Amitriptyline and Dry Mouth: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Tay...
• January 11, 2016

For Chronic Myofascial Pain "Started taking this for chronic myofascial pain. At only 10 mg, it's hard to notice a big difference in pain reduction, but it has definitely made it more tolerable. A little groggy at first and dry mouth, but it goes away within a few weeks. Absolutely no weight gain, although I did feel early on I was really craving carbs. If you stay disciplined, those cravings will go away. I haven't gained even 1 lb and have been on it for over a year."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2016

For Insomnia "My sleep cycle got disrupted due to stress. Was not happy with Ambien or Lunesta, I felt like both knocked me out and I would not know if the house was burning down. Take 30 mg of Elavil. Now I just sleep like a regular person. I can wake up, take a leak, go back to bed, sleep away. I regularly sleep 8 to 10 hours with this, which I never had previously in my lifetime. I do get super sticky tongue due to the dry mouth. However, that is a small price to pay to sleep. I am extremely happy with the medicine. I have been to Europe twice from the West Coast with the least amount of jet lag ever. I actually slept on the plane! Works for me."

• Sli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2018

For Vulvodynia "I started on amitriptyline 4 weeks ago, firstly on 10 mg, which didn’t help at all. I still had the pain and burning, which was excruciating. Upped to 20 mg, and still no relief a week later, the pain was still present. Then upped to 30 mg, 40 mg, and now 50 mg a night, which has eliminated all my pain. It does take up to 6 weeks to really work, so be patient. Hard, I know, to tolerate the pain, but it helped me. Had a dry mouth initially and was sleepy at first, but now don’t get any side effects."

• SAm...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2018

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "The worst pill I've ever taken for insomnia. I got prescribed Elavil 25 mg to take before bed. I took the first tab, and it made me very sleepy and dizzy, but I could not fall asleep. I was in a state between sleep and awake. Very dry mouth, very restless, and the second morning I felt that I could not move. It also caused me headaches. Will be throwing the rest in the garbage. Terrible drug."

• gig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 18, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I started it and noticed I slept well after the first tablet. The 10 mg works better for fibromyalgia on a low dose, apparently (10 mg), but anyway, I took it daily an hour or two before bed. But it did take a good 4 months to get into my system and work on blocking out most of my pain and actually get to grips with my own personal experiences with this chronic condition. It worked really well on my migraines, I get them occasionally if I eat food triggers: wheat, dairy, MSG, amongst other triggers, but not nearly as bad as before I started taking amitriptyline. I can honestly say it's given me back my life, and I can plan ahead, which I have never been able to do before. I gave it a 10/10. My side effects were dry mouth for a few weeks, and I watch my diet because it can increase your appetite."

• nom...
• April 24, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I'm 59 years old and have suffered with migraines as well as hard-to-get-rid-of 'regular' daily headaches since my early teens. A three-day migraine would lose 9 pounds for me. I had been to countless doctors and a neurologist with no triggers found. No one ever tried a preventive medication for me. Finally, four years ago, my VA doctor suggested Amitriptyline. It's been a lifesaver. He suggested building up to 30 mg per day at bedtime. I developed dry mouth, eyes, and throat, as well as nosebleeds. I reduced to 10 mg with good results as far as the headache and migraine relief, but still the side effects. Cut the pills in half with good results. So, now I'm taking 5 mg per day, with virtually no side effects and NO headaches at all."

• Eli...
• July 11, 2013

For Pain "This is an update to my previous post about 4 months ago. Now, through close monitoring and guidance by my doctor, I am taking 40 mg of amitriptyline around 10 am and 20 mg around 10 pm. Side effects at this dosage are insignificant (dry mouth, bitter taste, sometimes sleepy 3 hours after the morning dose), considering I am getting much relief from the constant pushing/pulling. I rated it 8 this time because this amount seems to be the most I can take. I'm so grateful for having about 15 days and evenings where I can sit normally to watch TV or read, not having to be lying down. So I encourage any people with transformed migraines to ask your doctor about trying it. I forgot to mention that I can finally get REM sleep now. No more Ambien."

• meg...
• May 31, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "Amazing medicine. I had migraines for 20 years, and they had worsened to twice a week with no relief from Axert, which had worked relatively well in the past. I tried Topamax and experienced horrible mood swings, anger, and hyperactivity. I went on Amitriptyline and gradually moved up to 50 mg as it wasn't fully effective at lower doses. Once I reached 50 mg, my migraines went down to twice a month. Even better, the Axert works much more effectively when I do have a migraine. I had dry mouth early on, but this went away. The only other side effect is occasional dizziness when I stand up (but this only happens about once a week and clears after a few seconds), which is common on this medicine. It has totally changed my life."

