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Original poster

Amitriptyline for sciatica

19 replies

shivermytimbers · 22/08/2017 15:39

I've taken a first low dose of amitriptyline last night for painful sciatica. Today the pain is just as awful but I also feel like my head has been wrapped in cotton wool so not feeling very with it at all.
Has anyone had this treatment and how did it affect you? Did it take a while to start easing the pain?
Thanks!

OP posts:
newestbridearound · 22/08/2017 15:53

Never been on it for the same issue but I have taken it in the past for vulval pain and it did help to dull it- but it took a while to kick in, about 3 weeks I think. I remember feeling a bit woozy and not really with it for a few days initially which was annoying however it did pass thankfully! What dose are you starting on?

PersianCatLady · 22/08/2017 16:00

Has anyone had this treatment and how did it affect you? Did it take a while to start easing the pain?
I don't have any personal experience of it but a friend of mine takes it and at first she found that it "clogged her brain" but after a week or two she said that it started to make a real difference to her life because the pain didn't hurt so much.

Original poster
shivermytimbers · 22/08/2017 16:14

Glad to know the brain got might ease. I'm on 10mg rising to 40mg over 2 weeks

OP posts:
Original poster
shivermytimbers · 22/08/2017 16:14

Got = fog

OP posts:
newestbridearound · 22/08/2017 18:27

I started on 10 too and went up to 30. I had the option of increasing the dose again but didn't need to in the end. Hopefully the side effects will subside in the coming days- you could also try playing around with when you take it, I found that a few hours before bed worked best for me.

wobet · 22/08/2017 18:28

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PersianCatLady · 22/08/2017 18:40

I am surprised that you are upping the dose so quickly especially if side effects are bothering you.

LineysRun · 22/08/2017 18:55

I was on 5-10 mg to get some sleep - I take it an hour or two before bedtime and the effects do wear off quickly in the morning once I get up and make a coffee.

fruitofthenight · 22/08/2017 19:19

I've been on 50mg of amitriptyline for a year for sciatica. It made me drowsy and tired but it soon wore off. If its affecting you the morning after try taking it earlier the night before, my gp told me to take it around 8pm but I take it at 7 or else I'm drowsy the next morning. It's helped with my pain but doesn't take it all away I still need strong painkillers to go along side it

PaintingByNumbers · 22/08/2017 19:20

Try gabapentin, only thing that worked for me

LineysRun · 22/08/2017 19:20

I should say mine is prolapsed disc not sciatica btw.

lyrebird1 · 22/08/2017 20:27

If you find that you can't tolerate the side effects but it is effective after giving it a go for a while, there is a drug which works in a similar way, nortriptyline, which tends to have fewer side effects.

Original poster
shivermytimbers · 22/08/2017 20:38

Thanks everyone! I've taken my tablet earlier today to see if that works better. Think I'll just have to give it a few days and see how I go with the drowsiness. Hopefully the pain will start going soon Sad

OP posts:
LineysRun · 22/08/2017 20:40

Best of luck. Keep us updated. x

QueenNefertitty · 22/08/2017 20:41

Did sweet FA for exDP am afraid.

Pregabalin was helpful... Gabapentin has a similar effect I believe

Jedimum1 · 22/08/2017 20:48

I'm on it to prevent migraines and help with IBD. I started on 10mg and was told to increase 10mg per week. I have to have it at around 8-9pm if not earlier, as it makes me sleepy. Also makes me a bit "flat", not emotionless but it's like my emotions are just... Idk... Flat. I don't get stressed in the same way, I don't get sad or very moody, but I don't get the sudden joy or excitement either. My DH doesn't like it because I'm too chilled, as if I don't care about anything or feel any interest for anything. I'll see if by being aware of this, I can work with it. Some people have said it makes them out on weight but it honestly suppressed my appetite, so I'll keep an eye as well!

Dale1313 · 02/05/2020 11:04

I've been prescribed amitriptyline for sciatica but reading the pamphlet which comes with it, it just talks about it being an anti depressant.
Any thoughts?

Shelanagig · 03/05/2020 12:14

I'm on amitriptyline for nerve pain in my arm caused by disc damage. Can't say I've noticed any particular wooziness but take it at bedtime. I't been helping I think. After a couple of weeks, the pain is definitely decreasing. Good luck OP, I've had sciatica in the past. It's not lots of fun.

Hint to the young - your spine is not invulnerable. Be careful how you lift and what you do.

Realitea · 03/05/2020 13:23

Hi OP, I’ve been on amitriptyline for years now and can’t go over 10mg as I’ll get the feeling you describe. If I take it too late at night I also get it. I found taking it around 8pm is best. It can make you have a dry mouth too.
It takes a couple of weeks to start working. Hope it helps you

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