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Global Patient Feedback for Elavil (Amitriptyline) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been on Amitryptyline along with Neurotin to help with my fibromyalgia. Lately, I have had much itching around my feet, ankles, and hands. I stopped taking the Ami, but continued with the Neurotin. I have had no itching. Has anyone else experienced this? This same thing happened when I was on Vicodin. The Dr. said that I had an allergic reaction to the Vicodin. I'm thinking that I may have an allergy to Ami. I will be contacting my Dr. soon.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-26 18:19:12
Answer/Reply:
I been taking amitriptline at night (150mg) for 2 years.To help me sleep. For Fibromyalgia it made me so groggy in the morning, it to so much engery to move and talk it. I stopped taking it on my own and never had any bad side affects. Now i have a new doc and she lowered amitripline to 100 and now im taking gabapentin 300mg x3 daily. I was on vaction and didn't do much when i first took it and it was great. i was able to go up and down the stairs like a normal person. I live on2nd story apt so i'm always going so slow up the stairs it feels like i have cement shoes on. i was soo excited that something worked after 2 years of suffering. but I went to work the next week and now the meds didn't work. I been going back every 2 weeks to get the dosage upped. I just hope i find a good dosage that will work. I also am shaking in my fingers. Like twitching. I also seem like I can't remember stuff, it's kinda werid
26 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-14 21:06:51
Question/Comment:
My doctor prescribed me Amitriptyline for my migraine. The first pill I took before going to bed mad me sleepy and drowsy for 3 days with bad pain in the chest ( like someone hit me hard on my heart). My heart went from beating fast to so slow that my husband could not feel the pulse. I also felt nausea... On the fourth day I tried half pill the drowsiness almost gone but the pain in my heart was worse. The doctor immediately told me to stop.
sue
44 years old female
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-19 22:59:23
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking amitriptyline for 15 years. I take 150 mg. I wish it would put me to sleep. I've been taking this drug to help with my fibromyalgia. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-28 10:53:03
Question/Comment:
I took Elavil earlier this year for insomnia. I have RSD/CRPS so insomnia is always knocking on my door. We started with 10 mg and the effect was great for 2 weeks. We upped the dose to 25 mg and it was very effective again. I checked my blood pressure one day and my pulse was racing. I started monitoring my pulse, my resting pulse was normally 60-80 beats per minute (bpm). My pulse was now 75-112 bpm and this was the resting pulse.
I went to see my doctor with two weeks of BPs and pulses (at least 3 times a day). We were able to pinpoint the Elavil as the cause, since it was the only changes in my medication. I took 4 days of the 10mg tablets to wean off and my doctor also gave me Toprol to slow down my pulse. I took it for two months.
If you take this medication, which works well, please monitor your BP and pulse for several days after taking it and periodicly check it. I normally monitor my blood pressure after any medication change, but I got lazy. Now, this has served as a reminder that I must never let it happen again.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-01 13:50:33
Answer/Reply:
I took toprol too and had severe balance problems and fell several times while taking it so this maybe something for you to watch also.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-17 12:03:20
Question/Comment:
I've been on amitrip since 2001 when it was prescribed to me for arthritis pain along with Vioxx. Later, when Vioxx was taken off the market, I was scared to death the pain would return. I was delighted to discover that the ami alone kept the pain at bay. After I began to have nighttime hallucinations (!), I cut back from 50mg to 25, and they went away. But several years ago, I had a number of urinary tract infections doctors could find no cause for. I finally figured out myself that urinary retention, an ami side effect, was responsible. Now I take 12.5mg, which still keeps the pain tolerable with no more UTIs. Now I realize that starting out with a low dose of ami would have worked - and the worst side effects would have been avoided.
