Amitriptyline and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sil...
• June 21, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I had migraines for 11+ years. It took probably 7 years to finally find sumatriptan for the abortion of an acute attack, which would happen 2-6 times a week. I would react to weather, stress, lack of sleep, 3-D movies... you name it. Once I started PA school, due to stress, migraines became an almost daily thing, and it would debilitate my life and studying to the point I couldn't stand anymore. Since I have insomnia for many years, amitriptyline sounded superior to other options, and I started taking 10 mg before going to sleep. It's my week 3 with all possible triggers and absolutely zero migraines! I am so happy I can't even believe it worked so well. I only had one small headache (which used to be often too). And I definitely fall asleep better!"

• Tin...
• July 8, 2016

For Pain "It's taking the edge off of my pain, but leaving me with terrible headaches, so is it really worth the trade in pains? I'll continue to take this and see if the headaches subside for another week, after that, if the headaches continue, I will probably discontinue Elavil!"

• 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."

• Gli...
• October 25, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I was prescribed amitriptyline to help with anxiety and sleeping issues, but it has also helped a ton with migraines. I was having at least one a week, but I haven't had one in almost 4 months (so far). I have had a couple of headaches, but they definitely weren't migraines, and over-the-counter meds knocked them out. I was at the point where over-the-counter meds weren't working with the migraines, so I'm thrilled with the results. And it has improved my sleep considerably, also!"

• Red...
• December 4, 2017

For Pain "Started on 10 mg per day of amitriptyline for daily jaw pain due to clenching teeth during the night. Was waking up every day in agony. 10 mg seems to have stopped the jaw pain, however, was still waking up with terrible headaches every day. Doc increased the dose to 20 mg. This had stopped the headaches too. Also suffer from migraines. Not had one of these either."

• Daa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "I was prescribed amitriptyline for my fibromyalgia, and within a very short time, my symptoms worsened considerably. I was severely fogged, and in more pain than before - restless legs, overheating, headaches, and exhausted 90% of the time - none of which I had before. A different doctor told me to stop taking it as it was poisoning my system. The symptoms haven't eased even though I don't take them anymore. I can't enjoy my young grandchildren, which is heartbreaking."

• Anonymous
• March 22, 2012

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I just started taking it last Thursday, and I am so happy that it is working, no headaches (except one today). I feel like I'm in a dream! No one around me understands how miraculous this is, suffered with them for 30 years now. I feel like a normal human."

• Anonymous
• April 16, 2012

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I was very tired the first week, but after pushing through it, I felt better. Headaches took about 2-3 weeks to go away, but they were gone. I had been having headaches almost daily, and they were getting severe. I felt pain-free, however, I felt like my IQ had dropped about 20 points. I couldn't think of things quickly anymore, and it was getting worse. My typing was getting worse, and I was forgetting everyday things like family members' names. I pulled backwards out of my driveway one day, and with myself turned around looking out the rear window, I couldn't orient myself to figure out which side of the road to be on. I was on Elavil for almost 2 months. I took myself off 1 week ago. Headaches are coming back, but my memory is returning."

• lou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 25, 2015

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Elavil 10 mg at bedtime for now 2 weeks. I like the sedation effect. I have no side effects such as dry mouth or increased appetite. But I do have constipation, and my major concern is that I have more headaches."

• kan...
• October 24, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I've been taking this for just under 1 month after taking topiramate previously. The first 3 weeks in comparison were great, I went down to only 1 migraine per week and only 1 headache per week. But I'm now back to daily headaches."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 15, 2014

For Interstitial Cystitis "I think this medication really helped with the interstitial cystitis, but unfortunately, it gave me terrible headaches. Every morning - after about a week of taking 10 mg of this - I'd wake up with a terrible migraine. It would last all day! At first, I wasn't sure if it was the medication, but now I'm positive. I stopped taking it (after 3 weeks of use), and my headaches all but disappeared. In my opinion, the headaches were just as bad as the interstitial cystitis! I don't know if anyone else here has had that experience, but it certainly happened to me. Good luck, everyone."

