Amitriptyline and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Mga...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I just want to let you know, at the beginning of taking Amitriptyline, it was so hard. I had severe anxiety non-stop. After completing 3 weeks, all negative symptoms had disappeared. I’m grateful for having this medication. I have tried all other antidepressants in the market, none of them helped. Be patient, and all wonders will happen. I wish you all a speedy recovery. Love you all."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 13, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I don’t recommend this drug to anyone! I’ve been on it for almost 3 weeks now and I feel more anxious and easily irritated/aggressive towards others 24/7! I have had severe heart palpitations and anxiety, hot flashes, chest tightness, dizziness, and fatigue. I’m 35 years old and this medication is horrible!"

• Mir...
• May 5, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I'm always super nervous about taking new meds. So before I do, I always check online to see others' experiences with it. I saw a lot of really negative stuff about amitriptyline. I have to say, I was happily surprised with the outcome. I get really good, heavy sleep and even after the first dose, I noticed less anxiety and a happier mood, which is only getting better day by day. This med, along with yoga, lots of meditation, calming teas, and a healthy diet can truly go a long way if you're sincerely dedicated. 10/10 from me. Good luck!"

• Ffx...
• May 9, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "My doctor prescribed me amitriptyline due to severe stress, physical unexplained symptoms very similar to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and Raynaud’s syndrome but with negative ANA and no RF they written these off. I have joint inflammation but they don’t think it is arthritis and I have all sorts of strange pain coming and going in different parts of the body. Severe night sweats and insomnia. Amitriptyline has really helped me. I started on 10mg for a week, first week I was a bit drowsy in the morning but I still tend to go to sleep and take it quite late. I bumped up to 25mg and I am so much better. No painful emotions and mood swings, no anxiety, I can concentrate more at work, and I feel I am achieving more than usual. I sleep well even if I still tend to go to sleep late, no more night sweats! My physical symptoms are better too. I was on Xanax before, which had some terrible side effects and increased my anxiety and didn’t help me with sleep."

• Ilo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2020

For Depression "Please don't be afraid to take Amitriptyline. I have taken Wellbutrin, Prozac, Zoloft, Pristiq, and finally Amitriptyline. Wellbutrin gave me a horrendous rash and worsened anxiety. Prozac did nothing. Zoloft made me gain 50 pounds because I loved to sleep on it. Pristiq was OK, but I still had some awful PMS symptoms (cramps, anxiety, and migraines). Trintellix didn't work. Amitriptyline is my saving grace! Don't be afraid of it. My doctor avoided prescribing it because it has such a bad reputation. I'm doing Keto and IF (intermittent fasting) to counteract it. I feel fantastic, stable, happy, I get a great night's rest, and I have energy! ❤️ When you first start it, it will knock you out for about 24 hours. I'd start it when you have the following day off work."

• Viv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 18, 2024

For Anxiety and Stress "This is an amazing medication. I have been on amitriptyline for 15 years. It is one of the best things happening in my life. Can’t imagine my life without it. It changed my life and also so many other people in my family and my friends. Initially, I had a very bad shoulder injury due to work when I was 40 years old, and my doctor said I had to change jobs. A 40-year-old woman without any other skills and a bad shoulder injury, no way I can find another job. I have a little kid and old parents I need to look after and a home loan to pay. I was so stressed. Lucky, my doctor is very experienced. It not just helps me with my muscles, but also makes me sleep so much better, much less stress. Focusing and concentrating. The most important thing is to start from 5 mg (the lowest dose is 10 mg, but start from half). Increase 5 mg every week if necessary."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "This is a terrible drug. Took Elavil 25mg as was prescribed for arthritis pain, which would also help with insomnia. Put me in a hazy, not a full sleep with vivid scary nightmares, which were very disturbing and terrifying. My heart was pounding loudly in my chest, sweating, unable to feel anything, felt totally spaced out until six the following evening. Shaky, nervous, and very anxious. Could not safely drive as I felt drunk. Take my advice, keep away from this drug, it’s scary and frightening."

• Sam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 30, 2019

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "This is a terrible drug. Took Elavil 25mg as was prescribed for arthritis pain, which would also help with insomnia. Put me in a hazy, not a full sleep with vivid scary nightmares, which were very disturbing and terrifying. My heart was pounding loudly in my chest, sweating, unable to feel anything, felt totally spaced out until six the following evening. Shaky, nervous, and very anxious. Could not safely drive as I felt drunk. Take my advice, keep away from this drug, it’s scary and frightening."

