Anyone taking Amitriptyline for pain?

[milliways]

I was started on 20mg last week (trapped nerve) & told GP yesterday that it was not working. He asked if it was making me tired at all - No - so told to double the dose.

Eek! Last night I was up feeling terribly sick, but not actually sick. This morning I lasted about 5 mins before having to clutch worktop to keep upright. Not been this nauseous since Morning Sickness! Felt like came down from Planet Zog!

Anyway, my GP off today, but another advised to go back to 20mg + take diclofenac (was on before) until the Amitriptyline kicks in.

How long does it take to feel a benefit? Does it really work for trapped nerves (DID work for me years ago with neuralgia), and can you get addicted to such a low dose?

Thanks

yes, they really do work for nerve pain.

Lots of people used to phone us in med info, because they read the pack insert, and found that depression was listed and not pain relief. But it is a well known and accepted 'off licence' use.

used a lot in terminal care when there can be a lot of nerve pain.

Thanks, do you know how long before I should feel a benefit?

Off hand, I can't remember and I used to work on a different tryclclic.

Probably a few days before you get up to therapeutic levels.

I'll have a quick google

Our patients sometimes take it for neurological pain, but it can make you drowsy / woosy.

Steady state levels are reached between 3-8 days. (there is variability in the anount cleared from person to person).

I would imagine that you need to wait at least 3 days before you could expect to see an effect.....but I'm not a doc!

People taking tricylcics often feel drowsy (this is why they tell you to avoid alcohol at the same time). It is a very common side effect. But people do get to tolerate it after a while, and the tiredness can pass, once you get 'used to' the drug.

Thanks! I took for 4 days before saying no joy - t'was probably a bit too soon.

A bit scary about how a small increase can knock you right out! if 40mg does that, how do people taking 250mg cope????

I tried it for pain but gave up after a few days because it made me unable to get out of bed in the morning! I now live for my diclofenac suppositories - if your trapped nerve is low down then it may be worth using the suppositories rather than tablets as they really are the bees knees.

It's in my hip.
The thought of suppositories is not pleasant either

Do you just use one a day?

No the thought is not pleasant but believe me when it's the only thing that takes the edge off your pain you deal with the squeamishness! I actually do two one day (moning and night), one the next (morning) - this is so I can take the absolute maximum dose but most people would be prescibed one a day at night. Seriously, discuss it with your GP because the difference between taking diclofenac in tablet v. suppository is amazing (my pain is in the pelvis/hips so similar area). It's also better for your stomach as long term use of diclofenac tablets can really play havoc with your guts. I know the thought is horrid, believe me I tried loads of drugs before accepting maybe my consultant knew what he was talking about, but it's so easy really and the benefit is huge.