Amitriptyline for Anxiety and Stress User Reviews (Page 2)

• Lee
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 24, 2019

"I've been taking these meds for over a year and it has done wonders for me. I've tried other medications for anxiety and depression, but none of them worked, and most just made my depression worse and did nothing for my anxiety, so I stopped trying meds for that for a while. My doctor originally prescribed amitriptyline for insomnia but was hopeful it'd help with anxiety too. I have never slept better in my life, and it's reduced my anxiety a miraculous amount. The first few days taking it made me feel awful, and I was out of it the whole time, but after that, it only got better. I tried going off it after a year, but the anxiety was unbearable, and I got little to no sleep, so I'm back on it. Only side effect is that my heartbeat is faster than normal, especially at night but not to a degree where it's unbearable."

• Rana
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 30, 2024

"I was first given amitriptyline 25mg for chronic hip pain due to a hip fracture (at some point when I was a child my hip fractured and I only found out after getting x-rays done that it never healed properly), but I was later diagnosed with severe anxiety and bipolar disorder, so now I take 25mg 3 times a day along with other meds to help. Personally, I haven't experienced weight gain or hunger pains; in fact, I'm eating less since starting these. They were awful to start with. I was given 25mg in the hospital and told to stay in bed. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I walked into the wall, haha. Now, I don't feel tired on them anymore. I've been on them for 15 years. It's not a miracle drug; you still experience pain and anxiety, amitriptyline just helps a little. Don't be afraid to try it. Start with a smaller dose."

• wendylo
• October 2, 2013

"I've been on this med for a week for anxiety and depression following a major operation for cancer. I just couldn't pick myself up, had a breakdown, I guess. Started at 25mg, then up to 50mg. Sleep like a baby. No side effects apart from a healthy appetite, which I need as I've lost weight. They have saved my life. I got so low I didn't want to be here."

• Linda...
• April 16, 2016

"I have been very against any kind of mental health medication, and was very reluctant to try amitriptyline, but my anxiety and insomnia were eroding my quality of life. This has literally been a wonder drug for me, and on such a low dosage. 20mg at night and 10mg each morning. My anxiety is greatly reduced, and intrusive nagging thoughts have vanished. I don't know if this is because I am now sleeping well for the first time ever, or because of the mild sedating effects. But whatever, it certainly works, and I was so sure it wouldn't. Only side effect is a dry mouth, but that's easily remedied with a sip of water. A very positive experience. It really has changed my life for the better."

• anony...
• September 23, 2014

Elavil (amitriptyline) "This medication has been very effective for my anxiety. I've taken 75mg for the past 9 years. No more heart palpitations or tightness in my chest. I have tried others prior to Elavil, but found I woke up with a hangover and an out-of-body feeling. If I forget to order a refill before I run out, it takes 3 days to feel the effects."

• Thank...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2017

Elavil (amitriptyline) "Started 25mg for crippling panic attacks! Had them for 6-7 months without even any relief from Xanax... first and only med that has worked for me without side effects! Couldn't even take an SSRI, felt so sick from them... 25mg saved my life!"

• Changed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2014

"I've been taking this medicine for 4 months now at 50mg at bedtime and it has changed my life. Anxiety, stress and depression are strongly minimized. I fall instantly asleep instead of being up all night worrying. Best sleep in 20 years."

• Angel...
• January 21, 2016

Elavil (amitriptyline) "I have been on about everything you can imagine for my stress and anxiety. Nothing worked and for years I have been miserable. I was put on Elavil and didn't feel much of an effect but once the doctor bumped me up to 100 mg a day, I am a new person. It has changed my life. I wake up and feel like dancing!"

• 30yr ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2020

"In the beginning amitriptyline was a terrible drug me. I took it once during a pretty bad period of anxiety, about 30mg, and it just took me from anxious to being confused and emotionally passive. So I thought it was not for me. Then I started taking 5mg for pain after some pain in my shoulder combined with migraine attacks. And not only did it help me sleep at night, it started doing wonders for my anxiety. So I think if you manage to power thru the drowsy period when you get used to it, it's actually a really great drug with few side effects. I used to swear to gabapentin, but amitriptyline has proven so much better actually. It has reduced my need for so many other drugs, and I've gotten my brain function back due to less heavier drugs. It also has made me need medication less often, which eventually is what you want."

