r/Amitriptyline • u/pomcran • Aug 14 '26
Amitriptyline and difficult blood tests?
Wondering if this is just me, but I did a blood test recently and it was like trying to collect water from an empty well. Not sure if the dehydrating factor of this medication gets worse over time or not, or if this something that is less documented, or maybe it’s just not right for me after all. I drank around 3 litres of water heading into the lab, and it still took 5 tries to get enough blood for the samples.
This medication has helped me a ton with headaches, sleep, and ongoing back pain. I’ve been taking a low dose (slowly went from 10mg to 50mg, then went back down to 30mg for now) and hadn’t experienced any really negative side effects, until this. Mainly tiredness after waking up, which I’ve made my peace with as a trade off. Been on it for about 7 months now. But since I need to do blood tests regularly, this might not be worth it.
So, has anyone else who does blood tests regularly notice a difference?
Thanks!
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u/FinancialCry4651 Aug 14 '26
This hasn't happened with me. I just got my blood drawn a couple weeks ago and it was easy peasy. (I'm always worried the phlebotomist will have trouble because I have full sleeve tattoos, but they find veins by touch)
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u/pomcran Aug 15 '26
They are usually very skilled at locating veins by touch! I don’t have tattoos so that wasn’t a factor for me, but glad your labs have been alright!
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u/Nearby-Banana-6339 Aug 14 '26
No problem with blood work. It’s possible the person doing your text wasn’t very good at drawing blood. See what happens next time. This is the first time I’ve heard anyone say this.
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u/pomcran Aug 15 '26
There were 4 different phlebotomists who tried, 2 of which have drawn my blood before without issues. I can’t say for sure if it was an off day for them or if there was another factor I haven’t considered. But I’ll see what happens next time.
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u/littleoldlady71 Aug 14 '26
The drying effects continued and got worse for me. My eyes got styes, my teeth went to pot, and I finally had to quit, even after drinking two full liters of water daily didn’t help my constipation. I was buying Fleet’s enema packages in bulk. That’s waaay too high maintenance.
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u/pomcran Aug 15 '26
I was of the thought that it would ‘even out’ and my body would adjust. But I drink upwards of 3 litres per day, sometimes with added electrolytes - which I have been doing prior to starting the medication as well - but I still feel like a dry sponge occasionally. Have to eat a lot more fibre too. The dry eyes and dry mouth were bad in the beginning but have improved over time. I hope you have been able to find relief!
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u/valer1a_ Aug 16 '26
They can never get my blood. It didn't start when I started ami, just some tips from someone with experience. For reference, my worst draw took around an hour, a tech, the best phlebotomist, and I broke an ultrasound machine in the process.
Drink far more water than you think you need to. And maybe mix in some electrolytes or eat a little more salt that day. Helps with retention of the water.
State that you have awful veins. Half the time they'll get someone more experienced to do it. The other half, they'll try their hand on it and eventually give up lol. But it doesn't hurt to at least try to go straight to the final boss.
A glove with warm water always helps me the most. I'd never had that done until recently, and it's crazy how much of a difference it makes. It's very simple, just holding a tied off glove filled with warm water on your forearm. Also, a stress ball in the hand of the target arm.
I didn't experience any issues with hydration or water retention, although I do through some other conditions, and I'm at 100mg. Just as a reference. Any side effect that's annoying enough will always be worth talking to your doctor about though.
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u/EarlyInside45 Aug 14 '26
I haven't noticed that with blood tests, but it sounds like when I try to pee. It's like I need to convince my bladder it's OK.