Amitriptyline

[Podqkh]

I've been advised by my gp to stop taking my usual 4x daily codeine and start taking 2 Amitriptyline per night for pain relief of my spinal condition.

Can anyone that has tried this please advise , did it help you and what were the side effects etc. I'm worried about taking ADs as I was on them about 20 years ago and they just made me want to sleep all day.

Thanks.

[AdditionalCharacter]

I've been taking it for just over a year. The first two weeks were awful, I was extremely tired and barely functioned. Have been fine since, allows me to sleep. I used to be a very light sleeper, but now I sleep like a log.

I'm on 50mg, started off on 10mg, and increased as per GP orders.

[TinselTitsAndGlitteryBits]

Your GP sounds rubbish unfortunately. So many of them are when it comes to chronic pain and pain relief.

It took me 6 years to get my condition diagnosed (which I only got by moving surgeries, where they still tried to fob me off at first), at which time two of my joints had deteriorated to the point of no return - and I'm now waiting for joint replacement surgery (for 2 out of 5 joints.)
I am in my early 30s.

What dose of codeine are you on? Does it help?Did she say why she wanted you to reduce it? Have you got a hospital consultant?
I find that the GPs tend to just want to get everyone off the opioids to get their numbers down - that's why they shove people onto ADs and nerve meds.

Amitriptyline only helped me with sleep, I was still out cold in the morning (like the hangover grogginess) and really struggled to get going, I also couldn't drive.

I just kept going back to my consultant telling him how much pain I was in, we trialled tons of meds before we got to SR morphine, oramorph for BT pain and paracetamol, plus duloxetine (another AD) before bed.
It works, enough for me to get about day to day anyway.

I'd ring the surgery again and ask for an appointment with another Dr, just get them to explain. If the amitriptyline isn't working, they'll have to change the med - but you are going to need to kick up a bit fuss, unfortunately.

Wish you well

[Coroico97]

I have been taking 20mg of Amitryptiline at night as prescribed for terrible pain due to bulging disc. Am having operation in a month (discectomy). Cannot stand straight or sleep. Have been taking it for 1.5 weeks and no improvement in pain levels. Hoping it will kick in soon? Terrible leg and lower back pain at night and can only lie on one side. Paracetamol and ibuprofen do nothing. Not sure how I am going to get through the month.

[Podqkh]

I started taking it the evening of my op and I'm feeling a little brighter today. My sleep is better , and whilst the pain is still very much there , I'm feeling like my codeine is kicking in quicker and working for just slightly longer.

Hopefully this is a good sign.

[IamEarthymama]

I have neuropathic pain in my hip and what I have found difficult is the pattern of taking pain relief.
I want someone to tell me!!

I think I might ask the pharmacist for a review as she was so sympathetic when I spoke to her.
On reflection though my GP was a little silky after a pharmacy review a few years ago!! ☺️

I am very lucky in that my condition has been recognised and pain medication given.

I am struggling with the fact that it will be ongoing for the next how ever many tests, perhaps forever.
Maybe the Pain Clinic is the way forward, I will ask Physiotherapy to refer me.

Blessings to everyone in pain 🌺

[IamEarthymama]

Sulky, Sulky NOT Silky!
Though she does have a lovely voice, belying Welsh accent!! 😉☺️

[IamEarthymama]

Autocorrect hates me!

[BeyondMyWits]

I found my sleep on ami was deep but not refreshing... so I would sleep painlessly, but wake up tired.

[Coroico97]

I’ve been taking 20mg for two weeks now. Still bent over and hobbling with pain. Not sure how much longer to give it before going back to the doctor. Sleep is a bit better though. Good luck to everyone for a good night’s rest!

[Ibizafun]

Helped me but was totally constipated on them.

[ammiee]

I was amitriptyline for a couple of years I personally found it awful to get used too and as soon as I adjusted they upped my dose to wean me on. I have fibromyalgia and I've gotta admit it helped so much more than pain killers did.

[Worrysaboutalot]

I am weaning myself off Amitriptyline in my consultants orders. As I was so tired and he said they can surpress your breathing overnight!

Which meant that whilst I was sleeping more, I was not getting good sleep.

[caringcarer]

I was prescribed amitriptyline for chronic back pain. I had to start on 10, then after 5 days 20, then after 2 further weeks 30. They made me sleepy and I have had weird dreams since taking them. Downside I am thirsty all the time and have a funny taste in my mouth. After a few months I needed to take 40 to get same relief I got from taking 30 previously. Not sure if back arthritis worse or becoming used to drug. Been on them now over a year. Back gradually getting worse but not sure how much pain I would be in without meds.