Amitriptyline and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 2, 2017

For Pain "I started taking 10 mg of amitriptyline in December of 2015 when I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. It takes away the constant sharp burning pain I was having along with the constant urge to urinate. Once in a while, I will have a flare-up of symptoms, but even then, my pain is very minimal. The only side effects I've noticed are that it makes me drowsy in the first few hours of taking my dose. The first month or two of taking it, I would experience extremely vivid nightmares, but those have subsided to simply being vivid dreams some of the time. I've also noticed that if I forget to take it one night, I have difficulty falling asleep and some anxiety similar to the feeling of drinking a little too much coffee, which is tolerable."

• bla...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 17, 2023

For Neuropathic Pain "This drug really does work wonders for extreme pain. I suffered from excruciating pain for 2 years, and within a month of taking it, my pain was reduced significantly. However, it gave me terrible anxiety and panic, plus some psychosis. I was popping anti-anxiety medication every day to combat the side effects because it helped so much with the pain. My doctor refused to believe that it was amitriptyline causing the problem, as I was on a low dose. I decided to stop taking the drug in November, and all of my mental health problems have disappeared. Not everyone suffers from these side effects, but it's worth knowing what could happen. A truly frightening drug for me that I would never, ever take again."

• Pau...
• November 3, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "1 month in on my 2nd stint on amitriptyline for migraines, anxiety, low mood, 25 mg/day. I feel it's starting to have a good effect, symptoms have gone from a 7-8 to a 2-3. At first, it seemed to be making things worse, the side effects the first week were horrific: headaches, confusion, brain fog, anxiety. But around week 2-3, I started to feel some improvement and have continued slow but steady improvement since then. Last time I took it was a few years ago for about a year and a half, eventually, I weaned off of it and was fine for a while, but then the migraines came back. I have seen some studies where amitriptyline has been shown to increase neurogenesis in the brain, so it helps to rebuild and rewire the brain. Hopefully, I will be able to wean off of it again in time. Happy to have found something that works, I would give it a 10, but some minor side effects that have to be dealt with: constipation, dry skin, mouth, weight gain."

• Tom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

For Pain "Wow. This brought on really dark thoughts and serious nightmares that I can see clearly the next day. Pain relief and assisting me to sleep, yes, but absolutely not for me. Anxiety and depression were increased."

• poe...
• May 23, 2016

Amitriptyline for Depression "I have only been on this drug for two weeks, and as yet, I have not noticed any difference with my depression. My anxiety levels are up, I have swooshing, buzzing noises in my ears. I even feel dizzy while seated and even just turning my head from side to side. I have noticed tingling in my fingers. My balance is affected, feeling like a drunk person. My head throbs."

• Ann...
• July 23, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Took 10 mg for the first time last night for insomnia. To my great surprise, today it seemed to help with both muscle achiness and with anxiety. I slept all day (and needed it), but I suspect that won't be a big issue once I take this medication more regularly (which was the case when I was on mirtazapine/Remeron)."

• Phi...
• October 27, 2016

For Insomnia "I started the medication after suffering from insomnia and general anxiety. I tried citalopram and basically didn't sleep for a month, along with numerous other side effects. I was skeptical the first couple of times I took 10 mg to help with sleep, and it had no effect. Maybe I needed to wait longer for the citalopram to clear out of my system. I left it a couple of days and tried 25 mg, let's just say I slept the best I had in a long time. I haven't really noticed any other side effects, maybe this is because citalopram made me feel so strange this doesn't even scratch the surface. Anyway, I'm now looking forward to bed, and I hope this continues as it is really helping me focus better at work, having more sleep."

• Mil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2016

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "Was prescribed 25 mg for post-traumatic stress from a motorcycle vs. drunk driver wreck I survived. I also have insomnia and panic/anxiety attacks as a result. I had negative experiences with Xanax. So I started amitriptyline 25 mg, it did nothing for me, kept me awake, even. 50 mg helped a little (5-6 hours of sleep). I went back to the doc, and he said, 'A guy your size, try taking 2 50 mg before bed' (I weigh 215). I took 2 while making dinner and could barely keep my head up while eating. I slept 10 hours straight! This is fantastic as I have 'interrupted sleep cycles' where my body comes out of REM sleep from the PTSD. Doc says I need 10-12 hours of sleep on a good night. I like that it's not addictive as well."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2024

Amitriptyline "I want to post this for others with anxiety. I have been on 20 mg of Lexapro for some years, but it was not fully addressing my anxiety. I added Elavil to it - 10 mg a night. My anxiety increased greatly for roughly the first two weeks (these are the startup effects). I am now on day 19, and the anxiety has vanished. I am so grateful for this medication. I want to leave this review for others who are having the startup anxiety. It is horrible, but so worth it. Don't give up!"

