Fluoxetine and amitryptyline together?

[galaxyguardian]

This isn't in relation to me, but for DP.

He is on the highest dose of fluoxetine. As he only sleeps 3 hours a night and the insomnia has gone on for many months, his GP has prescribed amitryptyline as a sedative.

This is introducing another anti-depressant, though, and alarm bells are ringing for me. (I do feel due to other instances of advice given that his GP doesn't understand mental health and just keeps throwing drugs at him, but I could be wrong!)

Anyone have any advice or experiences on whether this combination is advisable or safe?! DP hasn't started taking it yet.

It’s not unknown to be on more than 1 anti depressant (me, for example). I take it the amitryptaline is a low dose? I’d question whether it’s the fluoxetine that’s causing the insomnia. I find all SSRIs stop me sleeping! Amitryptaline is a bit old school...there are less dangerous drugs such as mirtazapine that have a sedating effect. Is there any chance your DH could get a referral to a psychiatrist to review his medication?

I'm on 2 antidepressants for long term depression.

I take vanlafaxine now, but until a year ago it was sertraline, along with amitryptaline, partly as a painkiller for nerve damage in my feet but also as a sedative for my sleep.

I've been on both, prescribed by a psychiatrist, for 5 years and they work really well. I hope your dh feels better on them too.

Thank you @dangermouseisace and @weegiemum for sharing your experiences.

I agree that the fluoxetine might be causing the insomnia, but it's keeping him stable so it's difficult to just stop taking it...

He tried mirtrazine (sp?) but it didn't work.

Good idea about a psychiatrist reviewing the meds. We have been waiting since December for a psychiatrist to see him

Perhaps once he's finished his CBT, that might trigger a psychiatric assessment actually happening. Here's hoping!