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-31 13:29:17
Question/Comment:
i am a 53 yr old female and i have been taking 50 mg of elivil a night , for the stabbing pains in my foot caused by my diabeties. and my insomnia i also take depression meds but have since gotten off of this when my doc told me elivil was an antidepressent which he approved , i too have occasional ringing in my ears but not enough to worry me. all in all i like the drug. and since my heart bypasses my heart doctor agrees. good luck all
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-28 04:23:01
Question/Comment:
I have been on Amitriptyline HCl for three months. I've noticed that it exacerbates the problems I've had with leg cramps due to its drying property. Also, I seem to have developed a side-effect that no one has mentioned: About a month after I started taking this drug, I developed a disturbing "ringing" sound in my ears. More specifically, it's a very high-pitched sound (like frogs in a swamp or locusts) - it's irritating to me, but the improvement in sleep and reduction of headaches has, so far, been such a blessing that I've been able to ignore the peculiar neurologic side effect. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this experience.
61 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-12 11:35:20
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There have been no reports of ringing in the ears by iGuard members taking Amitriptyline. There have been a few reports of ringing in the ears in the medical literature. Since there may be other things causing the ringing in your ears, please make an appointment with your physician to make sure there is not another condition causing your symptoms.
Posted: 2009-07-13 18:57:12
Answer/Reply:
Hello. I have been taking Amitriptyline for three years now to treat fibromyalgia induced insomnia and pain. I have had great success with the medication, and I am on a relatively low dose (50 mg a day). Problem I have is if I try to stop taking this medication (because I was just prescribed Lyrica also) I have serious withdraw. I can't sleep without the medication which leads to emotional unstability. My doctor has decided that since I am on such a low dose that I should continue to take the medication along with the Lyrica. He is closely monitoring me. I have had no additional sleepiness from combining the medications (so far). I do also experience ringing in the ears, but I never thought it could be from the Amitriptyline. Is this something I need to worry about?? It happens every few days or so and lasts only a short time.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-23 16:42:32
Answer/Reply:
I take Amitriptyline HCI 75mg, have been for about 2 1/2 years now and have the same "ringing" sound you are describing. I had it before I started on amitriptyline, but I hear it constantly anymore. If you find anything else about a connection post it. It can really drive you crazy on quite nights. I have to keep a fan running at night (everynight) or the noise can get deafening.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-17 05:47:12
Question/Comment:
I have been taking amitriptylin (50mg 2 hrs before bedtime), for 12 years. Does anyone know if this dosage can be split, 25mg am and 25 mg at bedtime?
Was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea two years ago and just, in the last week, have had two to three episodes and wake up with several symtoms, which takes me about 50 to 45 minutes to get rid of.
Could my age and the 50 mg at night start sleep apnea episodes. They are no fun.
Diddy
75 Years Old
75 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-04 20:16:11
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Amitriptyline can be split into multiple doses in the day. It's a good idea to review this regimen with your doctor to make sure that splitting into two doses is appropriate for the condition you have. Taking amitriptyline in the morning may increase your drowsiness during the day though. It is not advisable to drive or do anything that requires you to be alert until you see how it affects you during the day. Also, you should not change anything in your medication regimen without talking to your physician first.
Your age can contribute to the onset of sleep apnea. Amitriptyline does not have reports of causing sleep apnea. However, it can cause rebound insomnia and vivid dreams, which can cause sleep disturbances. Make an appointment to discuss your changing sleep habits and your concerns as soon as possible.
Posted: 2009-07-07 01:45:47
Answer/Reply:
yes, a minimal dose of 10 mg is what I'm currently on & I split it to lower any interactions with my Synthroid Medication. And even at this low dose grogginess, weakness & memory are an issue! I am definitely considering telling my Dr. to forget it. The so called benefits for my Stomach issues haven't been seen yet!
