... I am concerned with all of the side effects. I usually don't take any medication at all, but I was feeling desperate to cure these migraines. I am 27 yrs old, just wondering what everyone thinks about this med before I begin to take it, and how long does the drowsiness last? I am a student and I work, so there isn't much time in my day to be sleepy.
The Dr told me to take 10mg of Amitriptyline for migraines?
- Asked
- 9 Dec 2011 by MEA:)
- Updated
- 10 Dec 2011
- Topics
- migraine, amitriptyline, side effect, medication
Responses (2)
Hello MEA. You'll possibly feel the side effects for several days, possibly longer. Its not the best choice of drugs only because Amitriptyline is noted for its sedative qualities. Other side effects usually ease up the longer you are on the drug, and more often than not, if not disappearing completely, are minimal and so liveable. Its a older drug Amitriptyline, Elavil is a tricylic antidepressant. I hope you do well on it, and of course, if you feel that you are more often than not sedated, lathargic, you might talk to your doctor to try another drug, same family (tricylic) but with less side effects. Best to you,
Hi, i have been taking amitriptyline for about 3 years now and find them really helpful. I haven't found any side effects from them which is great! It did take a while for my body to adjust to them when i first started, maybe a couple of weeks. I take them for my back pain and to help me sleep, so for me, i am grateful for the sedative effect. You will adjust to them over time, for example, i started on 10mg and now take 50mg to get the same effects. I would suggest that you take them before bed, and as Pledge said, it won't do any harm to have a bit of a caffeine hit to help you feel awake the next day. I haven't experienced weight gain from taking them either.

Further Information
- Amitriptyline Information for Consumers
- Amitriptyline Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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Thanks Pledge,
There were other medications the Dr suggested first, but in my situation I have no medical insurance and they all were out of my price range, so this was one of the more affordable meds. I will give it a try, I have been suffering with migraines for close to 10years and I just can't tolerate it any more. I am hoping I don't gain weight either I noticed that was a side effect as well... I guess I will see how it goes.
I understand about prices and cost. Its like that, isn't it? I've been fortunate but some time ago, for a few years I was paying out of pocket. Ouch! Unfortunate. There are programs, by most every pharmacitical corporation, patient assistance programs and you'd be surprised how many people qualify. Well, best of luck and as far as migraines, I had them up to oh, 7 or 8 years ago, and they just about disappeared on there own. Still headaches but minimal, I drink a lot of coffee, and it really does help me. Good luck MEA, hope it helps and you get some relief.