The 1st time I was prescribed it I took 10mg, this made me feell relaxed but I couldn't switch my mind off and I was awake all night, I was then advised to increase this to 20mg and this did work, I slept really well and felt great but this only lasted for approx 2 weeks and then I found my body relaxed but my mind was awake and it kept me awake all night. I went back to the dr and he told me to take 25mg which again worked, I was sleeping really well and felt great but again this only lasted for 2 weeks, so last night I increased the dose as the dr said if 25mg didn't work then I could take an extra 10mg and increase it to 35mg, but last night I did this and I didn't get any sleep at all. I went back to the dr today and he's told me to take 50mg, does your body adjust to the medication? Will I have to increase it every 2 weeks to get a decent nights sleep?Will this keep me awake again when the dose is not high enough? I am at my witts end with not sleeping as all I want to do is go to bed at night and to sleep well. I don't know if I should just stop taking it as I never used to be so dependant on tablets to get me to sleep. Any advice is appreciated - Nikki
I have been taking amitriptyline for 6 weeks and after a while it stops working?
Question posted by NJTAT151278 on 7 Aug 2013
Last updated on 2 April 2020 by Morgan19979960
4 Answers
I was taking 150mg of amytripaline and I ended up in the hospital due to hypothermia and they took me off it. I didn't sleep a whole lot. I started taking it again because I was desperate for sleep and again after about a month it quit working I don't know what to do.
Hi Nikki
Kaismama is right. With this med you have to slowly work upwards in dose until you find the right amount for you. I have taken it for a number of years and had the same experience as you. When I hit 50mg then it worked very well for a long time.
I have had the dosage bumped up and down alot over the years by various doctors as one will say I need to take more of it so moves me up then the next doctor will think I shouldn't take it and has me taper down then the next thinks it is fine since it works so up I go again. I always seem to end up at 75mg and this seems to be the best dose for me.
You will find the right amount for you.
Take care
Many people find their maintenance dose in the hundreds of mg. Like KM says, once you are at the right dose, it will maintain relief.
Thank you for your advice x
Eventually you will get to the dose that will sustain its effects on you. You just haven't really taken enough yet, so it only works for a few days.
Thank you for your advice x
Related topics
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.