Amitriptyline and Dry Mouth: What Users Say

• Jes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2018

For Anxiety and Stress "I have tried so many 'as needed' drugs for anxiety, and none of them helped. Benzos made my anxiety even worse. Amitriptyline does wonders for me. I can’t even believe it. I’ve been on it for 3 days, and I have virtually NO anxiety. I was at a point where I was ready to end my life due to my crippling anxiety and depression. I never thought I’d ever say this, but I just feel NORMAL now. Only side effects I noticed are a slightly dry mouth and some weird twitching (almost like I’m cold). I’ll take that over anxiety ANY DAY."

• Rol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "To be honest, I always look for reviews but can never be bothered to leave my own. But had to make an exception for this drug. If you're like me and get vomiting and tremors from most SSRIs/SNRIs, you NEED to try this stuff. Anxiety, panic attacks, not to mention IBS-D (irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea), this has worked wonders. On 75mg per day, climbed dose very slowly which is good when you need to taper down/if you ever want to. (Comes in 10mg, 25mg & 50mg). The only negative side effect I experienced is my mouth gets VERY dry the higher the dose you go. It also slightly constipates you (actually quite welcoming for IBS-D.) Being on this also negated the need to take my Xanax/Valium. I will take the dry mouth in exchange for my life back!"

• TM4...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 11, 2020

For Migraine Prevention "I have been having severe migraines and tension headaches all my life (18-20 per month). I then switched family doctors to a new doctor who sent me for a CAT scan and prescribed 10mg amitriptyline after he saw the scan's results. The migraines and headaches disappeared instantly, and it has been a year now. I only have the dry mouth side effect."

• Fig...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been taking a low dose (10-20mg) of amitriptyline at night right before bed for the past 8 months, and it has worked amazingly well for me and my stress/anxiety. I was originally prescribed this for nerve pain in the throat due to LPR/acid reflux symptoms such as constantly clearing my throat and hoarseness. It has worked great for this as my throat pain is down 90% after only 8 months. These symptoms, in turn, caused me anxiety and depression, and the medicine also helped tremendously with that as well. I get great sleep every night, and the only real side effects worth noting would be dry mouth, so make sure you use a good mouthwash such as Therabreath Dry Mouth. I experience tiredness at times and weird dreams sometimes, but that may just be me. I highly recommend trying 10mg before bed if you have any of these symptoms and moving up to 20mg after a week if you find it really helps you."

• Abi...
• December 6, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "Since being on amitriptyline, my IBS symptoms are pretty much not there. I used to be in horrific pain all day every day and would even feel hot, dizzy, and in so much pain that I would actually faint off the toilet. I didn't want to leave the house, and IBS literally took over my life. I never write any reviews like this, but if I can help even just one IBS sufferer, then it's worth it. I gradually increased my dose to 50mg per night. Seems like a lot, but it's worth it in order to live a normal 21-year-old girl's life. For the first week, I did get the side effects (tired, dry mouth, a bit faint), but after that, I felt absolutely fine again. Please try this drug. I didn't think it would work, but it did, and I have honestly never been happier!"

• LLT...
• September 20, 2011

Amitriptyline for Depression "I just got my prescription filled for the 3rd time and wanted to write a review to help others. I was so scared to take this after having a bad experience with Zoloft. I remember coming here and reading all the reviews and still didn't take the medicines prescribed until a month later. The first two weeks I was so tired and had extreme dry mouth. I thought I would have to quit because I was so tired and couldn't work. I had two weeks off between Christmas and the New Year and decided to stick with it. I'm so glad I did. I feel like myself again and with zero side effects now except for when I don't take it for a few days. If I ever do come off, I will wean slowly. I was also so scared to gain weight which, thankfully, didn't happen. Love it!"

• Bet...
• September 23, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I take amitriptyline 30 to 35 mg for IBS-C since being diagnosed 10 years ago. Truly a miracle drug for me. The pain, nausea, and bloating were unbearable and ruining my life. Amitriptyline took care of it all! It took about 4 to 6 weeks for full effect and I felt pretty spacey and almost like in a drunken state until my body adjusted. But it was well worth it and I would highly recommend it. I take it at bedtime and drowsiness is not an issue. Dry mouth is tolerable. I wish more doctors would prescribe it for IBS and start patients on it sooner to decrease patients' suffering."

• Bob...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "I have suffered from migraines on and off since my teens, always visual patterns, then wham! The headache. A few years ago, I just had the patterns and no pain. Then it changed to tension neck pain which then turned into a headache as soon as I woke up more or less daily. Imigran helped but I was popping them like smarties. I tried giving up all the known triggers, but nothing helped. Then a couple of months ago, the doctor prescribed Amitriptyline 25mg every night. I have had maybe 2 or 3 slight headaches since. The first week I was a little woozy, but that passed. Now I wake up with a dry mouth and food tastes different, but no headache. It used to be unusual to wake up with no headache, now it's unusual to wake up with one. I recommend anyone to give it a try."

