How is Nortriptyline?

Hi! I'm new to this forum in that this is my first post, but I've been following and learning from everyone here for many months now since I started suspecting I have fibromyalgia. First, I'd like to say thank you to all of you guys who are so dedicated to sharing knowledge and helping each other live life well! Such a lovely bunch. I'll try not to make this long.

about myself... I am 23 and was just diagnosed with fibro TODAY after just under a year of chronic pain. It started very localized and intense in my forearms, but over this year has spread to every area of my body and this winter I have been almost overwhelmed with episodes of joint and muscle pain, fatigue, chronic headaches, and just recently, increasing occurrences of skin pain and irritation. Such fun. :)

Now, my main reason for finally posting on here... To those who have taken Nortriptyline: Have you found it helpful? Any unpleasant side effects? Did it stop working at some point? My doctor said she thought this med would be the best choice for me and prescribed a 10mg dose to begin with. She said I should do my research and chose for myself if I want to fill this prescription or not, but I'm conflicted. My symptoms are bothersome, but not to the point where I ever can't get out of bed or anything (I count myself lucky after reading some stories on here.) Is it silly to want to hold out so I can accurately monitor my symptoms and see if they worsen?

Thanks everyone, glad to finally have a diagnosis and to start making progress on feeling better.

Spork

Hi, 1stOfficerSpork, and welcome! I'm one who decided to try over the counter things and supplements to handle my fibro and this has worked for me. My doctor had offered Cymbalta, Savella, and Lyrica at some points but I have not used these medications.

I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, magnesium malate, vitamin D3, and a prescription muscle relaxer called Robaxin that has made a significant difference in my pain. I also walk daily as a gentle form of exercise and pace myself when doing things. I use trigger point therapy on myself when necessary and get gentle massages once a month. All of the above has helped me live a pretty normal life with fibro. Yes, I get flares and also have good and bad days but overall I think I'm living successfully with this and my other illnesses.

I do want to point out that what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another with fibro. It's more a trial and error type thing to find what helps you control your pain and fatigue. This is why you will find so many different ways people are using to help with fibro.

Keeping a positive attitude has helped me so very much. By counting my blessings and setting doable daily goals helps me put my focus on other things and the pain fades somewhat in the background. I have had fibro for nearly 29 years but yet have lived a full and enjoyable life in spite of this illness.

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there. Good starting links are Symptoms, What Else Could It Be, and A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia. There are links about magnesium malate and vitamin D3 and how these work in the body and also a good link on how to maintain a positive attitude when you have chronic pain. All of Fibro 101 is good so do read it.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Mope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine

I took nortriptyline for one month and loved the pain relief,the anxiety relief,no migraines, and more energy. I was on 10 mgs too.It didn't put me to sleep so I still took 1/2 of a .5mgs xanax. I can't say enough how great I felt, However I couldn't poop. Not at all, never while on it and I tried everything. I had two movements the entire month and that was from using harsh ducolax which I didn't want to become dependent on so unfortunately I stopped taking it. Now I am trying amitriptyline and I have mouth sores and no energy. That's my experience. Not everyone has such sensitivities to meds as I do. I hope nortriptyline works for you.