Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
So after getting a suspected diagnosis of FMS my gp prescribed amitriptyline 10mg. I started taking on Saturday. On Tuesday I was back to work after the bank holiday. I didn't hear my alarms in the morning and even after my partner shook me awake it was another 20 mins before I could rouse myself. I felt very groggy and by the time I was awake enough to drive the car I was late for work. I struggled to function for most of the morning and my pain levels were quite high. Unfortunately my way of coping is not to give in to the pain and I end up going into overdrive keeping myself busy. By the time I got home I was in agony and when I told my partner she said well you sounded ok when I spoke to you earlier, that was it I went mental accusing her of not believing me and burnt myself out crying. She then suggested that the amitriptyline effects my mood as the last time I accused her of not believing me and being very defensive and emotional was when I was taking them before. Again this morning I slept through my alarms and woke an hour late so phoned in sick. My pain levels are still high after yesterday so I have decide to take the rest of the week off to recover and see if I can get to grips with the effects if the meds. So far I think they are making things worse. Has anyone had similar problems and does anyone find them beneficial?
I was dx'd with fibro about four years ago. I have read materials that suggest that many people who were abused, especially sexual abuse survivors, are later dx'd with fibromyalgia.
I went through gastric bypass surgery 14 months ago, and it is doing quite well, thank goodness! I think this has made my fibro easier to deal with, but I still have a ways to go.
Thank you for posting this. I started taking Amitriptyline a couple of months ago, and not real sure it helps, at least at the level I am taking it--50 mg. But the dry mouth is horrible!! I was starting to think I might have diabetes!! Whew!
I think I will be calling my doctor/rheumatologist!!
It didn't make me sleep any better, but didn't cause any problem with waking this morning.
My Rheumy dosed at 1 for 4-5 nights, if not better, up it to 2 per night for 4-5 nights. If still not working, go to 3 per night.
I am on the 10's so he is starting me off low and building up.
At this point I will try anything (once) in hopes of something working.
Kim
Amitriptyline is one of the "older" antidepressants, and the newer ones, such as SSRIs and some newer ones yet, tend to have fewer side effects. It's a good idea to ask the doctor, "why this drug? and what are the possible side effects and drug interactions? are there any other drugs that should be considered?"