Nortriptyline for Migraine Prevention User Reviews (Page 5)

• kat...
• March 15, 2015

"I am 40 and have had migraines since I was 18. I started taking nortriptyline, and it has changed my life. I have been taking this for about 8 years. I was having migraines twice a week and now only have them twice a year. Miracle!!"

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2018

"Headaches started after enduring head trauma from an auto accident and have progressed over the last few years. The headaches were a mixed bag of tension, temporal muscle spasm, pressurization, and migraine. I was prescribed Valium 2 mg prn for the temporal muscle spasms, which helped until the headaches worsened to 4-7 days/week, and Advil was not working (not a fan of taking pain meds). I scheduled in with a new neurologist who prescribed Pamelor 10 mg HS, and it has helped tremendously. Only a few breakthrough headaches have occurred, however, they seemed to possibly be triggered by lack of sleep or increased stress. Bottom line is: be aware of your triggers and manage the triggers in order to avoid headaches. The only side effect I have noticed is a little dry mouth, so I try to stay hydrated. Since it is a low dose, I have not experienced dizziness or sluggish feelings. It's so great to be able to have headache-free weeks!"

• vho...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 28, 2015

"Have had migraines off and on since my teens in varying degrees. Within the last few years, they have become more regular and with a vengeance. Tried various meds with my GP, finally started Nortriptyline, 10 mg for a week, then up to 20, etc. until no headaches. I went up to 40 mg but experienced frequent night terrors and was scared down to back to 30 mg (for 18 mo, which is still effective and reduced night terrors). No heart palpitations, but do experience dry mouth. Recently, I thought I would titrate down to 20 mg. BAD mistake, I experienced the famous ice pick headache for two days. I am now back on my lovely 30 mg. I have to be careful to make sure I am going to get at least 7 hours of sleep or I am very groggy next a.m. for a few hours."

• hyp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 16, 2015

"Had a headache for over 6 months, even got scanned for a tumor. Got glasses, avoided computer/TV, removed caffeine from diet. Nothing. Now taking 50 mg at bedtime for a little over a month with almost no headache. Forgot to fill my prescription and went without for 2 days ... back to an extreme headache. Headache definitely fixed by nortriptyline!"

• Mig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 27, 2013

"I started Nortriptyline about 2 months ago. Doc started me on 10 mg/day and asked me to increase to 50 mg/day. Started taking it at night but was oversleeping, so started taking it in the morning. Missed one dose by 12 hours and immediately got a migraine that lasted for 4 days. However, after 2 months, the medicine doesn't seem to be working. I've started getting weekly migraines again that last 4-5 days. Have emailed my doc for help because I can't afford all the time off work and being a neglectful parent! I had dry mouth in the beginning, but that has gone away. I used to have an uncontrollable bladder, but the medication has cured that (thank goodness). Haven't noticed weight gain."

• Nom...
• October 5, 2016

"Being treated for vestibular migraines. I was very worried about taking this (side effects), so I waited a week before deciding to try it. Only took 10mg at night. I could not get to sleep, and in the morning, I experienced sadness, anxiety, increased heart rate, irritability, dizziness, and brain fog. One time was enough. I have a family and can't ride these symptoms out (if they ever actually would decrease). The negative effects outweighed any benefits."

• Vis...
• April 19, 2012

"Visual migraines since junior high. Incredible pain following the event, including vomiting. No one could help... internal medicine doctors, ophthalmologists, neurologists. At age 32, a foot doctor tells me that I am a victim of visual migraines and suggested nortriptyline. Went to the neurologist for medicine. I am on 50 mg taken each night before bed. Visual effects still occur intermittently, but the migraine is aborted. Still have a headache for three days, but the medicine keeps me from being incapacitated for days. I am now 50 years old and could not live without it. I have dry mouth, redness of skin, sensitivity to the sun, and problems urinating at times, but these issues are nothing compared to what I lived with for 20 years. I highly recommend the product!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2012

"This medicine changed my life in a sense. I am on Latuda (an antipsychotic) and a lot of Wellbutrin, but I was still depressed and having migraines almost every day. I was put on only 30 mg a night to prevent headaches and to help me sleep. It certainly made me sleep a lot the first few nights. At first, I was afraid it was a dud, but then, 2 weeks later, my migraines were less frequent; after 2 months on it, I have about 20 percent of the migraines I used to have. I get great sleep, and the best (and most surprising) part was that, although it is a tiny dose, it was just what I needed to finally not be depressed and anxious. I only gave it 9 stars instead of ten because sometimes the dry mouth is unbearable at times."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2015

"I started suffering from migraines in my early 30s. I had tried everything you could think of. I was missing work 4-5 times a month. I ended up in the emergency room and was given Dilaudid several times (they call this prescription heroin because it's so very strong). A few weeks back, I went to another doctor who gave me nortriptyline! He told me my migraines could be due to stress. For example, I know I have to go to work, I get ready, but then I decide to take the day off. I get a migraine. I work well under pressure, so my brain gets amped up for one thing and it's suddenly changed. Not that anyone asked for my medical history, ha. This medication works wonders!"