• JJ8...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "Used it for a month, started at 10 mg-20 mg. One of the worst drugs I have used. It left me so sedated that I couldn't wake up in the morning and wanted to sleep all day. It helped with headaches, but I couldn't concentrate, felt overly emotional, crying and angry. I found it hard to drive from lack of focus 18 hours after taking the pill. I had a deep sleep, but not a restful one, the dreams were bizarre. Dry mouth and irritable too. Not worth not having a headache to have all of these problems. I am very sensitive to medication as I don't drink, so it was not for me. Oh, and I gained three pounds in the first two weeks using it."

• Mig...
• August 14, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Amitriptyline was a mixed bag for me. It reduced the severity and frequency of my migraines by about 50%, and that effect stays with me now, a year after cessation. As an antidepressant, it helped me get through the difficult loss of a loved one. Cons: It elevated my resting heart rate from 70 bpm to 110, even while sleeping. Elevated pulse is a documented side effect. Your pulse will go back to normal upon cessation. Starting caused 2 weeks of dull headaches, and quitting caused several days of severe migraines. You have to wean yourself off of VERY gradually. Don't quit cold turkey or you'll be in debilitating pain. I reduced my dosage in fractions over several weeks. Also know this drug can affect your REM and can cause insomnia if you take it at night. Overall, I liked how I felt once I had been on it for a while, but I had to quit after 2.5 months because of the effect on my heart rate."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I've been getting moderate migraines and missing school because of them, and they were causing a lot of stress, and my grades were dropping. Now I take amitriptyline 10 mg morning and night, and if I didn't have much sleep or other problems, I get these pseudo migraines, which feel similar without being miserable and having a lot of pain and symptoms. I used to get migraines from too little fluids, so I don't know if the medicine is causing the dry mouth or if I have it anyway. I don't get sleepiness during the day, but I do get 9 1/2 hours to sleep (I'm a teenager, and I need that much sleep). It also helped me with social anxiety, which I've dealt with all my life. Only problem is if I skip a night dose, I wake up feeling stressed and headachy."

• Fab...
• January 29, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on Elavil for the past 10 years, it was a life changer for me. 25 mg a day, I take it at breakfast in the morning. Migraines are now a thing of the past. I still get the occasional headache, but with a few over-the-counter pills, 30 mins later it's all gone."

• ros...
• November 4, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I had headaches for a year. At six months, I switched my allergy meds, relief cut the headache intensity by half. The rest of the cause was a minor concussion as a result of an auto accident and overdoing (occasionally overdosing) OTC pain relievers (Tylenol and aspirin). Started Elavil almost 3 months ago, I am now mostly headache-free with only slight headaches and off all OTC pain relief. OTC pain relievers can be addictive, and by reducing how much per day I took, I am now taking OTC pain relievers for minor muscle and joint problems as needed (which is only occasionally). Looking forward to stopping using Elavil every day. Some tips: listen to your doctor, keep a log or journal of progress, and remember not to think always about a headache."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2011

Amitriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I have been on Elavil for 3 months now, and it has changed my life. Immediately before starting the medication, I had dizziness, nausea, jaw pain, and migraine-like headaches with light sensitivity for 3 solid months. I had suffered with these headaches since my early 20s, but I had never had one long, nonstop migraine for 3 months before. I have only had the beginnings of one small migraine (flashing lights) in the past few months, and that correlated with missing a dose of the Elavil the previous night. I take one 25 mg tablet at bedtime for migraine prevention. I sleep well, feel great, and my mood is elevated, all because I don't have those debilitating headaches, which were ruining my life."

• Dar...
• February 17, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Been on this medication 12.5 mg (half tablet) at night for about 50 days. I was getting headaches every 4 out of 5 days, taking Nurofen and Panadol in high doses each day. I still get headaches, but not nearly as often or as painful. It does make you drowsy the next day, but not as bad as other migraine medications do. I will continue taking it. I stick to my prescribed dose, even though the docs said I could increase it."

