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 6 March 2021
Answers
Hello,
Did your doctor taper you off Amitriptyline? Or did you stop abruptly due to side effects?
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.
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?
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.
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.
For example; reducing from 10mg by 2.5mg will be 7.5mg.
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 information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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