• Bye...
• November 4, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "For a long time, it seemed that everything I ate would cause my belly to swell, so I looked pregnant. My constipation and belly pain also worsened significantly the last few years. After a battery of testing, it was determined that I had SIBO and IBS-C. After treatment with the antibiotics, my bloat was better but not gone. Tried Linzess for the constipation, but I hated it. Then the doctor prescribed Amitiza for constipation and amitriptyline 25 mg at night for bloat and pain. It has SAVED me. The pain is gone, and the bloat is almost gone! Plus, the side effects work to my advantage. I don't get up to pee four times a night anymore, and I have never slept better! Dry mouth is pretty bad, but I will take that over the pain any day."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2017

For Pain "Upped dose from 5 mg to 10 mg and again was scared. Still no signs of pain relief, but it has only been about 6 days since starting. As for side effects - a bit of a dry mouth and slight grogginess for an hour. Nothing that I can't deal with. The dry mouth only lasts for ten minutes. Not sure what if I will have to increase dose, but so far, so good."

• Mar...
• February 3, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had IBS-D since I was a child, but it had become so severe that it was ruining my life. After 6 months of abdominal cramps and diarrhea so severe that I could barely leave the house, I started taking 25 mg of Elavil every night. The effect was nothing short of amazing. Except for occasional dry mouth, I am now fully restored to health."

• Amb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 24, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had IBS my whole life. I'm 25 now, and it was getting bad. Every time I ate, I got sick, I started to lose weight. The doctor thought maybe my anxiety was making my IBS worse. I have been taking this medication for two weeks now and haven't gotten sick once. Side effects: dry mouth, so I'm constantly drinking water, no sex drive, and gas. But I think it's worth it! I feel great."

• Ins...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 8, 2016

For Insomnia "I have been on 20 mg amitriptyline for some years now due to really bad insomnia. I don't really know if it works, as some nights I sleep okay and others hardly at all. However, I have never felt groggy in the morning nor had a dry mouth (unlike when I have taken zopiclone and other sleeping pills). This week, for example, has been awful. Every night, I hardly slept a wink. So, I went to the doctor yesterday, and he said to increase the dosage up to 50 mg. I took 40 mg last night and will see how that goes. Insomnia is just the worst thing ever, I really envy those people who can sleep on a washing line!"

• but...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 10, 2022

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I am not new to this drug, I have been taking it since about 2017, when I first got diagnosed with IBS. I had suffered for a whole year before my GI prescribed this. I didn't want to try it, but after a bad episode, I finally decided to take it. At first, I was drowsy and had a dry mouth the first few nights, but after that, I was fine, and the results were so worth it. I could finally EAT! I could enjoy the things I had given up for so long because of this horrible disease. Before this, I could barely eat anything without having diarrhea and feeling sick all day! Well, I got pregnant in 2022, and my doctor told me I had to get off, and I was devastated, but during my pregnancy, I didn't have too many IBS symptoms. After I had the baby, all my symptoms came back! I had lost so much weight after the baby because I was also sick. My doctor wanted me to try Zofran, but I told her I wanted to try getting back on my amitriptyline first, and this helped so fast, I can now enjoy my baby! Please try it!"

• Tjf...
• April 15, 2016

For Pain "Was diagnosed with plasmacytoma in the left mandible and went through radiation therapy 5 days a week for 5 weeks. The radiation did a lot of damage to the inside of my mouth and tongue. I now have an exposed bone in my gum by the molars. I was healing nicely, then out of the blue I started having severe pain in my jaw. It only lasted less than 10 minutes, x 10 per day, but it would come on suddenly and was severe. My oncologist said it was probably nerve regeneration causing the nerves to spasm. He prescribed amitriptyline 10 mg and said to increase every 3-4 days until I start feeling relief. I am on 30 mg now and no pain at all, and yes I have been sleeping great. My mouth was already dry from the radiation, so no problem."