• Mah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2019

For Pain "I've been taking amitriptyline 10mg for two weeks now for peripheral neuropathy. I initially had side effects of dry mouth, constipation, heavy chest, muscle weakness, swollen tongue, and mouth, and was so anxious for a few days, but it's all passed now, and I am feeling a lot better. I still have some flare-ups, but I also have radiation-induced cystitis. It has also helped with bladder pain and my jaw clenching. Hopefully after the next couple of months, I have even more benefits. I'm extremely sensitive when it comes to medications, so I'm glad I stuck with it, even though I was so hesitant at first."

• Bas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Insomnia "I took 50 mg amitriptyline and slept. The next night the same, but took ages getting off to sleep then awake every 2 hrs. I had terrible anxiety and panic attacks all day. I am so fed up...all I want is a good night's sleep as I'm in pain during the day. Has anyone else felt like this?"

• Nli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

Amitriptyline for Pain "I was prescribed a low dose for my IBS-related pain. It did help my stomach, but I suffered badly with the side effects. I would take it at night before bed, but during the daytime, I experienced shakes, anxiety, severe trouble focusing, and could barely string sentences together, so I stopped taking it two days ago. I am still suffering from bad shakes and difficulty concentrating. Be very careful with it."

• muz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "Had panic and anxiety every day - was non-functional. Started taking this medicine 2 years ago and it saved me, gave me my life back. Now my doctor wants me to try to wean off to see how I do. I'm taking only 10 mg per day before bed, but even trying to cut it back slightly makes me feel jittery and slightly anxious. Am going to try to stay the course and see what happens. Perhaps it would be easier to just stay on the med, but I know long-term it's not good. So, we will see what happens."

• muz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "Had panic and anxiety every day - was non-functional. Started taking this medicine 2 years ago and it saved me, gave me my life back. Now my doctor wants me to try to wean off to see how I do. I'm taking only 10 mg per day before bed, but even trying to cut it back slightly makes me feel jittery and slightly anxious. Am going to try to stay the course and see what happens. Perhaps it would be easier to just stay on the med, but I know long-term it's not good. So, we will see what happens."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 24, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I was put on 50 mg of amitriptyline for chronic pain. I was so anxious because I hurt all the time. It has really helped. It also helped me to relax more, which made a big difference. My problem was when I needed a refill. My doctor took his time refilling it. Not having my medication for 2 weeks was the worst. I totally went crazy, mean not focused. Life seemed pointless. I didn’t know what or why this was happening. Found out never to stop taking this drug cold turkey. Back on it, feeling normal again. Will always make sure this never happens again."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 18, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "My son is now 22, but since age 4, he has had what doctors called 'irritable bowel with irritable bladder,' and they offered no help beyond 'watch what food set him off' (everything!). And though I prefer holistic medicine, nothing natural provided much help. It was tolerable while he was homeschooled, but when he started working, the fears around his flares really started anxiety attacks that only made IBS-D much worse. It turned into constant stomach pain that nothing helped, and he was getting super depressed. They did tons of tests, ruled out anything causing it, we started on a low FODMAP diet, and after reading reviews about this drug, I asked his doctor if we could try it (though none of the other drugs they tried did much). First 10mg and now at 25mg before bed. It has been like a miracle drug. He can eat what he wants, and he's so much more relaxed and happy-it's a joy for this mom to see after years of trying to find him help. Plus, with our insurance, it's under a dollar a bottle-try it!"

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 7, 2018

For Pain "I had weight loss surgery, and a few months after, my spinal problems went from semi to disastrous. My herniated disks started to degenerate. I have 5 degenerated disks currently, 2 fused and 2 herniated to bulging. I have nerve pain and all the wondrous pain that comes with injuries in each zone of my spine. Pain down legs and arms. No sleep, depression, yada yada. Lyrica and gabapentin cause me anxiety, as does methadone. I can't take a lot of stuff. So for pain, I take oxycodone, and my doctor had me try amitriptyline. Amitriptyline, if it works for you, it's an amazing life changer. It doesn't work for everyone, but for me, amitriptyline gave me sleep. It helped dull the headache from nerve pain, it has helped in so many ways. It's a game changer for me. I can get more than 1 hour of consecutive sleep and smile at my family sometimes. It is cheap per dose, so it won't break the bank."

• Fir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "Took 20 mg at night as prescribed for 7 days. On the third day, I had a pain in the top of my back. Like a stiffening. My heart was racing uncontrollably. I felt dizzy and sick. Doc put me on these to help me sleep, but because my heart kept racing, every time I was ready to nod off, my heart would wake me up. My anxiety only got worse with the lack of sleep and pounding heart, so I stopped taking them. These pills made me feel like I was coming down off ecstasy."