• Lin...
• April 16, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been very against any kind of mental health medication, and was very reluctant to try amitriptyline, but my anxiety and insomnia were eroding my quality of life. This has literally been a wonder drug for me, and on such a low dosage. 20mg at night and 10mg each morning. My anxiety is greatly reduced, and intrusive nagging thoughts have vanished. I don't know if this is because I am now sleeping well for the first time ever, or because of the mild sedating effects. But whatever, it certainly works, and I was so sure it wouldn't. Only side effect is a dry mouth, but that's easily remedied with a sip of water. A very positive experience. It really has changed my life for the better."

• bar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 8, 2013

Amitriptyline for Pain "I am taking Endep 100mg at night for nerve pain in my lower left leg and the outer side of my right leg. The nerve pain was intolerable, and I was seriously suicidal. I have been on Endep, Baclofen, and Epilim for 7 years and can now enjoy my life so much more. The downside is loss of libido and dry mouth, but without Endep, I could not enjoy my life at all."

• mr_...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2024

For Insomnia "Been on and off various antipsychotics and OTC sleep aids for the past 20 years. In one single night, it has pretty much cured my insomnia. I got up feeling great, no hangovers, like, what the hell? It was so bizarre. I now feel absolutely fantastic and am able to sleep and wake up like a normal person. Why was I not given this as an option sooner? Everything else is completely trash compared to this. I have only been taking 10mg, and for the past 8 weeks, I have never felt better. I feel like on a permanent very low-level manageable hypomania - if that makes sense. I feel like a human again thanks to this ancient medicine. Anxiety, stress, and depression have significantly dropped, it's the gift that keeps on giving. So what's the catch? I get pretty bad dry mouth, but I see that as almost nonexistent compared to everything else the other medications have given me. I'd give this a 20 out of 10 if I could. It's out of this world, and I'm extremely pleased with how it's working out so far."

• Hea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2021

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't found these reviews. After 17 months of daily pain & worsening diarrhea (which started out of the blue), I stumbled across this page & asked my gastroenterologist to prescribe this med. Within 10 days on 10 mg my pain was gone. After increasing to 20 mg, I started having normal bowel movements most days. I did just have a bad 4-day flare-up so I'm increasing to 30 mg. In the last year, I've had endoscopy, colonoscopy, CAT scan, swallowing study, fecal & blood tests, & gene testing. I've tried Imodium, Bentyl, Pepto, iron pills, fiber & Gas-X, acupuncture, probiotics, meditation. Nothing worked. I have never been suicidal but had been wondering (at age 49) if all my good years were behind me & life wasn't worth living. I hope my dose increase helps. If so, this is a miracle drug. The dry mouth & slight fatigue are worth it."

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 29, 2013

For Pain "I was prescribed this medication for insomnia and depression. I suffer from lupus, Hashimoto's disease, fibromyalgia, CFS, and C-PTSD. I've been on it for about four weeks. I've noticed a significant drop in pain on many days than not. I sleep a solid eight to nine hours a night. I've noticed that I'm calmer, but I'm on a very low dose of 10mg, but will request an increase. I also hope to drop my narcotic pain medication intake to zero if this continues to work as well as it has. Getting sleep is a major issue and one that cannot be undermined when considering the elements that contribute to chronic illness of any kind. This is amazing. Dry mouth and nighttime vertigo during the first few weeks of use."

• sir...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2018

Amitriptyline for Insomnia "I'm 65 years old so when the benzo stops being effective, I used Amitriptyline (Elavil) to sleep. I have to take 3 X 10mg with half of a banana to make it smoother on an empty stomach to make it work. It has some nasty side effects, but they tend to go away after a while. Constipation will not be a problem anymore after a month, drink a lot of water early in the evening to prevent constipation. Dry mouth will always be there, but will become less severe after a while, so chew some gum to fix this problem. Sex will also take a low profile :-) This drug can also be used to make the withdrawal of the benzos much easier to do. You will still sleep and will only need a small dosage of benzo, which you can lower slowly but surely. I get a better sleep pattern than with the benzos. Waking up ready to drive my car if I need to, unlike with Ambien. Cheap to buy also. My old mother still uses it after almost 50 years of usage. She is 85."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2019

For Pain "I had exhaustion, roving pains, burning eyes, and tummy troubles for 5 months and it was starting to interfere with my daily life. We did blood work and ultrasounds but nothing showed. The doctor decided to try amitriptyline. The first few days I experienced dry mouth and random prickly sensations. That went away and I was left with slight constipation, and a near constant craving sensation, but... I am 3 weeks into it now and even though I'm not exactly back to 'normal', I do have a happier outlook, more of my playful self, and I'm kinda 'detached' from my pain. I dream more, but sleep more soundly. I do feel it 'hit' me about half an hour after I take it but it's not enough of an effect to knock me out or anything though. Overall, I am very happy with the results so far. I take 10mg between 8 and 9 pm (any later and it's a bit too hard to wake up in the morning). I'm very happy we tried this and I'm hopeful that it will continue to improve my daily life."

