I started off on just one tablet at night just to numb the pain and to help me sleep. My partner noticed a few months later that, in her words "you have changed, you're not the man I met." I instantly told her that it was utter rubbish and I was still the same man that she had met. About a year later we both lost our dads within 8 weeks of each other. I did not cope with this at all well, and the only way I could get any sleep was to take more and more ami before bed. My anger became uncontrollable, my mood swings and just my overall personality changed. But at no point did I put this down to anything else apart from grief. Long story short, I am convinced that being on amitriptyline for 3 years and at on 3-4 tablets a night completely changed me from the person I was to somebody unrecognizable. I have always been a calm, very relaxed person, but on amitriptyline the slightest of things would irritate me and make my blood boil. in fact, looking back on it I just can't believe it took me three years to join the dots together. I am desperate to hear from others that may have had similar experiences because I have lost everything due to this, and I am convinced it was down to this. I have been off amitriptyline now since last July, and I can honestly say I am back to being the real me before this whole nightmare started. really hope somebody reaches out. Thank you
I had been on amitriptyline for three years, for chronic nerve pain in my shoulder.
Question posted by iolo1973 on 16 Jan 2023
Last updated on 23 January 2023
Answers
Sorry to hear you are going through some rough times. I hope things get easier for you soon. I am a male 27 years and take 40mg for back pain. I don't have the same experience. Typically for anxiety/mood changes the dose would need to be 50mg or higher. I am not saying its impossible, just very unlikely. 50mg is still a very low dose. Have you tried doing any counselling or therapy groups? Might be worth exploring these feelings. I lost my dad two months ago as of 17/01/23 unexpectedly and I have had some emotional blunting. I would recommend trying headspace app on iphone and IOS, really works well.
I am reducing my dose now as it gives me nightmares and heart palpitations at night, shame because it works so well for pain.
it was a lot higher that 50mg,100mg some days even 150mg others. honestly i have absolutely no doubt in my mind, it changed me into an angry horrible person. i am a changed man now and back to the relaxed calm person i used to be before this nightmare. i'm absolutely devastated that it's falling on deaf ears
Related topics
pain, sleep disorders, neuralgia, amitriptyline, sleep, anxiety and stress, anger, chronic, nerve, mood swing, tablet, sleep disorder, shoulder
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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