Amitriptyline 10mg to 25mg

[Twigaletta]

I'm on amitriptyline for migraines although I know it is predominantly used for an antidepressant (hence posting in this topic).

10mg no longer prevents my migraines so I now take 25mg. I used to be prescribed 84 x 10mg (so 3 months worth). Since starting 25mg I've been told by the doctor they're not 'allowed' to give me 3 months worth.

Apart from the cost, the inconvenience and the current Covid risk of getting a prescription filled every 2 months instead of 3 months, what I'm most frustrated by is not understanding why they aren't 'allowed' to give me 3 months of 25mg when they've happily given me 3 months of 10mg for a couple of years. Is it to do with the overdose risk? Because I'm taking them for migraines not depression I assume common sense would prevail.

I don't really get that either, I'm supposed to be on 30mg a day and they give me 3 months worth no questions asked. Doesn't sound right to me.

I'm also on 10mg for migraines. I'm only allowed 2 months each time. Frustrating but they seem to be extra cautious with all meds these days.

Because they are dangerous. They are one of the most lethal ADs to overdose on and they act quickly. If you had say 3 months worth, took them all and went to bed there would likely be no saving you.

I take them for depression and had to have a psychiatrist sign off on them as my GP is not allowed to prescribe them about a certain dosage and I'm only allowed a month at a time due to the overdose risk. They aren't commonly prescribed for depression anymore.

You don't have to be depressed to pose a risk. What if you had a visiting child take them? They're bright yellow after all. Plus they dont know whether you are depressed or not. They are there to save lives not money.

On an aside, why on earth are you paying for each prescription individually? Would it not be cheaper to buy a prepay certificate?

@FullofSurprises

I don't really get that either, I'm supposed to be on 30mg a day and they give me 3 months worth no questions asked. Doesn't sound right to me.

Exactly! It's the inconsistency!

@HundredMilesAnHour 's post shows a lower dose is being given but only every 2 months.

I get you can OD on them but I could OD on Nurofen Plus or cocodamol if I fancied a day out doing the rounds of my local pharmacies.

I have no history of MH issues and have successfully been managing my 3 month meds for a couple of years. I keep my medicines away from my children but that's just common sense. They can reach the actual sweetie jar but never take anything without permission.

I've done the maths and a prepay certificate is more expensive because I'm literally only on this for my migraines.

This short thread shows me there isn't really a definite law/policy/strict guidelines because the first 2 posts prove that. I'll bring it up next time I see a doctor.

I take 10mg and I can only get 2 months at a time. The GP sends my prescription direct to the chemist. So it's only one journey.

Of course you could but nurofen plus doesn't carry a black box warning. You are significantly less likely to die from a nurofen overdose.

Mine are white.

I can only get two months worth too. I switched from 10g to 25g due to extreme stress in my job. I thought it would be too much but my body has adjusted better than I thought. Get a decent nights sleep but can’t be bothered getting up sometimes as drowsy. I am normally an early bird awake at 5:55am every morning. Not getting up until 8or 9 am at present. Not back at work.