I started taking amitriptyline and just over a week later and started getting chest pains and struggled breathing. Now 3 months later I’m still struggling with those issues and I’ve been off the medication for just over 2 weeks.
Why has amitriptyline caused me breathing issues and chest tightness?
Question posted by Kayleigh17 on 6 March 2021
Last updated on 21 July 2023
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3 Answers
alcon1502
21 July 2023
I have been at 40 mg for 35 years. Now at 78 years still alive. My doctor wants to switch to sertraline 50mg. So I’m thinking about it. Therapeutic dose is 100-150 mg amitriptyline.
MaryInFlorida
21 July 2023
I was taking 10 mg. for 25 years, now 85 years old, and was doing fine, so I was really surprised that the increase to 25 mg. led to severe breathing problems--not overnight, but within a few weeks.
MaryInFlorida
21 July 2023
The therapeutic dose of 100-150 mg. is for its use as an antidepressant. Many people find that lower doses of amitriptyline help manage pain and that's why I was taking it--for arthritic neck and lower spine.
MaryInFlorida
20 July 2023
I've had the same symptoms after increasing amitriptyline from 10 mg. to 25 mg/day. I'm sorry you're experiencing these symptoms but glad to know I'm not alone, because my doctor thinks it's due to lung compression from spine curvature/arthritis/scoliosis. An EKG was normal, but I'm seeing a cardiologist just to rule out heart disease. Meanwhile, I stopped the amitriptyline for 2 weeks but went back on 10 mg./day because the arthritis pain was so bad. Now I'm determined to wait it out and have read that it may take up to three months for the drug's side effects to completely leave the system. I quite taking any amitriptyline a week ago and I'll keep you posted as I approach the three-month marker.
TyreseTl
6 March 2021
Did your doctor taper you off Amitriptyline? Or did you stop abruptly due to side effects?
Kayleigh17
6 March 2021
My doctor just told me to stop taking it after 3 months on it. I was only on 10mg but I started having breathing issues a week after taking it.
TyreseTl
6 March 2021
Are you taking 10mg/2mg or 10/4mg? 10mg is a low dose. But if your doctor instructed you to get off Amitriptyline. He/she should “ALWAYS” decrease your dose before coming off. 3 months is such a long time. I’d suggest you to call your doctor and address your concerns. Breathing issues is a sign that you need medical help. So please call, okay?
Kayleigh17
6 March 2021
The packet just says 10mg and he told he to just stop taking it. It’s been like this for 3 months I get chest pain and and my breathing is really bad. I’ve seen the doctor so many times and I’ve called so many times and he does nothing to help. I think that’s what’s also worrying me I really getting no medical help and it’s been going on for so long now. I don’t know what else I’m meant to do when the doctor won’t help me.
TyreseTl
6 March 2021
Since you’re taking 10mg. You should taper off by 2.5mg every other day for a week, then 2.5mg every second other day for a week etc.
TyreseTl
6 March 2021
For example; reducing from 10mg by 2.5mg will be 7.5mg.
TyreseTl
6 March 2021
If 2.5 is too much. Try going by 0.1 instead.
Related topics
insomnia, pain, amitriptyline, anxiety and stress, breathing, chest pain, chest
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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