• tai...
• March 10, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on amitriptyline for almost one year. I was hesitant to take a daily medication and something that was for depression, which I did not feel I needed. This medication has been a Godsend for me. I have gotten maybe three headaches since I have been on it, one severe and the others mild. I have not had weight gain. I am able to lead a normal life now, whereas before, my activities depended on whether I had a headache or not."

• PLa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 15, 2019

For Pain "Can anyone relate to this? I had two years of problems, which ended in 2015. No more dizziness or headaches after I started taking this drug. I came off it four months ago. On Monday, I had a sensation in my head when I blew my nose, it lasted about two minutes. I've had headaches ever since, tried to play football yesterday, no chance. Dreading I'm back to square one?"

• Dot...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 29, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Elavil, good drug but I'm starting to depend on it... started with 12.5 mg, within a few months I was off it... However, I had a relapse after 5 months of abruptly tapering off, which was terrible, like I was going to pass out in minutes. Now, I'm on 100 mg, but it seems I need to increase the dosage because I have a hodgepodge of headaches and balance issues. Sleep has been wonderful regardless of mentioned symptoms... Is this feeling normal and will I need to increase it...????"

• D88...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 1, 2023

For Depression "I took this for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I changed over from mirtazapine as I didn’t want weight gain. I’d rate it 8/10 for what it did for my mood, it lifted me out of hell within a week. Took between 10-30 mg. However, it had too many awful side effects, so I stopped after 5 weeks. I experienced a faster heart rate and getting out of breath, chest pain, insomnia (I either could not sleep at all, woke every hour, or would sometimes wake with my brain feeling like it was fizzing), significant impact on my libido, which also caused my vagina to go dry (resulting in painful sex and sores), some occasional emotional blunting, and dry mouth. I also constantly bit my nails as it was so stimulating for me. Horrible withdrawal is still ongoing 5 days after stopping, I still have insomnia (even though I’ve started mirtazapine), and I have body aches and a headache. I’ve never had withdrawals from any medication in my life."

• Mia...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2023

For Migraine Prevention "I started experiencing migraines in the spring of 2022. My migraines progressively started to get worse and more frequent. Once a week, 3-4 days at a time. Sensitivity to sound, light, eye pain, pressure in my head, dizziness, unable to eat and drink water, and vomiting. I lost 20 lbs in 4-5 months because the pressure was too much that I'd just want to throw up. At the same time, I was dealing with joint pain in my toes, feet, knees, fingers, and wrist. I was physically exhausted, sleep was never enough. In October 2022, I was diagnosed with the immune disorder S.L.E. lupus. I started Celecoxib, which helped with my joint pain. Yet my migraines were still once a week. The family doctor had me try Nurtec ODT 75 mg. It helped 10-20% of the time, so he referred me to a migraine specialist in my area. He believed my migraines may be associated with my new diagnosis of SLE lupus (both symptoms started in spring 2022). I started Topiramate for 4 weeks with no improvement. I've been on amitriptyline for 4 weeks and NO migraines! Slight head pressure."

• Sle...
• October 21, 2016

For Insomnia "My sleep has progressively gotten worse as I have grown older, now 60. I have tried five other drugs with no success. Lunesta worked better than others but would only work a couple of nights, then nothing, and I felt groggy and had constant headaches. The doctor gave me Amitriptyline 50 mg, and the first night, while a little jittery, I fell asleep in about 20 minutes and slept most of the night, getting up and changing rooms, then falling back to sleep again. The second night, I tossed and turned most of the night. Tonight is number three, so I am hoping that the side effects subside. Will update in a few days. I am still battling major headaches with this drug as I did with Lunesta. Hoping for success tonight."

• meg...
• June 15, 2011

For Migraine Prevention "This worked great the first couple of months. Then the fatigue and weight gain kicked in. I have never in my life been fat, and this caused me to gain weight like crazy. Plus, after a few months, the headaches returned. I am going off it now."