Amitriptyline and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Xal...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 19, 2020

For Depression "I come to share my experience of amitriptyline to treat anxiety and depression. I've spent 3 years of my life under this medication. It was 3 painful years during which I was constantly tired because of the amitriptyline. Last year, I started withdrawal, and I've spent 1 year and a half reducing the drug, but as I was getting closer to the end, some abdominal aches appeared, and now even if it's been months since I've stopped the medication, I still have those pains (which are not diagnosed, but I think it's the irritable bowel syndrome). I've poor sleep because of the pain, and I despair to stop them. The only thing that used to stop them was taking amitriptyline again."

• red...
• May 25, 2010

Amitriptyline for Fibromyalgia "I first started out at 50 mg of Elavil almost 2 years ago. It was like instant heaven! I am a horrible insomniac, and with Elavil, I was getting good quality sleep and woke up feeling rested. I was also on Lyrica at the time. For a while, both of them together had me feeling a lot better. Unfortunately, I have a very high tolerance to any medicine. I am now at 150 mg Elavil. I can't imagine going any higher, yet my pain is increasing, so I don't know what will happen when I totally max out at this level. I no longer take Lyrica, as I became tolerant. Savella seems to help with fibromyalgia fog, but it doesn't touch my pain. Give it a try."

• 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."

• wen...
• April 7, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I have taken this medication for six years, and it has really helped with my migraines and my inability to sleep or stay asleep. I started off at 10 mg and slowly increased to 50 mg and have been on the same dosage for the past four. The only downside is my absolute need to take it at the same time every night in order for it to make me sleepy, otherwise, I can stay up the entire night if I take it later than 9 pm."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2023

For Anxiety and Stress "This whole year my body was stressed. I was sick for months, and no one could figure out why. Then, after months of my period being worse, they found my iron was extremely low and a uterine fibroid, which had to be removed because it was causing huge clots. So, three months after surgery, I felt a little better, but not 100%. Then my pulmonary doctors believed my vagus nerve was damaged. I had severe insomnia and body shakes and jolts at night. He prescribed me amitriptyline 10 to start. He warned me to give it a full month to work. The first few doses felt groggy and out of it, but I finally got sleep that I haven’t had all year. A week or two later, a huge change in my anxiety and depression, especially my IBS-C. It made me feel human again. So, he bumped me to 25 mg, but I ended up going back to 10 mg because at 25 mg, after a week, I still felt groggy. But I am forever grateful for this drug. Everyone can’t believe the 180 I did. I can go out and actually be normal again."

• Jum...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 31, 2014

For Dysautonomia "Improved neurological functions, less flare-ups of the autonomic system. Helps - body temperature regulation has become a little better, able to sweat a little now, able to swallow now with no problems, hand tremors a majority of the time, and about half the adrenaline rushes than before. Does not help - sleep, heart rate and blood pressure, GI problems (gastroparesis, stomach pains, or constipation), heat intolerance, brain fog (memory problems). Has had to increase medication a few times, but I am still on it. I am still on this medication and would not want to go off this - I have seen improvement."

• 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."

• sle...
• June 18, 2013

For Insomnia "I've started on 25 mg and steadily increased. Now I'm taking 200 mg every night! It does nothing for my pain or anxiety and barely touches my insomnia. I wake up 3-4 times every night with night terrors. I think next doctor's appointment she will increase my dosage even more. I have extreme post-traumatic stress disorder and have several fractures in my spine. All I know is my dosage is already higher than most of the comments I've read. And my wife is on an even higher dose than me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2016

For Insomnia "Had insomnia ever since I can remember. When I went to the doctor, he prescribed me amitriptyline 25 mg. It does not help at all. It makes me feel like a zombie, and it makes me feel 'dull.' I talk slow and feel like I can't stand, but when I do sleep, I sleep way too well. It's hard to wake up, and when I do, I feel tired all day."

• Bab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 12, 2021

For Insomnia "This medicine, Amitriptyline, is the worst drug ever. I was on no more than 40 mg for 30 years. Finally decided to taper off of it over a 5-month span of time. Aside from many withdrawal side effects is the horrific insomnia. I am permanently messed up from this drug, and I doubt my sleep will ever be normal again. Don't let doctors tell you that it's safe and non-addictive. That's a lie. Proceed with caution because this drug will mess your life up for certain. Make sure you want to commit to this bad drug before using it, because when you want to stop-that is when you will have the hardest time of your life."

• 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."

• Ron...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I have tried 3 different anxiety meds, and all have had really bad side effects, so now I'm on amitriptyline 10 mg to start off with. I have anxiety so bad I can't eat, and the attacks are awful nearly all day, and now I have insomnia due to the tablets they gave me. I hope amitriptyline works because I am losing faith and feel I'm going to stay this way forever. I have to slowly up my dose week by week, I've only just started them, but I still couldn't sleep last night. Will I get better?"

• Sae...
• December 31, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "13 years ago on this drug, I went up 10 dress sizes in three months. I developed every inflammatory immune response possible - joints so weak I could hardly stand up, eyes felt like they had sand or glass in them, could not sleep, anxious all the time, and crippling rebound migraines. I lost 1 year of work. Metabolism has never re-corrected itself fully. I stopped going to doctors after this drug experience, as they failed to understand the negative potency of this drug and had no solutions. I got healthy again through properly researched supplementation and nutrition. Wrecked my life."

