Posted by Mtom on August 1, 2020, at 11:38:43
I know theres been a recent thread on Amitriptyline. But hoping to stimulate more conversation. Would like to hear from those who have tried Amitriptyline for Depression (with or without anxiety). A large 2018 review of 21 Antidepressants rated amitriptyline as #1 the most effective for depression, although #6 for tolerability due to side-effects. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)32802-7/fulltext
I cant tolerate SSRIs intense side effects (anxiety-agitation-jitteriness that doesnt go away over time, disordered sleep and other SEs) plus little to no efficacy. My Doctors think I would react with jitteriness syndrome even worse with SNRIs or Wellbutrin. From what Ive read, I agree. Im now taking Mirtazapine (Remeron), which was rated #2 for efficacy in the above study (but 11 for tolerability) but for me is more tolerable than SSRIs, still side effects, but some efficacy although intermittent with better weeks and worse weeks. Im taking a low dose because when I increased, so did my anxiety I guessed the Norepinephrine (Noradrenaline) effect had maybe kicked in and overshot.
Many years ago I took Amitriptyline for about 6-7 months. I remember some start-up effects like dizziness and increased anxiety which went away (I was taking a fairly low dose). I did put on an unacceptable amount of weight, and had trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The latter may have improved a bit over time, I dont remember. As to weight right now my weight is low-normal, in fact I was underweight until I started Mirtazpine which put on 10 lbs. I could accept a small amount of weight gain.
I dont know if the Amitriptyline helped way back then because I had been undergoing intense situational stress. I resolved the situation soon after starting the Amitriptyline, started quickly feeling better, and stopped the Amitriptyline and remained good for many years.
I have a sense that Amitriptyline is not prescribed much these days for just Depression, more so for pain syndromes and perhaps sleep disorders with or without depression. Maybe due to side effects and over-dose dangers?
Very interested in hearing your experiences with this medication. One problem, as has been noted in some past posts, is that those who find something that works stop following and posting.
poster:Mtom
thread:1111470
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20200711/msgs/1111470.html