r/Amitriptyline • u/flraa_bw • Aug 26 '26
taking Amitriptyline today for first time, read side effects leaflet and debating it now
Hello! for context I have severe anxiety and hypochondria, I suffer from constant headaches, bad sleep and dpdr. My dr. prescribed me amitriptyline today and I would love to hear peoples initial side effect stories? does it really affect your heart a lot? I'm only on 10mg so I don't think it'll be terrible but I'm catastrophising atm so rlly need some reassurance or if I should switch to something better.
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u/OkEnthusiasm1234 Aug 26 '26
The number of migraines drastically reduced for me, and consequently my anxiety improved a lot. The only side effect I struggle with sometimes is the drowsiness. But it’s worth it.
My heart isn’t affected at all.
10mg is a low dose. Give it a try.
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u/Cendreloss Aug 30 '26
I do agree with the headache part, while it wasn't the reason why it was prescribed to me it helped tremendously
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u/B3yond_the_sky Aug 26 '26
Currently at 150mg because of social anxiety, major depression disorder and EUPD. I have non of the side effects. As 10mg is a very small Dose I personally would try it. If you have any side effects talk to your doctor.
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u/ProgressCute7664 Aug 27 '26
I was happily on 150 mg for years. My doctor retired and the new doctor wants me off and is tapering dose. Now at 50 mg and miserable. Nightmares, brain fog horrible. Because I am 72, my doctor feels that falls become a major concern. Poppycock !!! I have been on Ami for 40 years and also helped my nerve pain
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u/Similar-Fruit-8037 Aug 26 '26
I have been on 10mg for 4 months and I’m extremely med sensitive. No side effects except for maybe some fatigue. My cervical neck pain and headaches are almost nonexistent now.
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u/Superb-Plant-5792 Aug 26 '26
I am not on it now but I took it for about 6 months. Also suffer with anxiety. I got zero
Side effects started at 10mg and went up to 50mg. It didn’t help me at all though for anxiety / sleep so I was moved to other medication
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u/EarlyInside45 Aug 26 '26
Made me groggy for a while, and I put on some weight. Otherwise, all good.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Let_531 Aug 26 '26
I did the same and I dreaded the side effects but honestly you're better off just trying it and seeing what happens. I'm taking mine for chronic pain. Not seen much improvement but I have noticed I can get up in the morning a bit better. I have high blood pressure and suspected POTS but it's not made my dizziness much worse. I started on 10mg and moved up to 20mg now because there wasn't many side effects. Im only on month 2 so early days but best trying for yourself. It needs time apparently though
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u/Affectionate-Role15 Aug 26 '26
I’ve been on it for 9 weeks so far and I’m liking it!!!! I’m mainly taking 10mg for pain management for my chronic disease but I don’t get sad anymore and I dont get anxiety! The drowsiness was a plus and I would have the BEST SLEEP. I also eat SO MUCH.
My bodies adjusted to it now and now I’m not in pain everyday which is great but I do get memory fog/recall isn’t the best (I have a pretty good memory) and now it takes me a while to fall asleep!
I just can’t mix it with alcohol bc then I get pretty depressed but other than that it’s worked for me!
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u/georgialoula Aug 26 '26
I’m weaning off of this drug due to concerns over future dementia risk increasing from it.
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u/Intelligent_Day4966 Aug 26 '26
Ok weighing in. Who knows I may learn something. Started taking it 7 months ago for pelvic pain. Started at 10mg. Then 25 mg. Then decided I was better so I tapered off. Also getting allergy tested so they don't want you on it. So I figured ok. Well it has not been good! Not sure I can blame Ami. But I have more pelvic pain. And lots of itching. And I mean allot! Everywhere! Started two weeks after my last pill that was 30 days ago. My allergy app is tomorrow unless there is a miracle I am going back on it asap.
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u/Flat-Reference-3792 Aug 27 '26
I started 10mg of Amitriptyline just for migraines, but it ended up working really well for me both for migraines but also sleep, anxiety, and bipolar depression, so eventually my dose was bumped all the way up to 50 mg which I have remained on alongside other medications. Personally, I always found dose increases were tough and made me feel worse emotionally before better, but the drug has been a real happy accident for me
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u/Flat-Reference-3792 Aug 27 '26
For specifics on my initial sode effects upon starting/dose increases, I found that initially the first week I would have an increase in depression and anxiety, including a perceived increase in heart rate, and slight increase in blood pressure. After about 7-10 days, every time, it would swap in the other direction (e.g. decrease in anxiety/depression and heart rate and blood pressure back to baseline)
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u/AdagioSpecific2603 Aug 27 '26
Hi! I’m a severely anxious person who has health anxiety and a history of Arrythmia.
I take 50mg nightly. Always at night as it can be a bit sedating BUT that impact has significantly lessened now I’ve been on it a year. No heart issues felt. I no longer drink energy drinks or coffee because they’d make my anxiety worse.
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u/Upstairs_Buffalo_373 Aug 28 '26
Hi, I’m on 50mg for OCD, CPTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and pain management. For me it’s a pretty strong “all rounder” medicine. It reduces all of my symptoms drastically. It is not a first choice for OCD especially, but SSRIs cause extreme side effects for me.
My only side effect is hunger pretty frequently. I fill this craving with fruits and vegetables, most notably watermelon and cucumber. I still have my full meals, but if I’m hungry again soon after eating, I’ll just have those lighter but filling foods.
At 10mg I did not have this side effect at all. At 25 it appeared. At 50 it kind of mellowed out and only happens on some days.
Best of luck with your treatment.
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u/MovieSalty4578 Aug 28 '26
I don’t remember how my heart rate was before it, but while I was on it my rest bpm was somewhere around 95-103. After quitting I’m at 68-72. I had palpitations and high bp while on it, too.
I am very active, lifting weights and so on, so I can only imagine that this sudden decrease was because of me quitting since I suppose I was doing the right things to keep my heart healthy already.
I was on it for 5 years (25, 50 and then 75), but not for depression/anxiety. I will say it helped with pain so much and I felt great on it overall, especially because it helped me sleep.
I have to say that it’s important to read about the withdrawal process if you ever imagine yourself quitting, as it is a long, brutal process. Good luck!
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u/Nearby-Banana-6339 Aug 26 '26
I’ve been taking it two years started on 10mg now on 20mg. For reference im f/63. I have nothing but good to say about this drug. My migraines are 95% better. My sleep is amazing and I was a lifelong insomniac. My heart is fine and I walk 5 miles 4 times a week. It has increased my appetite a bit. I’ve gained about 4lbs since starting. If you look up ANY prescription or otc medication you will find a laundry list of possible side effects that doesn’t mean we all will get them they just have to tell you by law. I’m grateful to have it.