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-10 16:30:55
Answer/Reply:
Yes, you can split them, only taking half in the morning would probably put you to sleep.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-01 13:18:59
Question/Comment:
I've been taking Elavil for nearly 3 years now. The first few days it did make me sleepy all day. After that, no problem. I do notice that I really do have to have 8 to 10 hours to devote to sleep, or at least not have to be totally alert. I dream about the same as I always did. The difference is a good night's sleep all but one or two nights a month. What a difference! I agree that taking it an hour before bed is far better than 1/2 hour. I also note that I sleep better if I wait for the drug to take effect instead of going to bed right away. I also have Restless Legs Syndrome, and it has done nothing for that. I take Melatonin and B-6 for the RLS, and that works wonders without interfereing with the Elavil. As far as I am concerned, this comes close to being a wonder drug.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-04 06:36:33
Question/Comment:
I have a memory disorder, so I couldn't tell you how long I've been on Elavil/Amit. I would say it's been about a year, I think. I, too, have experienced some quite embarassing side effects. I was afraid to tell anyone about them until I read the posts on here. I've had strange smell and taste sensations since starting this drug. My thirst has increased unbelievably. I drink a case of bottled water a week. I don't scream out or talk in my sleep, but I make motions that wake me. Such as eating; moving hand to mouth, or drinking. I have gained weight, not significant weight, but enough. Like others, I experience groginess until late afternoon/early evening. I will utilize the one suggestion and try taking it earlier than right before bed (10pm). A new script for me also is METFORMIN. I've always had vivid dreams, but since the taking of these two drugs my dream state has become so vivid it's difficult for me to know what is dream and what is real. You all are the only ones I've shared this with. I know I should tell my PCP, but I'm just afraid of appearing crazy.
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-06 19:00:21
Answer/Reply:
i had a minor stroke in january of 1997 when i was 36 years old. i have an AVM which was i told i was born with. after going from doctor to doctor, i was told my headaches and migraines were in my head or stress. no tests were taken but that's all i was ever told. i was even put in a mental health unit for depression but it was my brain that was swelling. if they had the brains to take a Cat scan, they would of known what to do next. in december of 1997, my daugther was killed in a car accident and she was 19 years old. i have been depressed on and off since then. i was given amitriptyline after but i couldn't take it anymore than a couple of days. i was either crying all the time or ready kill for no reason. i was taking it first thing in the morning. the doctor gave me something else but it didn't work. i have no idea (memory problems) ,how long i have been on this drug. the doctor told me too to take it an hour before bedtime. i am always thirsty and i almost never dream (that i know about). i'm not sure if i have other side affects because of this drug or not. i have a problem trying to remember yesterday never the less any other day. i do know that it has been a long time but i'm afraid to try something. i might be puttting myself in harm's way.
laurie 47 years old
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-17 19:14:30
Answer/Reply:
i had the same in sept.o5 from the same drug and i am now paralized you yes it a side effect to it as well as heartacke from it you should seek a 2 second penion i will never walk again i have now use of my left side i deal with chronic pain daily from it never gets better only worse i had 12 others sense that time from it my best wish to you i am sorry for your lose i am 40 years old female god bless you
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-24 16:53:49
Answer/Reply:
I have taken 200 mg Elivil for sleep for about 5 years. I crave sweets and have low blood sugar type light headed episodes. It seems to have helped me have fewer head aches.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-18 00:01:39
Answer/Reply:
I was on Amitriptylene last year and also drank quite a bit more than usual. Amit is known to give you dry mouth and also cause your appetite to increase (a friend of mine put on 20 pounds in about 1yr). I was on Adderall XR at the same time so that helped keep my appetite regular. I also would take the medicine about 8:30 - 9 pm so that I was able to get up the next morning without being in a fog. I remember now that my dreams got more vivid around the same time that I was on the medicine but never put two and two together.
I would suggest you mention any side effects to your doctor especially if they are troublesome, because maybe there is an alternative med they can give you. Good luck.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-19 09:01:22
Answer/Reply:
I got so news about Elavil too . I've had ms now for 13 and a half years , or since Oct. 16th 7:16pm . The first 5 or 6 years I would go through about 5 months of not being able to sleep . I went to my ms doc and family doc as well . They both agreed that Elavil would work and it has . 200mgs a night was doing fine and they told me that up to 3 was ok too . NOT if I take 3 to help me sleep I'll sleep alright but I sleep walk and eat too . This has happened so much I'm afraid I'll go for a night time sleep walk in the street or who knows . Just take care and write down all your meds name , mgs , whats it going to help and if it really did help you . My doctors have said it's a good thing what i did . Plus when ever I go someplace else I have that list to show the other doctors or any one helping me if ms saids Hi . Just take care all and live day to day . God bless us all !! Scott
49 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-23 16:38:21
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Amitrip. since 2003, when I hurt my back and had 2 surgeries. They gave it to me to help me sleep, as I had several cramps in my legs and a lot of nerve pain. I also dream a lot.
It has helped me sleep but it has also put 30 pounds on me to which I am not happy about. I really didn't seem to eat more than I usually do but had bad cravings mid-day. I decided enough is enough so I quit taking it 2 weeks ago as all my clothes are to tight and I have always been very petite. I did this without the Drs. O.K. so far my sleep has been pretty good but have have some leg cramping. I feel if this still becomes a problem I am going to see if my Dr. will give me something else to try, because I no longer want to continue using this medication. It also makes me very stumbly in the morning and it seems like by 1:00 in the afternoon I couldn't keep my eyes open. Since stopping the drug I seem to have more energy. Hope all goes well with you. And you are not crazy I think this med does strange things
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 15:40:44
Answer/Reply:
I take Amitrip. for migraines and for a sleep disorder. It works well for me and has eliminated my old man's problem of having to get up in the middle of the night to urinate. It dehydrates me, increasing my thirst and occasionally CAUSING cramps in my legs.
61 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-12 11:29:54
Answer/Reply:
I am 60 and have been taking amit for sometime for fibromyalgia. The weight gain is true. After I had been on it awhile the grogginess in the mornings went away, but now that has returned.
I do seem to be in a deep sleep and act very unnormally startled when someone wakes me.
I am going to check further and monitor myself better. You do the same...
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-02 23:46:34
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Amitriptyline for a month. It is working well to prevent headaches - but I am waking up frequently, now, with terrible cramps in my legs. Is this a side effect? If so, does anyone have any ideas what medication might replace this? Thanks.
61 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-12 09:37:09
Answer/Reply:
I would recommend Flexeril. It relaxes all of my muscles and basically puts me to sleep.
22 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-13 13:40:43
Answer/Reply:
I have restless leg syndrome&taking magnesium helps me.I take 2 in the evening of 250mg.Hope this helps.I am on 5 mg of amitryptiline.I only take as needed not every night as prescribed because i dont want to feel tired all the time&if i take it nightly it dont help my fibromyalgia pain.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-18 14:24:59
Question/Comment:
I use Elavil for cronic diarrhea due to late diagnosed Celiac Sprue. The constapating effect of this drug was not addressed.
Mame RN
61 year old recently diagnosed
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-12 19:03:35
Answer/Reply:
I was prescribed this med, 20 mg before bed each night, to treat IBS-D
24 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-25 01:45:19
Question/Comment:
This stuff has me really freaked out about the side effects Im getting.
Ive been taking 25mg at night for 1 week.I am taking this med. so that I am supposed be able to sleep at night not for depression or any other usage of the drug.
1.cant get a good nights sleep(except for 1 night this week 7hrs,the rest awake then asleep Insomnia)
2. Libido is horrible( Im also on and have been now for 3 months testosterone shots 1ml I believe every 2 weeks,this make no sense to me.
3.When I finally do get out of bed after 3hrs -7hrs sleep Im in such a depression like symptom and really horribly hungover, I dont even want to go around or talk to anyone.I finally start coming around slowly by say 2 pm then usually by 6pm I feel much better. Then I take it again before bed / and even up to 2hrs before bed and same thing
4. Diareah
I told my Dr. about the symptoms and he said keep taking it, It will take a little time to get into you system.I also caled the pharmacist and she said if the symptoms stay the same or get worse by 4 WEEKS of taking it to stop.If anyone has any more insight that they may have even experienced any of these symptoms please let me know.
Medications that I also take
Meloxicam 15mg 2 a day
soma 350 mg 1 3x @ day
Vicodin HP 10-660 1 3x @ day
and heres the wost.......................
Warfin 10 mg 1 @ day
I havent taken a PTINR since taking Amitriptyline Im almost scarred to see what my numbers may be now.
44 year old Male
Posted: 2009-02-27 13:18:52
Answer/Reply:
please be careful when stopping these drugs. I was on nortriptiline and only a small dose so my doctor told me i could stop cold turky, so to speak. I ended up in the hospital and detoxing from all my other meds. always wean yourself off these, even when the dr. or pharm. says it is ok to stop. I am now on amatriptiline, and in three weeks i have gained 5 pounds, my eating habits have not changed, has anyone else had this happen?
36 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-19 12:50:28
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
yes I had gastric bypass in 2002 and my dr has had trouble keeping me at 138lbs because I keep dropping weight. I was in a MVA in 2006 and even though this med does cover most of my issues my doctor also placed me on this med to help me sleep. I have been on the med now I'd say for about a year and he has me up to 75mg now, a few months ago I gained an UNREASONABLE amount of weight....all I really eat is yogurt, granola, eggs, and some fruit and not all on the same day. I am one of the gastric patients that is so scared to gain weight back that I have not changed my eating habits much since I have had the surgery. I am told that my weight gain is because due to my MVA and the severity of my injuries I am not moving around enough so gravity is showing a weight gain. He has one of the scales that checks muscle, fat, water.......
Posted: 2009-03-21 21:25:28
Answer/Reply:
When I first starting taking it I had some problems also (having trouble falling asleep and then feeling drowsy and almost useless until late afternoon) and like you the doctor told me to keep taking it. It did get better with time but one thing I also did was change the time that I took it. I had been taking it about a half hour before going to bed (I take it for Restless Leg Syndrome) so I decided to try to take it a little earlier to see if I would stop feeling drowsy until late in the afternoon. Now I take it around 7pm and go to bed whenever I feel that I need to and I get up every morning around 7am and I feel pretty fine. You might want to try taking it a little earlier and see if that helps.
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-19 19:33:46
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I started taking this drug so I couls sleep. After complaining about the "hangover" she cut the dose in half. I now sleep 6-8 hours straight without waking up in a fog.
Posted: 2009-03-20 09:32:46
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking 50mg of Amitriptyline for over 20 years for IBS and have no problems unless I run out and have to miss a dose. Not much sleep them.
stan
66 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-23 15:49:05
Answer/Reply:
I have been on Warfarin (7 1/2mg for 6 days and 10mg for 1 day) for 3 months and have been on Amitriptyline (now 100mg at night) for a year. My INR has not been affected by it. I haven't had the side effects that you are having. I'm sorry that your Dr. won't change this med for you. There are other meds that can be used to help with problems with sleeping. Amitriptyline can make some people sleepy but it doesn't do that for me. I have issues with sleeping and we were hoping that this drug would help.
I would suggest that you have your INR checked to make sure that the drug is not causing problems for you. I agree with the pharmacist that if the symptoms get worse to stop the meds..
Hope this helps.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 19:16:53
Answer/Reply:
i have been taking it for almost two years as a migraine preventative and for my tension headaches. it took me about three weeks to get use to it though i felt so tired and ill at everyone for nothing when i first started on it. now i don't have the tiredness in the mornings and my body don't ache no where near as much.
31 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-25 11:03:42
Answer/Reply:
Has it helped at all with your headaches? My PCP has started me on this and here it is the 3rd month already and I am still having multiple migraines a month as well as daily headaches. How long does it take to start working?
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-04 12:45:24
Answer/Reply:
I was prescribed Elavil/Amitriptyline several years ago for the prevention of migraines and for help with sleeping (had terrible nightmares and busy dreams that kept me from getting a good night's sleep). Started with 40mg at bedtime and now get by with 30mg. It took a few weeks for my body to adjust to the meds, but then the sluggish side-effects stopped (or I got used to them). I have been very pleased with the results. Try to tough it out and see if your side effects get better! Good luck.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-26 16:17:26
Answer/Reply:
I graduated from Medical School 62 years ago. I remember the first Penicillin arriving at Univ.