• ese...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2021

For Interstitial Cystitis "I'm 21 and diagnosed with IC. Been on this medication for 3 days, and it has worked, all my symptoms are almost completely gone. I had a lot of burning and pain. So far, this is the only med that helped me almost completely. I only take half a 25 mg pill. So far, it covers me. Had no side effect yet other than dry mouth and a little fatigue. I tried Uribel, black seed oil, two alpha blockers (silodosin, tamsulosin), and quercetin. None helped the way this medication did. If you have interstitial cystitis, you have to try this. I never thought I'd get this much pain relief."

• 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."

• Kel...
• November 9, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have tried this medication, amitriptyline, twice now, a year apart, for vestibular migraine (dizziness/vertigo). I have tried all other migraine prophylaxis medications, and either they didn’t help or side effects too severe to continue taking them for more than a few weeks. Amitriptyline did stop my daily dizziness, and I did feel less foggy, however, the antidepressant component of this medication does not work well for me. I was having intrusive thoughts and nightmares, scary stuff, similar to The Shining! It made my anxiety worse. I know they say there is an adjustment phase of a few weeks on this type of medication, but when you feel so bad three days in, you do wonder how bad it has to get. I stopped taking the medication because of the effects it was having, but it did work. The only other small side effect I had was dry mouth, which was nothing. I am now looking at trying the last available option for me for migraine, which is a calcium channel blocker."

• Gar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 4, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I used amitriptyline for about 7 years. It was very helpful for sleep. But this is a 'dirty old drug' according to my PhD wife. Over time, I suffered constipation and dry mouth. The dry mouth destroyed my teeth enamel. So far, my dental work has cost me $16,000 and counting. Beware of this!"

• Ant...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2018

For Depression "I was prescribed Elavil after 3 years of terror with SSRIs and SNRIs. I have to say that it helped me tremendously with sleeping, energy, and headaches. I suffer from anxiety/depression. It helped with anxiety a lot. I threw away the clonazepam after 2 weeks. However, for my bad luck, it didn’t give me the remission — my old self. I was disconnected for three years and a half. I was like circled, not living the daily routine. If I would feel my old self, I wouldn’t mind the dry mouth and weight gain. Anyway, I tapered it off, and after 4 months, I crashed. I tried Fetzima and Cymbalta without results. Now my doctor wants to put me back on Elavil, and I’m crying all day because I know it will help me with most of the symptoms except for not feeling my old self — just flat all day. I can’t imagine my life feeling disconnected from my children. What should I do?"

• Mot...
• March 28, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "This medicine has really helped me to sleep. My pain has gone down, including migraines. I am still very stiff in the morning, and sometimes I have weak legs. Only two side effects I've noticed: dry mouth and sleepy in the morning if I take the meds too late. But still pretty happy with the meds."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 7, 2012

For Fibromyalgia "I have had fibro for 10 years (7 years since diagnosis). Amitriptyline has been the only constant help. All other medications have had no effect. Amitriptyline almost eliminates back pain (hasn't helped any other muscle pains). A dose of 75 mg taken before bed gives me a full night's sleep. Side effects of weight gain, dry mouth, and urinary retention just have to be managed until I can find anything better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 1, 2015

For Pain "I was prescribed amitriptyline for a herniated disc and nerve pain. I took 10 mg every night for over a year. Having had regular physio, I made good progress and decided to come off them to see if I still needed them. Also, my teeth were suffering from constant dry mouth, and my hair was falling out at an alarming rate. Both symptoms stopped within 2 weeks of coming off them, however, 3 weeks in, the nerve pain has returned. I can't decide if going back on them is worth losing my teeth and hair for! Also, due to its sleep-inducing properties, it can, for some, be very addictive, I certainly have as good a quality of sleep as I did."

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2019

For Insomnia "Out of the blue, I've been having terrible insomnia and was given amitriptyline 25 mg at night. It has worked most nights for sleep, but the side effects are dry mouth and a big drop in my libido. As a 35-year-old man, I should still be in my prime in this regard, and now to suddenly lose 'interest' is not good. So I will have a word with my doctor about it. But overall, a good drug for sleep issues."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 11, 2018

For Vulvodynia "I've been on amitriptyline on and off for several years. I take only 5 mg at night and have had such significant relief from many of my issues. My anxiety is much better, and my chronic lower back pain from a ruptured disc is so much better. I also have vulvodynia and have had significant relief from that as well. I think this drug is under-prescribed because it’s old and the drug reps aren’t pushing it. But it is well studied and very safe. I have no real side effects on 5 mg, but on 10 mg, I do get dry mouth and fatigue. I highly recommend trying amitriptyline!"