• Rob...
• November 19, 2011

Amitriptyline for Pain "No side effects other than some dry mouth. I have had pain in my upper mid-right back for several years. The pain radiated to underneath my right rib cage. After 2 years and many CT scans, my surgeon removed my gallbladder. It was diseased and had small stones, but my condition did not improve. My surgeon said that he thought my pain could be skeletal and started me on a muscle relaxer with a low dose of Elavil at night. My pain has almost subsided, and my neuropathy is much better. I am so glad to be taking it."

• Tam...
• August 26, 2009

Amitriptyline for Pain "I was given this for pain and insomnia. Didn't take it at first because I have a fear of drugs, but after being on this for a week, I wish I had taken it sooner. I am sleeping better and my pain is less. I have fibromyalgia along with Panic/Anxiety. This is a drug that helps it all with very few side effects for me (just dry mouth)."

• sno...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 2, 2019

For Pain "I've been taking Amitriptyline for 10 years plus for severe neuropathic pain, increasing the dosage to 200 mg as the pain increased. It has really helped with the pain relief. Although I started on a relatively small dose of 25 mg, I felt totally spaced out and sedated. It took my body a few weeks to get used to taking it. I do experience constipation and a dry mouth but it's better than severe pain."

• Gaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 21, 2016

For Pain "I had suffered for 3 months with sciatica and chronic, paralysing back pain. I had diazepam, temgesic, naproxem, solpadol, omeprazole, for pain relief, all across the 3 months and nothing worked. I went to the physio (on crutches) and he assessed me, and couldn't do anything due to the inability to move much. He mentioned trying Amitriptyline to address the nerve inflammation. I went to the doctor and started on a low dose of 10mg x 2 per night. After 3 nights, I was able to stand, walk, sit - basically was back to 80%. I still have sciatic ache in my leg but it has literally changed my quality of life. I have been on them for a week, but it is allowing me to stretch and do some physio now. Yes to the dry mouth, but try it out."

• Bea...
• December 22, 2009

Amitriptyline for Pain "I developed near-total numbness in my thigh over a period of 2 months, after which the surface pain was unbearable. I couldn't even touch the hairs on my thigh without gritting my teeth in pain. I saw a neurologist who couldn't identify the cause even after MRI, EMG, and blood work. After trying Lyrica for the pain, which didn't help at all, he gave me Elavil. Using only a 25mg dose, the pain disappeared completely after one week. I did have some dry mouth as a side effect for a while, but that has subsided somewhat. Great stuff!"

• Noo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2015

For Pain "Been on amitriptyline for 3-1/2 weeks now, i.e. 10mg for 1st 3 weeks and now 20mg for last few days, taken at night before sleeping. It has reduced my lower back and other arthritic pains all day, helped me get better sleep, and also reduced my depression/anxiety levels considerably. So far, I am a definite fan. The only negative side effect so far is occasional moderate dry mouth which is tolerable, particularly considering all the benefits."

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2019

For Migraine Prevention "I was waking up with totally immobilizing headaches at least three times a week. I started at 5mg of amitriptyline and there was little improvement. I took 10mg on my own and that totally stopped all migraines. I spoke with my doctor and she increased the prescription to 10mg, and I have been headache-free for more than four months!! The only side effect I have had is dry mouth, which can get unpleasant in speaking situations. Now I simply ensure that I have a bottle of water around."

• McC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 26, 2014

For Pain "Systemic Lupus for 3 years, severe spinal issues and now a trapped nerve in my buttocks. After no sleep for 5 days, I became suicidal. Doc prescribed 10 mg's of Elavil...but it didn't work UNTIL I increased the dose to 30 mg's. NOW, I am finally getting sleep and pain relief. This medicine is more effective than Oxycontin, hydromorphone, and many other medicines I have taken for pain (ibuprofen and other OTC medicines). For me, the key was to increase the dose. Yes, there are side effects - constipation, dry mouth, drowsiness - but this is mild compared to suffering in so much pain that I did not want to live anymore."

• Anonymous
• October 12, 2011

For Pain "I have been in chronic pain for 11 years, worsening in the last year. Finally, a pain management doctor prescribed me 25mg of amitriptyline and it worked overnight. Magically, the next day my pain was down to a completely manageable level. I have my life back thanks to this medicine. Dizziness the first day or two, dry mouth only if I stay up long after I've taken the medicine. Don't hesitate to take this medicine if you have nerve pain, it is a miracle."

• 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."