Advised by GP to try amitryptline for persistent headaches

33 replies

maimeo · 19/08/2024 09:48

Been attending GP over last four months about persistent headaches, lasting two/three days at a time. Left sided top of head. Unlike my rare migraines which always begin with an aura - different pain and as I say occasional. Thankfully CT brain and MRI neck have ruled out anything serious. Have tried diet changes and extra water too. She now says next step is prophylactic amitryptline every day. Have been referred to Headache Clinic but public waiting list nearly a year. I'm extremely nervous of taking amit for a number of reasons - the sleepiness the morning after, possible heart implications, weight gain when I'm working hard to lose weight at present, etc. AIBU to keep putting off starting it despite headaches since Friday rendering me unable to concentrate on anything. Would love to hear other posters' experiences

OP posts:

IntrepidCat · 19/08/2024 10:38

You should quickly adjust to such a low dose and might not even notice any side effects.

I suffer from regular headaches and also found regular massages really helped.

parkrun500club · 19/08/2024 10:38

One of my relatives takes it for nerve pain. She is really thin - I don't think there are any concerns about weight gain. Her heart is fine as well, she had an operation earlier this year and they were surprised how good her heart was for her age (80s).

The one thing I would say is be careful with the dosage if you drive. It definitely made her a bit spaced out so she needed to reduce the dosage but it still works for her.

Original poster

maimeo · 19/08/2024 10:36

And do you take a glass of wine with dinner after taking it early evening? Going on holidays next week and wonder should I abstain from alcohol?

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Original poster

maimeo · 19/08/2024 10:34

@GeorgeTheFirst @toomuchlikemyusername I've been prescribed starting dose of 10 mg. Did it work for you guys at that dosage or do you take higher? Thanks all for replies

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Vnector · 19/08/2024 10:13

I think you need to weigh up the reality of what you are experiencing with the headaches vs the possible and not guaranteed side effects. Dh also took it for migraine prevention and had none of the symptoms of side effects. You can always try taking it in the evening to see if you are affected by it at all and then take yourself off to bed and see how you feel in the morning. You could try it over the weekend so it doesn't interfere with your work if you are worried.

But I would at least give it a chance to see how I do on it, it could completely remove the headaches, why would you not risk that?

I take a pain medication that leaves me feeling completely doped up, I still take it though because I would rather that than the severe pain it is prescribed for.

Shibr · 19/08/2024 10:12

I have taken it for back pain. I wasn’t aware there were any weight gain side effects and I didn’t have any. Didn’t feel sleepy the morning after, just very rested and fresh. They advise you to take it 12hrs before you wake up, I used to take it around 1800 and wake at 0600 with no issues.

toomuchlikemyusername · 19/08/2024 10:07

I've been using it for about 2 years for similar reasons. Has helped reduce the intensity of the headaches. Not gone completely but now much more manageable with normal pain relief. I sleep better but have no noticeable morning issues. I try to take my tablets at around 6pm.

GeorgeTheFirst · 19/08/2024 09:56

I take it for that reason and I love it. Massive difference to the headaches. No morning sleepiness for me

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