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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Amitriptyline 
        
(Message started by: Major on Jul 30^th, 2004, 11:09pm)

Title: Amitriptyline
Post by Major on Jul 30^th, 2004, 11:09pm

Hi all,

My husband had his first round of CH starting early this summer. They subsided after about five weeks, then much to our disappointment, started up again. This round appears to be more severe - lasting longer, more painful (if that is possible!!) etc..

He finally went to the Dr for the first time since being diagnosed. His Dr prescribed Amitriptyline (Elavil). From what I've read, this doesn't seem like a good option. The Dr has a whole file of info on CH that he has been collecting, so I'm finding it odd that he has chosen this route - I've read about amitriptyline for migraine, and I thought that the Tylenol 3 (which was also prescribed) wouldn't be fast acting enough.

Does anybody have any experience with this drug?

Thanks.

Title: Re: Amitriptyline
Post by floridian on Jul 31^st, 2004, 10:06am

Tylenol 3 contain tylenol (not effective for clusters) and codeine (somewhat effective for some people, not a first choice for many reasons). Amitriptyline has some value as a preventitive but may not be as good as lithium and verapamil.

Title: Re: Amitriptyline
Post by UN_SOLVED on Jul 31^st, 2004, 11:34am

Amitriptyline did nothing for my CH.

And if it's clusters someone has ... they shouldn't be wasting their money on Tylenol or codeine medications.

Seek out some REAL CH meds that may benefit.

Unsolved

Title: Re: Amitriptyline
Post by mynm156 on Jul 31^st, 2004, 2:55pm

Amitriptyline did squat for me. With the exception of making me REALLY drowsy. Amitriptyline also does not play very well with other drugs be they suppliments o perscribed so please check it very closely.

Good Luck

Good Vibes

MYNM156

Title: Re: Amitriptyline
Post by dabar on Jul 31^st, 2004, 4:55pm

Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants are supposed to make you sleepy, but that effect should wear off over a few weeks (so says my pharmacist).

Also, it usually takes around three weeks for this class of drugs to alter the neurochemical balance, so you probably wouldn't see any benefit immediately.

I tried amitriptyline a few years ago, so the details of my experience are fuzzy. I don't think it put a big enough dent in the HAs for me to continue. Now my doc is trying doxepin (another tricyclic); I just started it last week.

Verapamil is the only drug I've tried that keeps the lid at least partiallly on my headaches, but it's not totally effective.

Hope you get some relief!

Title: Re: Amitriptyline
Post by Bob_Johnson on Aug 1^st, 2004, 8:51am

Look at www.headachedrugs.com . Use the search box and enter the drug name.