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Original poster

Amitriptyline

68 replies

Jellyjumpers · 22/10/2018 23:25

I have been prescribed amitriptyline for nerve pain from sciatica and endometriosis. I am hoping this will help to stop me being awake at night with pain.

From previously taking this I remember it is sedating but wondered how long it is likely to take to get used to a 10 mg dose.

OP posts:
Jack65 · 22/10/2018 23:29

It's accumulative, so around 2 weeks. It's good for pain, and safe.

Over50andfab · 22/10/2018 23:34

What do you mean by get used to? I started on 10mg and had sporadic dizzy spells for up to a week. After about 3 weeks I upped the dose gradually to 30mg with at least 2 weeks between changes.

It is supposed to be sedating (best taken a few hrs before bedtime) but other than the first day when I had a very unaccustomed nap mid afternoon before taking it the night before I haven’t noticed a difference in that I still wake up in the night.

Ledkr · 22/10/2018 23:36

I take 5m and it helps me sleep 😴

QOD · 22/10/2018 23:39

My consultant said to take it 12 hours before you intend to get up

Olderbyaminute · 22/10/2018 23:40

I’ve been on that Rx for her 25+years-it still makes me very drowsy but it’s a much higher dose than yours. It probably took me eight weeks to adjust but I always take it a night for bladder issues.

Over50andfab · 22/10/2018 23:47

That’s interesting Olderbyaminute I started taking mine for neuropathy but found it also helped the bladder frequency I was getting due to fibroids

Starleaf · 23/10/2018 00:09

I take 50mg Amitriptyline for TN pain. Started on 10mg and increased gradually.
I try and take it at about 9pm, then doesn't leave me as drowsy next morning.
Have been taking it since beginning of this year, and has really helped with the pain until recently.
Think I'll have to go back to GP though as I've been experiencing break through pain recently.
A side effect I've had is an extremely dry mouth, but that's preferable to the pain.
I started to notice a difference once my dose was increased after 4 days.

Armchairanarchist · 23/10/2018 00:25

I take 50mg to help me sleep.

Millie2008 · 23/10/2018 00:32

I take 10mg for migraines and find it useful. The drowsiness wore off after a few weeks of taking it.

Olderbyaminute · 23/10/2018 01:15

Yes i have interstitial cystitis and if I didn’t have the Rx I’d be going 4-5 times a night

MrsRubyMonday · 23/10/2018 02:01

I took it for nerve pain, I was on 20mg, but even after six weeks the side effects were so bad i had to stop taking it. It unsettled my depression, I was lying on the sofa crying at TV adverts. Mam took me to the Dr who said to come off them. Shame because it helped the pain a lot.

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 23/10/2018 14:13

Thanks my concern is I get up at 5:45 for work so wondered if I would be ok for Monday.

OP posts:
IdahoCrow · 23/10/2018 14:18

I think you need to take it early evening in that case, OP. I'd take it 12 hours prior to getting up as pp suggested.

Mamaryllis · 23/10/2018 14:23

dd takes 50mg before bed as a sleep aid (OCD) she didn’t have any issues with drowsiness during the daytime even in the early stages.

SubtitlesOn · 23/10/2018 15:01

I take it each night but I need to take it once I am settled in bed ready for sleep cos otherwise I don't stay asleep all night

IWantMyHatBack · 23/10/2018 15:06

I take 10mg at 7pm each night, and I'm fine getting to at 6:30am most days. It takes a few days to get used to it, so you should be fine.

It's amazing. I did find that the first time I took it I didn't get on with it at all, but I was on a lot of other medication at the time. I just take ami now and no problems at all and I sleep so well

wineandsunshine · 23/10/2018 18:34

I take 30MG for headaches and it's been brilliant. I take it around 7pm so I know when I get up for work I won't feel groggy.

My side effects are a slightly raised heart rate and dry mouth but I will take that over the head pain I had any day!!

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 23/10/2018 18:42

Thanks I will try taking at 7 this week and see how I get on. I feel apprehensive about starting taking this but need something fit inconsistent and sciatica pain.

OP posts:
Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 23/10/2018 19:33

I have just taken a tablet at 7. How long does it take to feel sleepy? Are there any other side affects I should he aware of. Is rate gain inevitable?

OP posts:
wineandsunshine · 23/10/2018 19:40

I usually feel tired a couple of hours after and sleep really well on it!

Good luck and I hope it helps with your pain 

milkjetmum · 23/10/2018 19:43

I used to take it when I got home from work but still felt groggy until 10 ish most days. But worked a treat for my headaches and gave me amazing dreams!

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 23/10/2018 19:52

I will let you know how I get on. I hope I get amazing dreams with it. I will perhaps try changing my work hours next week to be able to he in a bit later.

OP posts:
rookiemere · 23/10/2018 19:56

I had it for a while for shoulder nerve issues and loved it. Was on the lowest dose and found that I'd fall asleep within about 20 mins of taking it and get a good 8 hrs rest.

SubtitlesOn · 23/10/2018 20:38

Also if you do wake up just do "mindful" breathing to relax yourself again and you will fall asleep again

It might not work straight away for 1st few nights so don't worry, it might do and might not

Good luck

Original poster
Jellyjumpers · 23/10/2018 21:46

Thanks I have been dozing on and off since taking this. Its good to know it has worked for others.

OP posts: