Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Amitriptyline for FibromyalgiaPrescribing Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia symptoms. Known also as Elavil it is an antidepressant drug. Side effects include weight gain, tiredness & dizziness.
Originally Amitriptyline was formulated to treat depression, but it was found that it could help with the nerve pain. Amitriptyline appears to be the go to drug when Fibromyalgia is suspected in a patient.
Does Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia Pain Work?
Published by Cochrane who looked at the evidence of Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia pain in adults. They found that:
"The most important message is that amitriptyline probably does give really good pain relief to some patients with fibromyalgia, but only a minority of them; amitriptyline will not work for most people."
After taking Amitriptyline for some time I found it had no effect on my pain levels.
Amitriptyline Side Effects
There are many Amitriptyline side effects effecting both physical and mental health.
Appetite changes
Breast swelling
Constipation
Decreased sex drive
Diarrhoea
Difficulty having an orgasm
Difficulty urinating
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Itching
Mouth pain
Nausea
Tiredness
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Weight gain
Is Amitriptyline Addictive?
No, but you can get extra side effects if you stop taking it suddenly.
Amitriptyline Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms of stopping Amitriptyline abruptly can include experiencing aching joints, aching muscles, fatigue, headaches, nausea and sweating. Other possible Amitriptyline withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, brain fog, insomnia, irritability and restlessness.
It is recommended, therefore, to reduce slowly under a doctor’s guidance.
My Experience of Taking Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia Pain
I was prescribed Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia pain by my GP. She started me on a low dose which was gradually increased to 50mg. I took Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia pain for almost 2 months. For me, I had zero pain relief from this drug.
I decided to stop taking it after consulting fellow Fibromyalgia sufferers on a Facebook I belong to. At least 75% reported no pain relief from taking Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia pain. Most moved onto seeking pain relief form Gabapentin, Pregabalin and Tramodol – none of which completely took away all of the pain.
After taking Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia pain and having it not worked for me, I decided to stop taking it. I did this gradually to avoid nasty withdrawal symptoms.
Later, after being diagnosed with Temporomandibular disorder (TMD or TMJ) I resumed taking Amitriptyline for my terrible teeth pain. As Amitriptyline is prescribed for nerve pain my GP thought I should try it. My TMD subsided after taking Amitriptyline.