• Sri
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2018

"Amitriptyline worked well for insomnia, depression, anxiety, sadness, lack of interest in daily activities, boredom, suicidal thoughts, etc. Helped relieve headache, migraine, and nerve pain. It saved my life... thanks a lot."

• UGano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

"I was skeptical about using Amitriptyline after I read about it online, but I later found out I didn’t really read about it properly after my doctor prescribed it for treating my tension headaches and anxiety. I must say the drug has been amazing even at low doses of 10mg or less, but it makes me feel so sleepy even after I wake up for work. If I let it take its course for a long sleep, I feel great, and my tension headaches are gone just after a week of taking it."

• Timel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 15, 2018

"I was having the most horrible panic attacks and pretty constant anxiety where, if it had continued, I really don't want to contemplate what I would have done to stop it all. After taking amitriptyline 50mg for 7 days, it all stopped dead! Thank you, Amitriptyline! I have my life back and now feel normal again. I highly recommend it!"

• uniqu...
• October 18, 2013

"I started taking amitriptyline this year (2013) after having a medicine cabinet looking like a pharmaceutical company. I must say this is the only one that helps me. I have severe anxiety and panic attacks along with constant worry and stress that had me on rock bottom. I take 25mg, which is fine. It does make you sleepy, but it's so worth it. I'm 27, no kids, just coping with life."

• MrsF
• March 21, 2011

Elavil (amitriptyline) "I'm bipolar. I've been on various medicines for almost 10 years. Well, my Dad died a few months ago. The depression and anxiety were so bad I could not function. My doctor prescribed this, along with my 40mg of Celexa. It took about a month to 6 weeks before I felt any better. But I also have chronic pain from spinal arthritis. This medication has helped me get my life back! But in the process, I've gained 20 lbs in 8 weeks, and I was already overweight. It's helped with my chronic pain and with the depression. I love how I feel on this but not the weight gain."

• outat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2016

"I struggled horribly with severe anxiety for years. I tried all kinds of natural remedies and doctor-prescribed medicines, but nothing worked long term. Then two years ago, I was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis and was prescribed amitriptyline for pain. What I got was amazing relief from my anxiety and stress. Now I know what people mean when they say 'I got my life back'. I take 5mg before bed. I sleep great and have a little trouble waking up because I sleep so well, but once I'm up, I'm fine. No drowsiness and no more anxiety."

• Nik
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2013

Endep (amitriptyline) "I've been taking 20mg of amitriptyline for 2 weeks, and I have slept extremely well every night. I have so much more energy during the day. I sleep solidly and right through the night, which is unusual for me these days. My stressful job and back pain often leave me anxious and tossing and turning every night. Then I end up grumpy, run down, and feeling sick as a result. So far, it has not helped with my anxiety or depression, but getting a good night's sleep helps me cope and gives me energy to attend yoga and exercise. I believe the dose may be too small to help with depression. I'm also taking this as it is the most studied antidepressant used during pregnancy, and the SSRI's give me insomnia. I have almost no side effects so far."

• JLS
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2014

"I was having an anxiety disorder (shaking hands, blushing, obsessions). I was put on sertraline but had a terrible side effect to this and was put on 20mg amitriptyline to counteract this. From the moment I took it, my hands stopped shaking and intrusive thoughts reduced. I was upped to 50mg and I am back to my old self. Hardly any worries at all, no shaking, feel happy. No dry mouth but I have probably put a stone of weight on and gone up 1-2 dress sizes. This side effect is worth it for the benefits it has given me."

• zeko
• December 7, 2015

Elavil (amitriptyline) "I have tried almost every medicine for GAD (Xanax, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Seroquel, Buspar) but it seems that Amitriptyline is the only drug that works for me. I also take 300 mg of Lyrica for chronic pain and 150 mg of Effexor XR in the morning and 50 mg of Amitriptyline before sleep. It changed my life."

