Amitriptyline and (sorry) pee

[Hannibalism]

Thank God for the anonymity of the internet...

Started 10mg amitriptyline as a migraine preventative last week and I'm aware that difficulty peeing can be a side effect. But has anyone found that it isn't so much 'difficulty' as a constant feeling of needing to go? By the time I've washed my hands, I already feel like I could go again! And I don't need to, I've tried and there's nothing left to come out but the urge is there.

I've been back and forth to the GP so many times over the last couple of months I really don't want to trek down there again but if it's more likely to be a UTI (I've somehow only ever had one so not overly familiar with what is/isn't more likely to be one) I'll have to, won't I 😭

That’s not a side effect I have. Do you typically sleep through the night or are you waking for a wee? If the latter, I’d be more inclined to suspect a UTI because they prescribe it (or did) to stop children wetting the bed. Therefore, your body emptying the bladder before sleep could be related to the meds.

Not waking anymore than usual in the night (once but I always have)

I’d second this. Have been on a 20mg dose for nerve pain for 3 years - never experienced anything like that!

I’ve been on 75mg a night for 5/6 years now and I’ve never noticed the urge to wee more….

Can’t you just hand a sample in ?

I’m on 30mg and I’ve noticed I feel like I need to wee but don’t get the urge as such.

I never had that. I was taking it for recurring UTIs, and the urge to pee definitely went away after taking them.

I already have a hypersensitive bladder and amitriptyline made that so much worse, even on 10mg. Constantly needing a wee due to difficulty voiding fully. Sometimes it would only be a few drops but it felt like so much more.

Thanks all, I'll do an e-consult form tomorrow and see what they say...considered trying the pharmacy as I know they can prescribe for UTI but being on the amitriptyline as well maybe it's better to get the GP's opinion

I take it for interstitial cystitis and it stops the constant need to go (overactive bladder not caused by an infection). But as it causes urinary retention as a side effect, perhaps you're not emptying out properly?

Retention of urine is a known side effect of Amitriptyline, Not everyone experiences it of course but it sounds as though you do. Do be careful.

I had to stop taking it because it affected my bladder.

It's a kidney infection 😞 woke up this morning with constant flank pain so back to the GP I went...leukocytes, blood, nitrites, and protein in a sample so ticking all the bad boxes. Having a horrendous few months health-wise!

GP spoke to her supervisor who thinks it's likely just bad luck rather than connected to the amitriptyline so staying on it for now and a week of antibiotics.