• Nan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 5, 2024

"I was referred by my family doctor to see a neurologist for vertigo symptoms. My symptoms included loss of balance and nausea almost every day. Then one day I experienced double vision and slurred speech as well. The neurologist diagnosed it as vestibular migraine and started me on nortriptyline 10mg at bedtime for one week, increasing to 20 mg thereafter. I slept great! Daytime sedation was a problem initially, but went away after a while. My quality of life has improved tremendously. It’s been 4 years and my only complaint is dry mouth. Drastic weather change occasionally triggers an attack but I will continue taking the medication as long as it works. Very grateful to the neurologist for his accurate diagnosis and excellent treatment plan."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 29, 2017

"I started this medication last year at 10 mg for my migraines. They were so severe, I couldn't function, and they were almost daily for me. So my doctor prescribed me nortriptyline. It really helped almost immediately. However, about 1 month in, I got super groggy and lethargic during the day for no reason. I decided that I would just stay on the medication anyway. I am so glad I did because this medication helps so much with my migraines. I am now on 20 mg, and I only get a migraine once a month or less. I would highly recommend it for people with chronic migraines."

• Anonymous
• January 29, 2012

"Friends - I have read many of your experiences, and mine is similar. I had a problem with a botched epidural; it created leakage, and after the hole was closed, I encountered severe migraines almost continually for six months. I finally found my way to a clinic, and they properly diagnosed my problem and created a treatment so that now I am headache-free. I take 10 mg nortriptyline at bedtime. From what I can see, it is not just the nortriptyline, but the lack of access to well-trained physicians that understand headache pain."

• che...
• October 3, 2010

"I have been migraine-free for over a month now. I was getting 3-5 migraines a week with a continuous headache for 5 months straight and through the heat of the summer. The migraines stopped after just a few days on the medicine and have not come back. Even with the change of weather and congestion, the headache is not there. I haven't noticed any side effects, but it does make me sleepy. Helps get a good night's rest."

• TDD...
• November 10, 2013

"I have been on Nortriptyline for 4 weeks now. At first, I was so lethargic. That has improved greatly. My mouth dryness is also improving. Up until yesterday, I felt this med was 'the one.' I am new to migraines, had 2 that lasted greater than 7 days apiece. The second was so bad I was directly admitted from my first neurology appointment to the hospital for 14 DHE treatments (yuck). I have had at least 4 mild-moderate headaches a week, that too is improving. Yesterday, I started to have tingling from mid-calf to my 4 small toes. Has anyone else had that issue?"

• Anonymous
• February 4, 2012

"Migraine sufferer for 40 years. I have tried more medications to control them for the past 7 years. I was having 15 or more migraines a month. Last year I had one for 2 months, even my trip to the ER couldn't break it. After 7 years on Topamax and recently 3 Botox treatments for migraines with no luck, my neurologist, 2 months ago, had me try nortriptyline 25mg... works amazing. Even the pain in my neck from herniations and severe arthritis is 90% gone - but I am having blurred vision - hoping the lowered dose of 10mg in the morning and evening will alleviate this because feeling human again is a wonderful thing, something I haven't felt in years."

• SoR...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2017

"Nortriptyline did not work for me. The first month I took it, I gained 15 lbs, the second month I gained 10 lbs, the third month I gained 5 lbs, a total of 30 lbs in 3 months and cholesterol way above heart attack level. I stopped taking it because I still had migraines and because of the rapid weight gain. I have never gained more than 5 lbs. I was 120-125 most of my life. I gained 5 lbs after having 4 kids. I gained 20 lbs each time I was pregnant and lost it quickly. I still have these 30 lbs that I can't lose from this damn nortriptyline. I've been walking 3-4 miles every day for a month now and eat organic when I can. I lost 7 lbs. It's taking forever. I don't recommend nortriptyline to anyone. Try something else!!"

• Sva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2020

"I was only able to try this drug for 3 days because I couldn’t handle the side effects. The dry mouth I could handle, but not the hot flash - I'd feel pressure and tightness around my body, then start sweating from my hands and feet. I also had insomnia from this! Could not sleep at all. Felt so awake throughout the night. The only reason why I'd end up falling asleep is because I’m so, so tired. But would still wake up in the middle of the night and feel awake. On one of the days, I woke up with a headache from this med. I wish it would’ve worked for me for my headaches, because I tried so many drugs already, but they never worked for me! (Tizanidine, baclofen, cyclobenzaprine). My doctor wants me to try venlafaxine next, but from reading the reviews I’m discouraged. This drug also wasn’t too pricy."

