10 tonight as I'm desperate.
The pain is agonising.
Praying it works....how long till you got some relief?

Ps not that bothered at the moment as in too much pain but can you ever drink whilst on them?

No I didn't find it useful. I did have lyrica for a bit, that helped. But ultimately, spinal surgery has helped most.

Have you seen an osteopath? I suffered with sciatica for decades until I started regular sessions with an osteopath. Also acupuncture worked up to a point.

My Dh has had it for sciatica and found it very helpful for the pain (although he didn’t like the woozy feeling while on it). It did seem to calm things down. I hope it helps you.

I started on it about a 2 years ago and it the best thing ever. Still get a dry mouth even now but the "hung over dopey" feeling the next day is gone. Took about 4 - 6 weeks for that to pass but pain relief was within a week or so. I take it at about 5pm with my last meal as if it's too late I would still get the hung over effect.

I take 10mg and never needed to increase. I had to reduce hours at work to 12 a week but 2 months later but back up to 35 hours.

I would advise persevering for a few weeks

What haven't I tried? Osteopath, pilates, various pain killers, seen a consultant privately, had a root nerve block and literally nothing has helped.
Osteopath and pilates made it worse, couldn't do that now as the pain is too severe. Lucky if I get out of bed.
My scans show an issue so just got to find my next move but this is 6 months and no relief, I feel like my life is gone and don't like what I am.
Just took my amitriptyline..10mg tonite, bit scared as 5mg as made me zombie like but hoping the effect wears off.

I’m sorry to hear that OP. Sciatica is horrible.

Winky....I think surgery is where I'm heading tbh

It was about 3-4 weeks before noticing any difference. I was still taking painkillers during the day. Now I only occasionally need painkillers during the day although my mobility can be problematic. I think one of the reasons it improved a lot was because I can sleep so well on it which helped me to cope better when the pain was very bad. I was due an operation when lockdown first happened now I am seeing if I can manage without the op. (I have been told only 50 percent chance that the operation will help so odds are putting me off now that I am managing)

I've had surgery if it helps. Mine was a herniated discs at l5/s1 which then crushed my nerves and I got cauda equina

I think you need to stick with it for longer as it takes a while for it to be effective. Friend was started on 10mg a night and told to increase by 10mg weekly and told the effect would kick in around the third week or so. Problem eased with time and physio so withdrew by 10mg a week until stopped

Thanks everyone. I survived the night on the 10mg lol. Wasn't too bad, don't feel too woozy today.
The only painkiller that helps in the day is tramadol it takes the edge off but my doctor says no to it due to its addictive qualities etc. My oh keeps saying just take 1 but she's frightened me a bit.
Going to call my consultants secretary tomorrow and ask for urgent appt as the nerve block has def not worked, the agony of it....jesus. I swear you can't understand unless you've had it, my oh has been great bit I think sometimes he thinks come on best foot forward but I.literally can't. And I'm no baby. Just sick to death of it and don't like what I have become, it really upsets me. The weather is fab and just stuck in feeling sorry for myself.
I don't really want to have surgery as its a big operation but I will have to if these pills don't work. This summer was supposed to be great, both my kids moved out this year and whilst it was sad I was looking forward to a nice summer with my oh and I have spent 3 years being carer to my eldest son who was critically ill...I was looking forward so much to this time. And now I'm stuck like this.
Sorry to go on, just feel so low.

I had sciatica for five years, poorly managed by various GPs. After years on tramadol and amitriptyline i eventually got to see a consultant surgeon who instantly knew the cause and treatment needed, he got me on his list the next day! I had a spinal manipulation under GA, took six months but eventually my pain went and 15 years later I have remained pain free. It was a terrible five years of continuous pain. No sleep, unable to walk etc. I lost my job as I was self employed. The amitriptyline did help by building them up over time, I was a zombie but the pain was manageable so allowed me relief and more importantly sleep. I was scared of having the operation but so glad I did. I would continue taking the amitriptyline and build it up. side effects aren't great but it's the balance of suffering horrendous pain or dealing with side effects. Continue to explore options with yr consultant, it's no way to live. I do actually feel yr pain, it was a daily battle for me but I'm proof there is a solution

I literally feel your pain. I'm on amitriptyline and have a spinal block booked for September. I had it done before some 15yrs ago but I've got to have it done again before elective fusion surgery. My SI has caused unbearable pain for 30yrs. I've taken almost every pain med going. I'm currently on amitriptyline for a trapped nerve in my shoulder and naproxen and omeprazole for my back. Oh and sertraline. Meds seem to do absolutely nothing tbh. I'm also fuming about travelling 3hrs to the hospital for the block, GP offered transport (I can get there but not allowed to drive back) so I'm going to have to sleep in my car after. I'm 49 and have a tiny car.

Oh I mean GP offered transport and then said it wasn't available and I'd have to make my own way there - which I can do but am not allowed to drive back.

Free... thanks it gives me some hope. I just feel exhausted and emotional crying on and off all the time. Pain is a horrendous thing day after day, it wears you mentally and physically.
Old tin....sounds dreadful, can someone not help with transport? I too am 49 and it's young to be living like this. Its my 50th in couple weeks.. no chance 9f celebrating
I have taken a tramadol today despite doctors advice, it means I can at least get out if bed and attempt a quick shower. It doesn't kill the pain just takes the edge off.
I never knew something like this could be so horrendous. I get teary talking to anyone so my mum is going to call the secretary tomorrow and request an appt.
Everyday on your own in the house while my oh is at work becomes intolerable. Sounds ridiculous but everyone I see on TV ir anything I think well how come you can walk and do stuff and I can't.
I think my mindset is not great at the moment, but hearing ither people and writing on here helps.
So thanks.

I've always found Pilates and any exercise that involves arching my back on any way causes huge issues and can set me back months on healing. Physios and osteopaths have also given me hyper extension exercised and made things worse. I've learnt the hard way that unless people have full knowledge of my scans and understand what they're seeing then dont listen to them - my spine is basically misformed and doesn't work the same way they're used to.

Sorry typos!

I am 37 and have been suffering since September. Like you I tried everything; physio, osteopath, chiropractor, heat massage pad, tens machine ... I was on Naproxen, Codeine, Amitriptyline (didn’t help) then pregabalin which helped but turned me into a spaced out zombie. Finally got an MRI and it’s a prolapsed disc pressing on the nerve. I went to see a consultant and he booked me straight in for the op which is in a week. It’s awful pain, the sleepless nights just make it even more unbearable. Since I found out I was having the op my pain has reduced - maybe due to the relief of having an end in sight. I have stopped all my meds (as I am losing weight for the op) Stay strong, it will get better

Just to add the exercises given by the physio definitely made things worse

Does swimming help ..
I’m swimming but with my head up ,I’m wondering if this has set mine off again

Winky...I totally agree. Every person I have seen or spoken to says they can help...but they make it worse. Have spent hundreds on this. The worst was def pilates, one session and have been in double agony since. And she knew my issues. The consultant said he doubts that was it but it was.
Same with osteopath...really wish I hadn't done any of them but was genuinely trying to help myself and do as advised.