• Fal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2016

Amitriptyline for Pain "I was prescribed Elavil mainly for chronic headaches. I also suffer from depression, anxiety, and insomnia, so my neurologist had me start Elavil to try and kill many birds with one stone, so to speak. Elavil worked great to reduce the intensity of my headaches. Although they were still ongoing, it was much more tolerable. I had been on Elavil for only one month and a week before I stopped. The first week my insomnia and anxiety seemed to be simmering down (this stopped soon after week 2). As for my depression, Elavil put it under a magnifying glass. I was suicidal and crying on a daily basis, it was not the medication for me. It helped with the main objective but at a horrible cost."

• sle...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 15, 2016

For Insomnia "I slept well as a young adult, but by my mid-forties I was only sleeping about 4 hours per night, and only 2 or 3 hours if I was under stress. It finally got to where I was having a lot of anxiety, grinding my teeth at night (with a sore jaw in the morning), and even started showing symptoms of OCD. I started Elavil (brand name in Canada) 10 mg at bedtime six years ago, and it has made my life so much better. I sleep a solid 6.5 hours every night and feel great. The teeth grinding and the OCD symptoms both stopped within the first 2-3 weeks. It took a few days to start taking effect. I also had a slight tremor during that first few days only. I had a somewhat dry mouth for the first two years or so, but not at all now. 10 mg still works for me."

• avi...
• April 10, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "I have always suffered tiredness and depression whenever I didn't get a good night's sleep. I was sent to a specialist regarding an unrelated matter with chronic sinusitis. He said he diagnosed myofascial disorder and prescribed Endep 10 mg, and I couldn't believe the difference. No more waking up in a haze and feeling anxious. I have since had a difficult marriage breakup to deal with and increased the dose to 25 mg. I don't know how I would have coped without this drug. I hope to get back to the 10 mg once I have my life back once settlement is done and I move on."

• Shi...
• April 16, 2017

For Insomnia "I was prescribed these for insomnia and anxiety. I've been on every antidepressant you can think of, all with awful side effects. I do get a dry mouth, tiredness, headaches, and mild anxiety with amitriptyline, but it's much more manageable - I was suffering from daily, pretty constant anxiety before starting amitriptyline. I'm on 30 mg. My sleep is 90% better (which after 12 years of chronic insomnia is amazing)."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "After reading so many amazing reviews about amitriptyline, I made my doctor try me with this. I’m a 21-year-old female. Started out at 5 mg, made my way up to 20 mg as I am sensitive to medication. After failing on Prozac and Zoloft (I previously had Lexapro, and it stopped working and had adverse effects), I thought I’d try this as I also tried quetiapine. Not good. So, the first week I was okay, my anxiety heightened a little, which is expected. As the weeks went on and the dose went up, my mood went down, my anxiety heightened to a huge degree. More panic attacks, racing heart, trembling hands-I couldn’t take it. I’m a single mom to a 1-year-old. I have generalized anxiety disorder and mild depression. Prior to this, my depression wasn’t that bad. Now it is. So, I will be going back to the doctor to try a different SSRI. Do not give up. There is hope!"

• Ada...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 14, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Incredible! I've been diagnosed with IBS since I was about 12. 12-18, it was stomach ache here and there, a few bad nights, etc. As I entered my 20s, it got a lot worse. I'd have bad days and sometimes bad weeks. It affected my work and social life, I got anxiety when going out and just worried how useless I was home and close to the bathroom. Tried different medications, some made me worse and some did nothing. After changing GPs, I was put on amitriptyline. I didn't hold out much hope, but after 1 month, I noticed the difference. It took me a while to adjust, and after 4 years of using the drug, I am 98% better. On and off, I have bad days, but due to me eating badly as I am intolerant to dairy and wheat. Give it a go for at least 6 months!"

• Vol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I am a 48-year-old male in good shape but started experiencing horrible gas no matter what I ate, which went on for months. I woke up with cramps which lasted to mid-morning. I did not have constipation nor diarrhea, just bad gas even on a simple diet of rice, toast, and bananas. My doctor diagnosed IBS and gave me 20 mg of amitriptyline at night. 10 mg for the first week, then 20 mg every night. After the second week, the cramping was 95% better and the gas was completely gone. As an added benefit, it took the edge off certain work-related stress. I am very happy my doctor put me on this medication."

• Dia...
• February 7, 2017

For Migraine Prevention "I started this medication for hemiplegic migraines. I was also experiencing bad anxiety and dizziness. I started at 25 mg, and I saw an immediate decrease in my anxiety and dizziness. I did suffer a bad migraine, and my doctor increased my dose to 50 mg at bedtime. It has worked wonderfully, with the added bonus of getting a great night's sleep."