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Has anyone had positive results with Amitriptiline (Elavil)?

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Posted 4/18/2006 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
I have two friends who are on this, I guess it is an older medication, but they have had good results on it.  I am currently on Remeron, but feel it may be pooping out on me..I am already on the highest dose 45mg of it, and don't feel as well as I used to.  The Psychiatrist has mentioned Effexor a few times, she said it is good for both depression and anxiety, but I am nervous about taking it, as I have heard too many people saying they have had bad results, or terrible side effects on it.  Was just curious if anyone has been on Amitripiline..dosage, etc and it has worked for you. Thanks for any info.
Posted 4/18/2006 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rianna,  I was on Amitriptyline briefly a few years ago but not for depression.  My neurologist prescribed it for nerve pain with my MS symptoms..it didnt work too well for me.  There arent to many people that take it any longer as you said, it is a rather old drug and has been replaced by newer medications.  I do take Effexor Xr however and am doing very well on it.  Also, my dad who always took Paxil until it quit on him, recently started on Effexor and is happy with it.  I am much surprised as he would rather take nothing than even take a med at all.  Take care
Posted 4/18/2006 11:14 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Elisha,

Thanks for your quick response.  I am happy to hear that both you and your Dad are having good results with Effexor.  I know I did terribly on Cymbalta (was hospitalized from bad side effects) and I think it is in the same drug class as Effexor, which is why I am a bit nervous.  Did you or your Dad have any side effects from Effexor? Thanks again for any info and help.

Posted 4/18/2006 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rianna,

I take Amitriptyline (50mg) in the evening. It helps me sleep better. Good sleep is essential for chronic illness so I am thankful for a med that is not habit forming like some of the sleep meds.

I hope it works well for you.

Blessings!
Posted 4/19/2006 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Always Rosie, thanks for your response. Does it help with the depression as well?
Posted 4/20/2006 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rianna,  Dad hasnt complained of any side effects and believe me he would...lol!  I take more than he does by 75 mg and I feel a little jittery for the first few hours after taking it in the AM...like I drank too much coffee.  But nothing major, I can even lay down and nap in the afternoons most time.  I have been very impressed with it as I was scared to go on it at first too.  I dont have flat feelings like I did with Zoloft and Luvox either, like I couldnt cry or was emotionless.  I am not like that on Effexor.
Posted 4/20/2006 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rianna,

It is really hard to say, as I am on a low dose (50 mg). I also take lexapro (for depression) and I have been on it for a long time. I have been feeling very emotionally healthy, but I haven't noticed a difference in the before and after of taking the amitriptyline. I do know though, that good sleep helps your body in lots of good ways.

Keep us posted on how it works for you!!

Blessings!
Posted 4/20/2006 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
I was prescribed Elavil in the early 80's for depression, and had an allergic reaction to it. (Little red spots all over the tender skin - like on my tummy.) I believe that is a fairly rare reaction, but one never knows!
Posted 4/20/2006 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all your responses.
Posted 4/22/2006 1:57 AM (GMT 0)
I was prescribed 10 mg of elavil when I first went on ADP's to help me sleep at night.

I had a bit of a nervouse reaction after a while.
Posted 5/2/2006 3:30 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on a variety of meds for depression/anxiety the past 12 years and elavil (10 mg at night)is about the only one that stays constant.  It helps sleep and headaches.  I did find that even the low dosage promoted weight gain and constipation.  I really should go up to 20 mg. now (my sleep cycle is failing again) but I refuse to because of those reasons. 
Posted 1/12/2008 6:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hey all~

I just started on Amitriptiline (that's the way it was spelled on my prescription bottle) tonight. I won't know how well it works until I get a decent night's sleep, IF I do get a decent night's sleep. I was only given 10 mg. I also take Remeron at 30 mg and Rozerem at 8 mg. So, we'll see if this works! I'll let you all know how it all went.

Michael in St. Louis
Posted 1/12/2008 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I did end up waking up several times during the night. But at least I did get my 8 hours in. I went to bed shortly after 1 AM here and didn't get up until about 11:15 or so this morning.

Michael in St. Louis
Posted 1/12/2008 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Michael,

Welcome to the forum. I wish you well on the elavil. It could take some getting use to or dose adjustment before it helps you like you need.
Good luck to you and keep posting.
Hugs,
Karen
Posted 5/21/2010 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hello there, I have been on Amitriptiline for about a month so far. I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet, arms, and hands. I have been using Neurontin 900mgs - 3 times a day and that wasn't helping that much but the amitriptiline seems to be helping me. The pain in my toes and feet aren't hurting that much now. The side affects that I am having from amitriptiline are panic attacks "anxiety" and being hungry at night time. It does seem to keep me up at times also. So it is probably making me want more food. That is it for the side affects.

Don
Posted 5/21/2010 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
I am new to this site and I like the forum here.
Posted 5/21/2010 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Wolf,

Welcome to the depression forum. I am glad that you like it. If you would like, please start a thread of your own and introduce yourself. This can be done by clicking on "new topic" on the left side of the screen near the top.

We would like to hear from you. If you aren't comfortable, that is okay too. Post on any thread to ask questions about it or give advice.

Best wishes to you.

Hugs, Karen
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