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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> amitriptyline
        
(Message started by: becky8 on Sep 22^nd, 2004, 2:52pm)

Title: amitriptyline
Post by becky8 on Sep 22^nd, 2004, 2:52pm

I know noone has mentioned this as drug that helps with CH. But my Dr. (not knowing about CH) put me on it for my headaches, which after seeing this site I am SURE I have mild but chronic CH, which scares so much. My question is, could the Amitriptyline help me? It's only been a week? I am also the one who wrote "Scared" . Not to be a baby but these headaches aren't as bad as alot of people but bad enough for me to where its controlling my life, and I am just wiped out from it all, and don't know what to do or where to turn.

Title: Re: amitriptyline
Post by toolong on Sep 22^nd, 2004, 3:20pm

I've tried amitriptyline and it made me to tired to work.Felt like I was in a drugged state 24/7.It has been recomened to me by a couple of Drs.It must work for some.Good luck.David :)

Title: Re: amitriptyline
Post by PerryGR on Sep 22^nd, 2004, 3:57pm

Hello becky8,

I'm very sorry you're in pain. Most- if not all- of us on this board can relate with our lives being ruled by pain at some point or another. A very important first step to regain control of your life is to get an official diagnosis from a doctor (a headache specialist if possible) so that you are provided with the proper medication for your condition (from your post i assume that you haven't been diagnosed with cluster headaches by your doctor). A correct diagnosis by a specialist is indispensable.

Having said that, i tried amitriptyline a few months ago. I took it for a two week period before i was diagnosed with clusters- i was then put on Verapamil. To my knowledge amitriptyline takes a couple of weeks(if not more) to kick in. While on the med i had a few good days (1-2 hits per day) but i don't know if it was the med or it was simply a "low season" for me (can't tell since i wasn't on the med long enough).

I don't know how much this helps.

PFDAN to all,
Perry.

Title: Re: amitriptyline
Post by mynm156 on Sep 22^nd, 2004, 4:38pm

Hey Becky8,

Amitriptyline is a drug that I think has been tried by many of us myself included. It did not help me and I give this warning out to all who ever post about it. Amitriptyline is a drug that does not like to play well with others. Meaning it is not compatable with many other drugs so please be very careful and ASK yout pharmasist about any and all drugs, over the counter things including any suppliments you might be taking.

There are alot of drugs out there for us to try I hope that you and your Dr. can find the ones that will help you on too PF days!

Good Vibes your Brother in Pain,

MYNM156

Title: Re: amitriptyline
Post by ArCane on Sep 23^rd, 2004, 1:42am

I tryed it for two cycles and it never helped. All it made me do was not give a shit about anything and sleep all day. I dont recommend it. However if it works for you, I would continue taking it. Anything is better than the pain. Good luck to you.

Title: Re: amitriptyline
Post by Bob P on Sep 23^rd, 2004, 9:45am

It is a tricyclic antidepressant. It blocks the reuptake of 5HT thereby increasing the levels in the synapse.

Since I've never been able to get my verap intake up to a level that stops the attacks, I'm going to try Elavil next cluster.

Here is some info from the OUCH Library http://www.clusterheadaches.org/library/medications/tricyclic_antidepressants.htm

Title: Re: amitriptyline
Post by Karla on Sep 23^rd, 2004, 10:14pm

Elavil is another name for amitriptalyne. If you do a search on that you should find something. I know of a couple of people that it has helped stop their clusters so I think it is definitly worth a try and you wont know if you don't try it.