I have taken Amitriptyline but my arms-hands would jerk, twitch. It was bad enough that I had a difficult time typing and writing. I wondered if anyone else had this and if it got better over time.
Has anyone experienced muscles jerking-twitching with Amitriptyline?
Question posted by slinman on 10 April 2015
Last updated on 5 August 2022
3 Answers
vitalizer
27 Aug 2018
This is an old post but I have overcome Fibromyalgia for 20 years and I know all about it, so much that my doctor listens to me as I have been researching fibro for a long time and have controlled it with success. Fibromyalgia for some can be a serotonin metabolism malfunction and fibro patients have high hystamine that gets released (have you felt itchy). So I was naturally getting my symptoms down with using an allergy pill every 12 hours and 5-htp 100mg timed release tablets taken it twice a day, that put me at 80% better and it was tricky because when you increase serotonin, other neurotransmitters get depleted. This is where Amitriptyline comes in handy. Only take the 25mg before going to bed and an 5HTP 100mg timed release with it. In the morning, take another 5htp timed release. You will probably noticed that all your pains and symtoms are gone like it has happened to me. Now, the twitching.
yes I have gotten the twitching but it is not the amitriptyline, it happens because the medicine is trying to balance the neurotransmitter but there is not enough serotonin. this can happen and for this reason I carry 5htp 100mg timed release with me. when the twitching occurs, I take it and in about an hour or a bit less, the twitching stops. Another hint, the drowsiness also means your serotoning is low. I hope this helps someone as it has helped me. I have tried other medicines but this is the one with less risks and it can be taken long term and it can be skipped a day or two as long as you keep taking your 5htp and allergy medicine. I do this once a week to keep my body from getting used to the medicne and having to up the mg.
LeeFordy
16 Dec 2019
Dec 2019.
I cannot express how much your comment has helped me.
I want you to know that I am so grateful, especially as I thought that I was going mad. Haha.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Thank you! X
Suzewooze
5 Aug 2022
This is really interesting and have been looking into 5-htp, i have fibromyalgia but i already take a high doses of antidepressants so I wouldn't be able to take the 5-htp alongside those unfortunately,. I'm really happy to hear that you have found a way to manage fibromyalgia, i wish i could find a way, at the moment I am trying to deal with the pain and sleep issues, the amitriptyline has stopped working for me.
GuitarFever73
6 May 2017
Hello yes had arm tremors jerks, also cold sweats, Vomiting, felt dizzy, could not sleep and this med did nothing for my back and muscle pain,
only added more trouble. But Ive read reviews on different sites that it has helped for others, just not for me. I hope that helps good luck.
lady2882
13 April 2015
Yes this is a known possible side effect (see https://www.drugs.com/sfx/amitriptyline-side-effects.html ) that should be reported to your doctor right away.
I get some mild but annoying twitches but only if I try to stay awake too long after taking my dose.
Related topics
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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