Hospital and the first Polio Vaccine. I remember a couple of other great medications and
among the most useful, I would include Elavil. Elavil was not only a great antidepressant, but
also useful in many other problems. Chronic Pain problems, and chronic gastrointestinal
problems were relieved as often as the depressions and it is still an important and useful
medication. I am one for whom the Elavil has been effective for an irritable bowel and has
relieved totally 98% or more with only a very rare outburst of severe cramping and diarrhea.
I am now 88 years old and better than in years which I credit to Tai Chi for balance and
activity and 8 or 9 hours of sleep a night. I have now reduced the dosage to 50 mg at
night (from 100 mg)
86 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-26 17:21:35
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Amitriptyline off and on for a few years now. I take prozac with it too and together they really help me. I am also on other bp pills and warfaren. Warfarin. I know that some meds just aren't right for some people. Maybe if you still aren't doing well in a few days, you should call or go back to the Drs. and have him try something with it or without it. I can't take Welbutrin. It makes other family members feel wierd too. None of us can take it.
I have to walk my dogs too and it helps me get to sleep at night also.
There are other non prescription and prescription meds on the market to help you sleep. Don't give up yet.
Hope you have good sweetdreams soon. Life is hard when we don't get enough sleep.
June
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-27 18:06:22
Answer/Reply:
I've been taking the generic form of Elavil. The first few weeks were tough. I started
out at 10mg, now up to 25 mg. I can't get a good sleep without it. I like it because
if I need to get up for a potty break, I can get comfortable and go right back to
sleep. My doc prescribed this for my fibro. Hope you can get some relief.
carol ô¿ô
59 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-30 12:34:40
Question/Comment:
Has anyone else experienced extreme 'flush'.. redness/burning of the skin while taking this medicine? I have finally gotten it out of my system (I think) and the flush/burning sensations (like taking niacin, only worse) is better, but sleeping is next to impossible and pain in my bones is worse. Trying to decide about getting back on it.
67 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-23 15:15:18
Answer/Reply:
I have constant flush/redness but, in my opinion, it is part of our disease or combination of them. Amitriptyline helps with my sleeping and my depression. I have been diagnosed with fibrmyalgia, spinal stenosis w/herniated discs throughout my thoracic and lumbar region. It definately helps and if your doc suggests you remain on it for awhile to get used to it, I'd go with the doc. I take a lot of meds and vitamin supplements to help, just hang in there and keep researching.
48 yr old female
Karrey
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-23 13:29:12
Answer/Reply:
I was told to stay out of the sun while taking this med. Are you sure you don't have a sun burn, because this med is supposed to increase sensitivity to the sun.
56 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-27 16:17:18
Question/Comment:
Does anyone suffer from talking in your sleep or screaming while you sleep? I have been taking 100 mg elavil at night for depression & migraines for a few years and this type of sleeping behavior still occurs frequently. I would say though that the benefit out weighs the side effects.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-15 17:38:04
Answer/Reply:
I scream and/or moan, and toss and turn, on a semi-regular basis. I have been doing this for nearly two decades. I've only been taking Elavil for a couple of years. The screams come from nightmares related to childhood abuse, and aren't the fault of the drug. Elavil is the first thing I have found in over 30 years of looking that lets me get a good night sleep. It did take a couple of weeks for me to find the right dose, and to stop feeling sleepy all day long.
