Prescribed AD meds but not depressed

[BananaLamah]

I’m suffering with muscular pain and twitching. The doctor is suggesting duloxetine or venlafaxine. But I’m not depressed or anxious? I’m worried about the effects of taking antidepressants when I’m not depressed.

I was prescribed venlefaxine to go with my HRT to help hot flushes. I declined. You can decline if you want.

AD meds can be relaxants.

I take a drug used for treating epilepsy for my spinal issues because it's also a nerve blocker. The same drug is used on cats and dogs as a pre med drug.

Viagra was created for heart issues originally.

I hope your meds work for your particular health issues.

I did decline. But then basically they’re saying if I don’t take the ADs they can’t offer me any other treatment for my pain and twitching. If I complain about the pain they just shrug and say “well you won’t take the duloxetine so we can’t help you”.

Sorry that might have been a bit abrupt. I'm in hospital and feel like crap. My apologies OP. I agree with pp and hope you get the right answer for you.

"About duloxetine - NHS" https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/duloxetine/about-duloxetine/

It's used in the treatment of nerve pain.

I’m in a similar situation and have been prescribed amitriptyline which I’m reluctant to take. Now I feel I can’t ask for any pain support unless I try the drug.

A few antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat nerve pain. They are generally effective at faiy low doses.

Personally, I wouldn't take either of those medications without a really good reason. They both have intense side effects and can cause major withdrawal symptoms if you quit cold turkey.

Venlafaxine is similar to tramadol so I can see the logic. But tramadol is very strong and not easy to quit either.

In your position, I'd probably just lie and said I took it but didn't get on with it and ask for an alternative. Or see another GP.

I'm on a much lower dose for my nerve pain than an epileptic would require. But I haven't had an agonising spasm since I started taking them.

I've never had to take amitriptyline because the Gabapentin works.

Duloxetine is also prescribed for the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, OP, not just for anxiety and depression.
Is this what you have?

They aren't just for depression. It's kind of unfortunate that they are called antidepressants as people then feel reluctant if they aren't depressed. But they are used for other things

Had they been called 'anti tremor and joint pain medication' you would have probably happy accepted them

They may have severe side effects. They also may have very mild side effects or none at all

OP I would give it a go. For my friend Sertraline an anti depressant completely got rid of de habilitating migraines after trying everything else. You won’t know unless you give it a try.

As the other poster said ignore the labels as medication often works in different ways which can work for other things.

I was prescribed an AD for awful muscle pains and it worked brilliantly. I had struggled for months with symmetrical pains in my long muscles, thought it was something really scary, turns out it was some form of anxiety.

I was prescribed amitriptyline for nerve pain and it’s been a wonder. I’m not at all depressed and the only effect I’ve noticed is the lovely lack of twitching and burning pain.

Yeah I know they have severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Hence my reluctance. I’m poorly enough already without developing more issues. I’m having panic attacks about the symptoms so the last thing I need is more symptoms.

No I’m not diabetic. I have unexplained burning, aching and twitching. They can’t find a cause.

@OvO that sounds like what I have! Did they ever get to the bottom of it?

@CrikeyMajikey that’s interesting. I keep saying anxiety can’t possibly cause muscle pains that last for months. I also keep thinking it’s something scary.

Unexplained burning aching and twitching is often nerve pain.

Duloxetine, amytriptyline and similar are prescribed (in smaller doses than when used as anti depressants) for nerve pain,

I'm on duloxetine following an accident that left me with severe nerve pain in my leg.

The whole thing has got me on rock bottom. There’s just no reason I would have nerve pain all of a sudden.

Hi OP. I took amitriptyline for what sounds similar to u. Originally tgere was a suggestion tgst I had lupus but years later they gave have to the conclusion thst it is fibromyalgia = widespread body pain. I have the burning and pain but not twitching. Im now on Pregablin. Hope u get some relief.

I like u have no incident that could have caused this. I have read that trauma can cause such things- yes had that as a teen.

Im on an anti epileptic medication for tremor, I dont have epilepsy.

I wouldnt cut my nose off to spite my face to be honest if I were you OP, take the medication prescribed for your condition and see how you get on. You'll have a review in any case

' did decline. But then basically they’re saying if I don’t take the ADs they can’t offer me any other treatment for my pain and twitching. If I complain about the pain they just shrug and say “well you won’t take the duloxetine so we can’t help you”. '

What other treatment were you hoping to be offered? Because if you just want a pain killer then most painkillers aside of just paracetamol and ibuprofen also have issues with dependence and side effects and are in fact not proven to work for chronic pain

The only other realistic treatment I can think of is pregabalin but that also has dependence and side effect issues

Honestly the duloxetine or low dose amitriptyline is a very good and least side effect causing treatment for what you are describing