Amitriptyline and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Dia...
• February 7, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I started this medication for hemiplegic migraines. I was also experiencing bad anxiety and dizziness. I started at 25 mg, and I saw an immediate decrease in my anxiety and dizziness. I did suffer a bad migraine, and my doctor increased my dose to 50 mg at bedtime. It has worked wonderfully, with the added bonus of getting a great night's sleep."

• 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."

• Pan...
• March 6, 2015

For Pain "Been on and off this medication since November 2014 after a stint of three days with no sleeping, thanks to my chronic anxiety/panic disorder. Started out on 50 mg but I couldn't tolerate it, so I tapered it down to 25 mg, and it worked like a charm. The first few days are awful with the dizziness, foggy head, just getting the day started can be a royal pain. However, I had some amazing sleep taking this, just hated the feeling of being drugged. I tried going cold turkey off this medication, and let me be the first to say, DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY! I was so sick and shaky, muscle cramps/spasms, severe vomiting, worst flu-like feeling you'll ever have. I broke down and cut a 25 mg into 12.5 mg. Muscle pain lingers, but everything else is better."

• Jes...
• February 13, 2014

For Anxiety and Stress "I've only been taking this for a month. I got 25 mg of amitriptyline at night. I have anxiety attacks, and sometimes I shake, this hasn't been helping at all with that. I also have insomnia, which is the only thing it's helped for. I actually sleep, but it gives me dry mouth, and once I woke up and everything was spinning for the whole day."

• Lor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2019

For Pain "I have a love/hate relationship with this drug. I started taking it 2 months ago for neuropathy from MS in both my legs. I’ve had some pain for over 5 years, but it turned on high 2 years ago. I tried all the drugs my neurologist had me try, but nothing would work. So I started researching and found this drug. The good: pain free at 150 mg at night. The bad news: horrible side effects at this dose. Extreme dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, balance issues, and my brain is acting like I have dementia, i.e., asking the same question multiple times. Aphasia and sense of taste made everything taste metallic. So I’m in limbo until I find another drug to try."

• Jig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 5, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "After one of the worst years of my life, I developed anxiety, was prescribed Endep 25 mg, progressed to 50 mg, then 100 mg. Side effects were full on and included, but were not limited to dizziness, short-term memory loss, blackouts (momentary but scary), nightmares, indigestion, incredible tiredness (cloudy head, fuzziness), dry mouth, and one of the deepest, most horrible depressive states I have ever been in, which included suicidal thoughts, but hey, I didn't have anxiety! THIS IS A WARNING: if you develop suicidal thoughts while taking this drug, see a doctor immediately!"

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2019

For Interstitial Cystitis "I was prescribed amitriptyline for the above condition and have taken 1/2 of a 25 mg only at night for 8 nights. I've had trouble with my memory the last few days, and I just had a sudden, very severe dizzy spell where I fell to the floor, and I had no warning. Had I been driving or walking down a staircase, I and others may have been hurt or killed. I just called the pharmacist to see if I can go off it today. She said since it was such a low dose and I've taken only 8 1/2 pills, I could. I will never take this pill again."

• Niv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2020

For Pain "I took amitriptyline for bladder pain for 2 and a half months, and my dose was 20 mg a day. It was the worst experience of my life. This drug gave me hallucinations at night. I experienced stiffness in my muscles, dryness in my throat and nose to the point I couldn't breathe well, my nose became very sensitive to cold or hot weather. I had numbness in my limbs, automatic muscle contractions, hives, nausea, and dizziness. The adverse effects didn't go away completely. Today, after almost 2 years off this medication, my breathing is not right. The medication caused me permanent damage to my nasal mucosa, it's completely dry, and now an internist doctor is trying to reverse the damage. He told me it was caused by this drug, and he said it's a terrible drug with a lot of side effects, and that is why it's rarely in use in Spain. I was prescribed amitriptyline in the UK. It also caused dementia in the long term, as said by the University of Harvard."

• Ste...
• March 25, 2019

For Pain "Horrible. Nonstop shaking, lightheaded, and dizzy. Sometimes it goes away, and an hour later it comes back. I’ve had a terrible experience and even went to the ER. Keep in mind I only took it for 3 days."

• Sad...
• July 21, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I suffer from chronic migraines, but I am only 15 years old. I had to be taken out of school for some time because of them. I was prescribed 10 mg of amitriptyline to take every day, and it has been great. I now get very few migraines and of lesser severity. I do, though, experience some dizziness, which made it harder to participate in sports, but overall, my experience has been good."

• Mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 10, 2018

For Insomnia "I was put on this after having postpartum depression and not sleeping because of it after I had my son. My doctor knew I needed to sleep badly! He started me off on 100 mg a day in the morning and at night. It has dry mouth side effects and a bit dizzy, but not bad, and after 2 weeks, I was feeling way better. I could cope with having a new baby and sleep at night!! The side effects go away after about 3 months, and you just feel normal. He had me lower the dose to 50 mg just at night, and it helps very, very much for sleep. I have been on this for 25 years, and I lowered my dose clear down to 10 mg a night. There are times I go up to 25 mg or 50 mg, but I always come down when the crisis of something is over. If you're looking for a good pill, it's this one. It's been around forever and it works for pain as well, like with migraines. And yes, you do gain weight, but I'd rather sleep at night and try to control my appetite! It's a good pill, I think. Out of all of them, this one works good."

• 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."

• 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."

• lel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2013

For Burning Mouth Syndrome "Miracle for me! I have burning pain in my mouth and vulvodynia. I have been on this for 3 days and almost no pain. I had heavy side effects of dizziness and was lethargic the first 2 days but am coming out of it now. Taking 25 mg twice daily."