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "If I could give this a ZERO, I would. My doctor prescribed this for migraine prevention, and my 1st dose sent me straight to the ER with the worst panic attack I’ve ever experienced! I felt like I was literally dying. My BP was 205/130, and my pulse was 180. I’m not sure how I didn’t die, they had to give me Ativan to counter the effects. Ever since then, I’ve been dealing with regular anxiety and panic attacks. This medication set off something inside me, and I truly hate it."

• Mee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 14, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed amitriptyline 10 mg/day for anxiety. Previous SSRIs had left me with constant shakes and sleep deprivation. Amitriptyline did help with my neck pain, and my sleep pattern returned to normal, which was great. Unfortunately, even at the lowest dose of 10 mg, I was unable to function. I felt like a zombie, and my coordination was shot to pieces, and I was breathless doing the smallest of physical activities. I cut to 5 mg because the pain relief for my neck was such a boon, but the negative side effects were still too great to continue a normal life. Shaking, woolly-headed, forgetful, and still an underlying anxiety that erupted over the smallest of issues. Useless for my anxiety because of my sensitivity to the drug, but great for pain relief. I tried it for 4 weeks before being switched to a beta blocker."

• Liv...
• November 10, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I took this for two months for nerve pain. It gradually helped somewhat, and it did help me get to sleep easily. However, I felt immense brain fog every day and lost motivation or energy to do much at all. I also found I was getting random bouts of depression and anxiety. Since quitting, I have so much more energy, and my mood has returned to normal."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 11, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Switched to 25 mg amitriptyline from 60 mg of Cymbalta. Was told to overlap for one week and have now taken the amitrip for exactly one week. Initially thought the deep sleep from it was amazing. Couldn't remember the last time I had slept that deeply and had such vivid dreams that I could (too clearly) remember. I kind of liked the 'emotional numbness' I got from it. However, the next day I would be so exhausted and out of it. At times, I had to remind myself where I was and often struggled to find the words to form a complete sentence. I ate like I had the munchies (like I had just smoked weed). I also became quite paranoid that most people were out to get me. I definitely am stopping this drug as of tonight after becoming more teary-emotional, angry, and overwhelmed than I could tolerate. The Cymbalta is now looking very appealing."

• man...
• March 16, 2015

For Insomnia "Currently at 200 mg to control insomnia and migraines. Only small side effect is occasional slight dizziness. Other than that, now that I am on the correct dosage, minimal side effects and complete relief from issues. As an aside, was unable to get a refill for a week once and experienced extreme, worsening withdrawal symptoms: constant, mild headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, debilitating nausea, dizziness, and vertigo, runny nose, complete loss of appetite, feeling dehydrated. Constant panic attacks: uncontrollable anxiety, racing heart, profuse sweating, and feeling dehydrated and like I'm gasping for air. I've had remarkable success with the drug, but I caution anyone considering stopping to confer with their doctor and wean off rather than cold turkey."

• aaa...
• January 6, 2017

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "Works okay. I have bulging discs, a tear, depression, and anxiety. On this, I sleep well. Loss of sex drive, anxiety, and stress still high. Doesn't help the pain so much in my back. I sleep really well at night after 100 mg, but I wake up tired and need to nap for 2-3 hours and be in bed by 9:30 pm. Just always wanting to sleep and lazy."

• aaa...
• January 6, 2017

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "Works okay. I have bulging discs, a tear, depression, and anxiety. On this, I sleep well. Loss of sex drive, anxiety, and stress still high. Doesn't help the pain so much in my back. I sleep really well at night after 100 mg, but I wake up tired and need to nap for 2-3 hours and be in bed by 9:30 pm. Just always wanting to sleep and lazy."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Pain "I took one 10 mg tab before bed as prescribed by my doctor to help with pain, and rather than sending me to sleep, I started feeling strange burning and tingling in my arms and legs. My heart was pounding, agitation was high, and very negative thoughts. For several days after, I had almost manic energy levels, was very thirsty, and pretty much no sleep for a week. I was jittery and shaky, feeling wired and anxious. Physio massage on my neck and shoulders several times during the week helped a lot to unlock tight muscles. Plus, I have tried all the usual sleep support supplements, tart cherry, Mg, chamomile tea, but still struggle to get to sleep or have more than 2 hours at a time. Imovane (Zopiclone - sleeping pills) worked a bit, but I don’t want to take it every night in case of addiction."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 13, 2019

For Pain "I took one 10 mg tab before bed as prescribed by my doctor to help with pain, and rather than sending me to sleep, I started feeling strange burning and tingling in my arms and legs. My heart was pounding, agitation was high, and very negative thoughts. For several days after, I had almost manic energy levels, was very thirsty, and pretty much no sleep for a week. I was jittery and shaky, feeling wired and anxious. Physio massage on my neck and shoulders several times during the week helped a lot to unlock tight muscles. Plus, I have tried all the usual sleep support supplements, tart cherry, Mg, chamomile tea, but still struggle to get to sleep or have more than 2 hours at a time. Imovane (Zopiclone - sleeping pills) worked a bit, but I don’t want to take it every night in case of addiction."

