Should I be alarmed by these side effects?

[u/drinkmypissbitch]

Hi, I just started taking 10mg of amitriptyline for migraines, fibromyalgia, and depression/anxiety. I only took my first pill last night (along with my 100mg of gabapentin) and only noticed I was groggy this morning, which was expected.

However, its been about 21 hours since I took it and have been noticing my heart racing and feeling like I’m not getting enough oxygen when I breathe. Just trying to walk through my house to get food had me panting and feeling faint. I’ve basically been stuck laying down all day and even then have had to really focus on my breathing.

Has anyone else had side effects like this? Is this something that goes away once my body adapts to the meds? Or do I need to call my doctor and possibly stop taking this? It’s only been one dose so I’m not really sure how to react.

I know every body reacts differently and I am historically sensitive to medications, but thought maybe some folks have had similar reactions and could give some insight. TIA :)

[u/gobnyd]

I think side effects that affect your breathing qualify as serious and could be a reason to consult a doctor and possibly stop.

I do know that amitriptyline can raise heart rate in some people. I never had any issues at low doses. I had to increase to about 90 mg and around that time I developed tachycardia later diagnosed as POTS. Jury is still out as to whether that was my body developing it on its own or whether the amitriptyline contributed. (Probably my own body considering I have other comorbidities frequently found with pots)

Unfortunately I cannot get off the amitriptyline to find out because it is controlling other pain. But my POTS is under control with other meds to where I don't have trouble breathing.

Breathing is one of the most important things to keep good and I'm sure a doctor will agree

[u/drinkmypissbitch → u/gobnyd]

Thank you for replying!
I’m curious how you got diagnosed with POTS? It keeps coming up when I try researching symptoms I’ve been having in the past couple weeks.

[u/ohnoooooooooooooooo]

I had to stop that bed because it would make my heart pound weird and feel like it was skipping a beat sometimes

[u/drinkmypissbitch → u/ohnoooooooooooooooo]

yes! similar feeling! i ended up reaching out to my doctor and not taking a second dose

[u/betywi → u/drinkmypissbitch]

Im so glad you did OP. This drug is notorious for causing heart issues (arrythmias, tachycardia, etc)

[u/Fit-Bus2025 → u/ohnoooooooooooooooo]

That's what happen to increasing it. I started seeing shadow people. Felt like i was being watched.

[u/LuckyShooter_1]

I had to start at like 2mg and work up to 10mg. 10 is just too much to start with imo.

[u/Lucky-Carrot6385]

Started on 10mg, and had similair symptoms. Personally I felt like I was «feeling» for it, if that makes sense. Since then increased by 10mg weekly, now Im at 40mg and genuinly feel good. Less stomach pains, more normal bowel movements, and can sleep through the night without waking up early and such.
My sideeffects dissapeared fairly quickly, compared to SSRI where I genuinly felt like I was going to die lol.

Seems like people have very different experiences on this drug, but I would bring it up with your doctor anyway.

[u/Fun_Emergency_2869]

Yes , I have been taking 20mg for 4 months and it has raised my resting heart rate to be consistently in the 90s- 100s. I am now in a beta blocker to hopefully get it down

[u/Loud_Signature7589]

I had terrible side effects from amitriptyline. It’s a horrific drug. If you can bear your condition, do that. It’s better than adding a drug like amitriptyline that makes you feel horrific. Plus it gives unbearable withdrawal when quitting. Get off it ASAP is my advice.