• gca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2021

For Persistent Depressive Disorder "Possibly the best option for persistent depression; after many failed trials with SSRIs, combinations of modern antidepressants, and Seroquel, I was prescribed this tricyclic. In less than 2 days and a low dose of 50 mg, my insomnia and hypersomnia went away. It was shocking because my problems started when I was only 15, and I am now 27. The cost of this disease on me has been gigantic. Failure in university due to the lack of attendance, many course drop-outs due to my depression and fatigue. I was already expecting to live a limited life forever. I persisted in doing my own research and considering all options available. This would be my last antidepressant before ECT. Tricyclics are definitely powerful, and what a shame most doctors are so resistant to prescribing them for those that don't have pre-existing heart problems! These meds are so inexpensive. I am now going to take 75 mg and hoping to stay at this dose, after 2 weeks of taking 50 mg."

• Guy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 11, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "Nothing has worked for me for anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Add this to the list. I wish I could find something that works. My doc put me on 50 mg of this in the morning and before bed, along with 1 and 1/2 1.5 mg Klonopin 3 times a day and 2 mg Xanax as needed. I was also given Lexapro for depression. It didn't help at all. Caused sleeplessness, restlessness, worsened insomnia, weight gain and bloating, ED, and gynecomastia. Not sure which meds caused which, but I was also on Nexium, water pills, and lisinopril. Got off all meds as fast as I could and am still suffering from stage 2 hypertension, depression, anxiety, SAD, insomnia, and GERD without meds. Life is rough, but at least I'm not dealing with side effects."

• 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."

• sle...
• March 24, 2012

For Insomnia "At first, amitriptyline helped me sleep, and for the first two nights, I slept thoroughly. Now, I'm having the opposite effect, and it gives me insomnia, as most SSRIs do. Now, if I take even 10 mg, it is almost impossible to sleep that night and difficult to sleep for the next 3 days. It's been 3 or 4 days since I've taken it, and I still feel like it's interfering with my sleep. If you're sensitive to SSRIs, do not take this for insomnia."

• new...
• February 1, 2015

For Somatoform Pain Disorder "I can't rate this medicine enough, as the doctor said to me it saved his life. I know what he means by that now. I suffer from depression and was on sertraline. However, it caused me problems in sleeping and staying asleep. For years, I also suffered pain in all parts of my body, which caused me to have panic attacks too often. So, with sleep being the problem and no more sleeping tablets left, I was allowed to get a doctor-prescribed amitriptyline. So, I started, and from day one, it changed my life. I can sleep well and no longer have panic attacks over pain and have 90% less pain anyway. I also still take sertraline 100 mg and amitriptyline 60 mg, so it has sorted my somatization disorder and sleep problems. Miracle."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I have been on amitriptyline for 5 months. I take 20 mg at bedtime as prescribed by my neurologist for migraines I've been having for years. At first, there was a big relief. Now I'm noticing migraines are still there as well, with a fast heart rate at times, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog (lost a contract opportunity), depression, and now I'm retaining fluid. My right ankle and foot have been swollen for a couple of weeks. And I've gained 30 lbs. I'm going to see a doctor tomorrow. I don't recommend this drug."

• Buz...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 23, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I was on this medication for over 25 years. It is a bad drug. It might help you when you are on it, but taper off of it and be off of it, and you will suffer as I have. Three months off it and still having terrible insomnia, panic attacks, etc. Don't start this drug, you will be better off in the long run."

• Soo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was given 10 mg Elavil for my continued gastric distress and trouble sleeping. I was taking a PPI but still had stomach pain and reflux in the middle of the night. I had stomach pain after eating. It works well for me. I no longer wake up with reflux, and my reflux is even better in the daytime. I only take a PPI every other day now. At first, it helped me go to sleep, but since it causes dry mouth, I wake up several times because my mouth is totally arid. Also, I notice my urine stream is diminished in the morning but becomes more normal during the day. I was given a different generic this time around, and it gave me stomach pain and insomnia. I was awake all night, so I am now trying to get another prescription for the same brand generic I was taking. I don't care if I have to pay out of pocket for it!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I haven't been on amitriptyline for very long, but I've had fewer migraine attacks. It did make me very moody and had dark thoughts when I first started taking it. It doesn't help with my insomnia, though."

• Anonymous
• May 5, 2009

For Pain "This medication really does help when it comes to my bladder pain. I, however, don't like how it is somewhat addicting. If I run out of this medication, I get restless, and I cannot sleep. Other than that, it is well for pain."

• 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."

• jis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2022

For Insomnia "WOW - WOW and WOW - I slept last night - no dozy feeling in the am - didn't wake at the 3 am normal time of my wake-ups for the past 5 years - not one bad dream/nightmare. I have dealt with insomnia since the late '80s - doctors tried so many medications - Ambien worked for years - but the sleep doctor won't prescribe it. I tried Lunesta and 4 hours of laying awake I determined it was not going to work. I also have anxiety issues, and PC put me on Zoloft - didn't help much with anxiety, and I learned last week it can cause insomnia. I have MANY doctors - including a sleep doc (on BPAP for apnea) - they all knew the extent of my insomnia and knew I was on Zoloft - NOT EVEN the sleep doc made the connection."