• Tobes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 28, 2017

"I too have always been anti-medication. I've had extreme panic attacks for decades. I managed to get my panic in order on my own to a degree, but due to high stress at work for a long period, it came back in the form of hypochondria. I have invented almost every illness and was spending thousands on tests to put my mind at ease. I started getting shooting pains all over, like nerve pain. I thought it was MS, but MRI said otherwise. Doc put me on these for the pain, but secretly think she wanted to try and medicate me for anxiety, which I always refused. Give it a few months, people. I'm only on 10-20 mg a night, but after these months have gone past, I've noticed I'm no longer obsessing on irrational thoughts. Good luck!"

• Wazza
• July 12, 2019

"I've had every anti depressant and I wasn't getting any relief at all, my grandma was a nurse and she had had the same problem with anxiety stress/sleep. She told me she found amitriptyline had been the only one that gave her any relief. I got them and on a week on them, one 25mg at lunch and one 25mg before bed. They help with sleep enormously and helped my anxiety, it did not take it away but they worked better than anything I'd previously had, I think the combination of actually being able to get to sleep without lying thinking them random thoughts and not waking up every hour certainly helped. I went to the GP after a week and he prescribed me a bigger dose of 25mg at a lunch and 75mg at night. Also I was on propranolol which helped when my heart was racing, I had 20 mg of those twice per day and they both made a difference."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2015

"I have had stress for 5 years since I had a car accident. Every day, I feel very uncomfortable and wish I could have a normal life. I went to this page and decided to take this drug. I got my life back."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2021

"I have suffered from anxiety since I was a child. I am now 31 despite trying to make lifestyle changes my anxiety got so bad I was physically and mentally exhausted, and depressed. Before amitriptyline I would medicate with alcohol, my anxiety was so bad that I would drink before friends or family came round. I finally took the step to ask for help. I was hesitant to start amitriptyline but honestly this is the best decision I have ever made. I feel like the lights have been switched on. I talk to people without overthinking the conversation afterwards. I went from feeling stressed and anxious everyday to being care free. I am more focused at work and able to finish tasks. The quality of my sleep is better and that time before I fall asleep is not spent worrying . I only wish I started this years ago anxiety has caused me to miss out on so much in my professional and personal life. I am finally living the life I deserve I have never felt so care free. My future looks brighter."

• Tommy...
• July 27, 2015

"5 years ago, my gastro Dr put me on this med for nerve pain. I was not having to take it each night, usually 3 to 4 nights of as little as 12mg, sometimes even less at 6.5 mg did the trick. I found that the medication made it a bit harder to wake up in the morning but I was able to sleep through the night. I am now having trouble sleeping due to increased stress and anxiety, and the medication has been helpful in helping me sleep. Only issue for me has been the dry mouth in the morning, which is manageable. I also try to eat right and exercise daily, which has helped my anxiety. In reading the reviews, I can certainly relate to what many of you are going through. Unless you've been through it, people have no idea what it's like."

• John
• July 29, 2014

"Initially on citalopram 20mg and felt horrible and more panicky, so doctor moved me on to Sertraline 50mg and propranolol to stop the fast heart rate. Eventually built up to 100mg but still didn't solve the anxiety and restlessness that I had. Now I'm taking Amitriptyline 25mg twice a day and feel so much better. I don't feel as anxious during the day and at night when my anxiety gets worse, Amitriptyline helps me get a good night's sleep. I've noticed a big difference since being on Amitriptyline and with fewer side effects than Citalopram and Sertraline."

• Finally...
• November 11, 2013

"I have been taking Endep for around 2 weeks now. Prior to that, I was having psychotic tendencies and severe bouts of rage almost every day, which was brought on by underlying anxiety. Endep (and Valium) have allowed me to live a normal life. I have gotten back into things I enjoy. I feel like a different person. I am more sociable and 100 times happier in general. I hope this helps someone in a similar situation."