• Asa...
• June 4, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I have been having migraines since I had my daughter at age 22. I'm 38 now. I had migraines 2-4 times a week. I tried a lot of migraine medications with really bad side effects. Then my migraines got worse because they were causing me vertigo. So when I got them together, I was in bed for 2-3 days. I was calling out a lot, and I went to see a neurologist who prescribed me a beta blocker. I stopped the medication because my blood pressure was dropping a lot. Then my doctor prescribed me amitriptyline 10 mg, and my migraines are gone. Vertigo too. Don't be afraid to take it because you won't get addicted, if you want to stop, it won't give you any withdrawal. I stopped it last month to see how I was going to do without it, and my migraines are back. I just started again."

• Ult...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "My doctor prescribed 10 mg amitriptyline/day for chronic migraines (daily with no apparent cause), and I managed to last 5 days on the meds. I had horrible dizziness, was lightheaded whenever I stood up, had the weirdest dreams (to the point where I did not want to go to sleep and face whatever dream/nightmare that was waiting for me), and on the last night I took them, I had such terrible stomach pain that it woke me up, and my mother almost took me to the ER because I nearly blacked out from the pain when I got up to go to the washroom. The meds also didn't actually help with my migraine situation. Based on my reactions to other medications, I would say that I'm particularly prone to side effects, so they may/may not happen to you."

• Mig...
• April 26, 2009

For Migraine Prevention "Have been taking amitriptyline for 6 weeks for migraines/neck pain (nerve and muscle problems in my neck are migraine triggers). Was getting migraines 2-3 times a week; sometimes lasting 2 days. Worst migraines include vision changes and vomiting. Began at 10 mg and had less neck pain, but still migraines (less intense than usual). Went to 20 mg, but found it too sedating (lethargic all day). Back on 10 mg, but am going off it because of side effects. It affects my sense of taste (doctor says it increases sense of smell). Strong-smelling foods repel me, and I crave/gobble carbohydrates. I've gained a pound a week (I was thin before). My ears ring, I get dizzy, libido is nil. Feel dead inside. Am weak when I exercise."

• lif...
• January 19, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "After enduring chronic, excruciating abdominal pain for months (and taking virtually every test known to man - including, but not limited to, a colonoscopy, endoscopy, and MRI scans), my GI diagnosed IBS-D (nervous mind = nervous stomach) and prescribed amitriptyline. Within 4-5 days, the constant, unrelenting pain, bloating, discomfort, and diarrhea significantly subsided. The relief brought me to tears. (The only negative reactions included dry mouth, some weight gain, mild constipation, dizziness, and middle of the night panic attacks - however, I'm not sure if those midnight attacks were related to the medication in any way)."

• Nix...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Like many others here, I suffered IBS symptoms for years and tried many types of natural therapies and diets with minimal success. It got bad last year - severe gut pain, cramping, gas, dizziness, and more. A gastro specialist recommended this treatment following tests. Started on 5 mg morning and night and felt flat. Switched to 10 mg at night and no more symptoms!! I had my first Christmas of indulging and put on weight. Still have some bloating. Can enjoy a daily coffee and a little chocolate."

• Jst...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2021

For Insomnia "So I've been on amitriptyline for about 6 months. I gradually moved my way up in dosages from 25 mg to what I'm taking now, 75 mg. When I first started out, it was kind of rough. I was dizzy the whole 1st month I took it, it would end and then come back. Also, my chest would get that 'sinking' sensation, like a fight or flight response. It did eventually go away, but as far as the sleep goes, it does put you to sleep, but not so much at keeping you asleep. I sleep about 4-5 hours, experience a crazy dream or nightmare, and then I wake up. I can usually go back to sleep after a little bit, but it takes some time. I kinda wish I could sleep 7-8 hours nonstop without waking up in the middle of the night, but maybe I'll have to increase the dosage to see if that works."

• Anonymous
• September 8, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I suffered with constant dizziness every day to some degree for at least 5 years. Seen neurologists, had brain scans, and tried various drugs. The last neurologist said it could be a type of migraine, but I am not convinced (every day for 5 years)? It is ruining my life. I can't make plans, drive, look after grandkids, just stuck indoors. Just started taking 10 mg of amitriptyline and am worried that one of the side effects is dizziness! I will give it a good try because I am at a loss as to where to go from here. Anybody else taken this drug for dizziness? How did it work for you?"

• 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."

• Sea...
• March 21, 2009

For Pain "I was in a car accident and have chronic pain. Amitriptyline takes the edge off. The side effects are dry mouth, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and chronic lethargy, to name a few. The one that put me off completely is the risk of liver damage. My feet have been swelling for 3 weeks. For the last week, my calves have been swelling as well."

• Mea...
• February 17, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Oh my gosh, miracle drug right here!! I have been taking amitriptyline for years now, and it has made all the difference. When I first started, it took about a little over a month to kick in, but it has been great! No longer having to worry about the pain, diarrhea, and discomfort. I take 10 mg before bed each night. I did gain about 30 lbs within 3 months of starting it #yikes, but it has stayed the same since. And though the weight gain wasn't too fun, the positive side effects outweigh the negative 100%. Dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness are manageable, but pooping every 10 min isn't. So a big shout out to whoever created this drug because it is a miracle!"

• Cli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2022

For Neuropathic Pain "I started taking 10 mg amitriptyline at night in September 2021 for peripheral neuropathy. I've just weaned myself off them a week ago, January 2022. I was having terrible night sweats and palpitations, dizziness, bunged-up nose, dry mouth. The pain is back, but I no longer feel like I'm going to drop dead."