• Ala...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2018

For Pain "I took amitriptyline for tension headaches that plagued me daily. Every day the headaches would come on, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The headaches would come on in the late afternoon; usually, the worst pain was between 5-8 pm. Started with 10 mg, worked my way up to 50 mg, and then after 2 years, withdrew by 10 mg until off after five to six weeks. Withdrawal made me anxious, but the worst was over after only 2 weeks - make sure you plan a good exercise, hydrate, and healthy eating plan during this 2-week period. Overall, the drug helped and got rid of the headaches, but the daily grogginess made me want to quit. Slight weight gain of 5-10 lbs, but nothing too crazy. This medication worked, withdrawal sucked for 20 days, and now I am successfully tension headache-free and successfully off because of amitriptyline."

• jay...
• September 29, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I have been suffering with fibromyalgia for 6 years, officially diagnosed for two. I have IBS, RLS, insomnia, depression, and anxiety as side effects. I've been through the mill trying to find something that works to ease it. I had a winning combination of tramadol and mirtazapine taken at night, which eased the pain symptoms so I could sleep. However, it didn't help with the pain, but I could live with that. My doctor decided that I couldn't and took me off tramadol and put me on amitriptyline, and much like its name, I felt like I'd tripped. I was awake but had no control over my limbs, I could still feel the pain, the twitches. I felt like I was locked out of my brain and someone else was at the wheel. I will never take it again."

• Ame...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2017

For Pain "Horrific. First thing, 1st pill was extremely dry mouth with a dry cough that lasted a couple of hours. 2 days same, but now accompanied by an internal anxiety accompanied by insomnia. Within a week, felt like every adverse reaction mentioned in the pamphlet and online was applicable, plus some not mentioned (dry mouth, blurred vision, centralized stomach pain/gut, constipation, and blurred double vision... OH! Not to mention the vivid racing dreams anytime I could fall asleep.) When I mentioned it to the doctor, his feeling was for me to continue the meds. Issues would work themselves out within a couple of weeks more. 'Ok, doc. I'll give it a couple of weeks more of this torture these pills have put me in.' Went home and tossed them in the garbage."

• Chl...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2018

For Chronic Myofascial Pain "Just want to share my experience. I hope this helps people. I suffer from facial pain and migraines. I have been taking 10 mg of amitriptyline for 2 and a half years now. I am used to this dose now, though my anxiety has become worse. So, having spoken to my doctor, I am upping the dose to 20 mg, taking each before bed every night. This medicine has helped me a huge amount with my facial pain and migraine. I wondered if anyone can give me any advice on the upping dose of this?"

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "It was both heartwarming and very frustrating reading all the posts on the amazing results that sufferers of IBS found from this medication. I suffer from a disease called chronic radiation enteritis, which is a possible late effect of having radiation to my abdominal area when I was 12 -- I am now 53. After only 2-3 days of taking the drug, I became extremely anxious, moody, and eventually, a general feeling of hopelessness settled on me that was absolutely horrible. I have taken the 30 pills as asked, but not only did it not help my gut, but made me generally miserable for the entire month. So IBS people, I am so happy for you, and pray that something will come along that will help me even half as much as the testimonials I read here."

• Si2...
• August 11, 2018

For Pain "I went to the doctor complaining of numbness on the back of my hand. The doctor explained that he didn't think it was carpal tunnel syndrome but that it might be that a nerve was trapped. He asked if I suffered from any pain, I told him I occasionally had neck pain, but it didn't bother me. He prescribed me 10 mg of amitriptyline, saying that I wouldn't feel any difference for between 6 and 8 weeks. He did not tell me that it was an antidepressant, question me regarding work, or discuss possible side effects. I took one just before bed that night. The next day, I was unable to attend work as I felt terrible. I explained to them the situation and said I would take the next one much earlier so that it had less effect. When I got up the next day, I felt okay to go to work. I took my other medication, went to work by car. All I can remember about the journey is feeling extremely anxious. At work, I was in a daze, unable to focus, think, talk. I was dizzy and incoherent, consequently, I was driven home."

• Nov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed this medication for migraines I get due to neck tension. I was on 10 mg for 10 days. I had to stop because I was becoming extremely irritable and anxious, just feeling totally overwhelmed by all my problems and stress and like I couldn't manage it all. I also did experience some blurred vision."