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-04 07:24:46
Answer/Reply:
My mother takes elavil and has nightmares all the time! I have just started taking Ambien and have had some startling dreams since on it. I never did have many dreams before taking this. I take Amitryptline which is elavil but have never had problems with my sleep as far as dreams or doing things in my sleep.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 15:01:47
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
i am 38/w/f and i have been taking 100mg amitriptaline for over a year for my migranes, and i will say that i so not wake screaming, or talk, but i do snore.....i would suggest a possible sleep study be done to diagnose the correct sleep problem that you have. my brother just did a sleep study for sleep apnea, and now he uses a cpap, and his whole life has changed, so keep an open mind with a possible sleep study....they can really help with your problems...take care.. michelle~
Posted: 2009-03-07 19:07:53
Answer/Reply:
I've never experienced talking or screaming in my sleep. I also take 100 mg of elavil, for my migraines, xanax for panic attacks, 350 mg of soma for damage to neck, & shoulder for about 14 yrs. The main problem with mine is weight gain. I've been taking Ambien CR for about 6 mths. to help me sleep and I do take it every night and it really helps, after I get to sleep. You might won't to ask your doctor about xanax, it's not only for panic attacks, it's also for mild depression, it will help you relax while your sleeping. Hope you find something that can help.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-24 12:48:50
Question/Comment:
The first time that I took Amitriptyline, was back in 1987. That was the first time that I injured my back. I was having so many problems then, that I couldn't sleep, work, or do much of anything, including barely being able to care for my newborn son. Finally, once the doctor started me on this medication, I was able to get a decent night's sleep, and I felt fairly good in the morning. I was finally able to return to work, and still take care of my baby. Don't get me wrong, though...I was still in a lot of pain. It was just that I was actually able to sleep through the night, waking more refreshed, and able to handle the day better.
Now, I have a lot more problems with my health, and I just started back on this drug again, (adding it to the many other meds that I'm on). I'm now hoping that I can at least get some sleep! Until now, I've only been getting about 2-3 hours of sleep each night, if I'm lucky. Hopefully, if I can get some much-needed sleep, I'll be under less stress, which will improve some of my health concerns, which in turn, will make me feel better!!!! YEAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
Good luck to all of you, who are dealing with health concerns. I know where you're coming from. My prayers go out to you.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-27 13:20:04
Answer/Reply:
When I started out in practice, there were only rare "neurologists" and we were "neuro-
psychiatrists" I have no idea how many people with back problems who have been able
to get rid of narcotics with the Elavil. Do not forget the Rehab people and I have seen
some "back people" respond to Tai Chi. Medications are not the only answer Good luck..
the 88 year old guy who has had 2 electric scooters and the works. I think a good Dr. is
going to have you try other areas
86 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-26 17:32:31
Question/Comment:
when i first take this medication the doctor gave me 10mg to take but now I'm taking 50 mg and even though i take it before 30 minutes to go to sleep. I have trouble sleeping at night. I have been taking for about a month now and I don't really see any result for my headache.
25 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-20 18:56:16
Answer/Reply:
I take 200 mg to help me sleep and decrease my migraines. At this dose it is quite effective. My sister takes 150 mg and finds that effective for her (same conditions). I know some people take much lower doses. What i'm trying to say is that the dose required is specific to the person.
21 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-10 01:02:48
Answer/Reply:
I'm only taking 50mg (I was starting on 25mg) for migraine prevention. I believe my migraines come from not sleeping so my doctor said this would take care of the sleeping and if that was why I was getting the migraines then it would in turn fix that problem. The week I started on 25mg I still had migraines 3 out of 7 days. The second week I only had 1 and I haven't had another one since. My last one was the beginning of Jan. Don't get me wrong I still have the occassional headache but not migraines.
So I agree it is based on the person. Plus you want to take the lowest dose needed to combat the problem so that you don't have the problem with excessive grogginess in the morning. If you aren't seeing relief and it's been 6 weeks then go back to the doctor and have them up it again.
29 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-17 08:35:35
Question/Comment:
Taking amitriptylin 50 mg 30 minutes before bedtime helps me get a good nights sleep! I don't take it every night, just the nights when I have had a stressful day. The biggest complaint I have is, it does cause me to be somewhat constipated.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-18 16:03:29
Answer/Reply:
I get with the constipation bit. Take Lactulose, adjust to youe needs I take 1 table spoon am and one pm, consipation gone and I have suffered ALL my life, and its prebiotic so double wammy.
Amitriptyline gives me flushes too, but it does help me sleep if I tale at 9 pm at night.
I take for back pain, been on for 5 years, I find it is good.
SLEEP WELL
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-27 14:33:39
Question/Comment:
IVE BEEN TAKING ELAVIL 10MG FOR ABOUT 5 OR 6 YEARS. NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN, IM STARTING TO HAVE MIGRAINS AGAIN, MY DOC MIGHT HAVE TO INCREASE THE DOSAGE. BUT STILL AFTER 5 YEARS GETTING UP IS A PAIN WITH THIS MED, IT DOES MAKE YOU DROWSY IN THE MORNINGS.
34 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-16 16:00:59
Answer/Reply:
My doctor started me out on a 25mg elavil, she increased it to 50mg after about 9 months, and now I am taking 75mg (after a 1 1/2 years). I would think that you really do need to discuss an increase in your dosage.
I take mine about 2 hours before bedtime, at first; they made me sleepy after about 30 minutes but now I go to bed on my own but they do help me to sleep through the night. I feel rested in the morning, no lingering drowsiness.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-17 05:59:21
Question/Comment:
I take amitriptyline for DDD in my neck and lower back, headaches and to sleep better. I take it at night. I really don't like the weight gain but being able to get relief so that I can sleep is most important. If you don't get sleep, it will work on your body.
46 year old female
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-13 12:42:28
Question/Comment:
I have been on a medical leave since May of 2008. I just started Elavil on 12-30-08 and was amazed with my results so far. No real side effects, yet. But I am sleeping better and feel better. I have a long ways to go. I am using it for fibromyalgia and severe back pain and so far it is working very well for me.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 12:28:11
Question/Comment:
I take amitriptyline about 2 hours before bedtime. I am sleeping through the night for the first time in years. I am a little concerned to find out from iguard that it may worsen my thyroid problems. Since I started taking amitriptyline I have needed 25% LESS of my levothroxine, which sounds like an improvement to me.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-05 13:58:23
Answer/Reply:
I just read that it may worsen my thryoid problems and find it bothersome that my doctor didn't inform me of that. I've been on Synthroid since 1999. My next follow-up is in March and will be my first appt with my endocrinologist since my family doctor prescibed this med. I wonder what my lab work will reveal...
I had a baby 12/2007 and have been hyperthryoid ever since. We've been slowly lowering my dose but still haven't lowered it enough as of my Dec 2008 labwork so even if we do or don't lower it I don't know that there is a way to know whether it is a side effect of this drug or would have happened anyways.
I take the Synthroid in the mornin and the Anitriptoline at night so I'm not sure if that helps the situation or not.
29 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-17 08:40:59
Question/Comment:
At first i was taking 10mg but now my doctor increased to 50 mg so that i can get good sleep at night because I need to sleep well because of my constant headache.
25 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-31 23:38:00
Question/Comment:
I have been taking elavil for almost 2 weeks now. it's a low dose because i'm trying it out the first time. i have been sleepy all day the first day but now i don't have a problem. it helps me sleep better at night. my doctor prescribe it for me because i have constant headache and couldn't sleep well.
25 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-24 12:42:20
Question/Comment:
I also take elavil 75mg at night and the neurotin 300mg three times a day I had to back off of the neurotin because it made me feel so druged the whole next day . I take it for fybromyalgia as well. good luck with it if you start taking it try to start on a low dose first. the first time I took it I slept for almost 36 hours
female 49.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-22 23:34:43
Question/Comment:
I am taking 25 mg, and it is great. At first I felt drowsy and tired the next day, but now thst it has been over a year and a half, I don't feel a thing. All I know is I'm sleeping through the whole night without waking up! Which is AWESOME! It's worth the wait! If you are to drowsy, ask your doctor about a decrease in dosage.
23 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-18 09:52:12
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