• bwi...
• January 2, 2017

"I've had a really bad headache for over 6 weeks now. On my right side. I say a because it is almost constant, day and night every day. Seldom have I had headaches my entire life. I'm now 60. After 4 visits to a doctor, the first one prescribed antibiotics saying I had a sinus infection - no help whatsoever, the second guy Midrin, same thing. I was prescribed nortriptyline at 25 mg once a day by my last visit with a new doctor. It has been 3 days, so not much change yet. I can put up with any or all the side effects mentioned if I get relief. I will repost in a week or 2, when hopefully it has kicked in. Scheduled for a CAT scan in 2 days... we'll see. Reading these posts has given me some hope."

• Tar...
• May 20, 2011

"I've been using nortriptyline for over 10 years now, and my migraine hasn't caused me severe pains anymore. I noticed that if I ever stop taking the medication, I start getting headaches again. I wanted to stop this medicine because of water retention and weight gain, but this is the only medicine so far that can help me with my migraine headache and also with my back pain after spinal surgery. The pros outweigh the cons of taking this medication, so I continue to use it up to now."

• Adr...
• May 24, 2010

"My neurologist prescribed nortriptyline 2 years ago to help with my chronic migraines, which I'd had since I was 13 years old. I'd suffer migraines at least 4 times a week, and the pain would be excruciating. I'd suffer from rebound migraines as well, and it turned out that I can't take medicines like Excedrin because they actually worsen my migraines. Imitrex stopped working. Once I started nortriptyline, I started seeing relief within the first two months. I'm on a steady 30 mg, and as long as I eat right, keep active, and reduce stress (a big factor to how they'd start at first), I only get level 8/9 migraines 2/3 a month, usually at the start and end of my menstrual cycle, and take Treximet for them."

• Cla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

"So far, started treatment a week ago. Already experiencing horrible side effects: ongoing ringing ears; constantly nauseous; sluggish, tired during the day; lightheaded throughout the day; rapid heartbeat; had 2 nightmares in which I woke up catching my own breath because I thought I was dying. That same night, I had that dream twice; still cannot sleep more than 4 1/2, pushing 5 hours of sleep, with 10 mg. Still having migraines. Called my doctor's office 2 days ago and have not received a call back yet. I am supposed to go up to 30 or 40 mg. But with these side effects, I just want to get off of 10 mg."

• Anonymous
• September 8, 2012

"This medication actually works for migraine prevention. I take only 30 mg a night, and I really didn't expect much. The first week I still had migraines almost every day, but then after that, I almost never get them... not even close. I haven't experienced any side effects except for tiredness in the beginning, and that's a good thing. It helps me relax before bed, and not living with constant pain is a blessing. Also, I'm on 450 mg of Wellbutrin but was still depressed; this tiny dose of nortriptyline for about 3 weeks has made all the difference, and I'm happier. Actually, if I had to say one bad thing about it, it's that it's made me crave sweets like crazy... I've gained 5 pounds. Otherwise, great med."

• Bea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2015

"I was offered this as an alternative to amitriptyline because it made me so drowsy I was struggling to function in the morning. I went to a neurology clinic, ended up in tears explaining how daily headaches were making me feel. So the neurologist prescribed me the 25 mg twice a day to increase to 50 mg twice a day, which to me was scary. I don't have depression, I have a headache! My pharmacist advised me to try half a tablet once a day (12.5 mg effectively), and it's day 5 now. I can honestly say I haven't felt this level of pain in my head since I was admitted to the hospital for a migraine back in January. I can't concentrate on anything, my vision is blurry, and my head feels too heavy to be supported by my neck. I have zero energy and no balance! Good luck."

• Oli...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2012

"I began Nortriptyline about one month ago and few side effects so far! I am thrilled to read several people's experiences have been mostly positive. I still have headaches, but nothing I need to run to urgent care for injection. I've taken Imitrex as needed for a couple of years, and it stopped working. I noticed lots of posts from people who work in healthcare, as I do, very stressful at times. I pray over time I will not have migraines. The anxiety of them popping up at work is awful. But these posts stating it works have me much more hopeful! Thanks all-"

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2015

"I started experiencing migraines on a DAILY basis in June 2014. I tried numerous over-the-counter medications and medications prescribed by my GP. In March 2015, I was referred to a neurologist who suggested I try nortriptyline starting at 25 mg before bed. I have progressed to 50 mg as although the migraines went away, I was still suffering from headaches at least 4 times a week. I am happy and only suffering from irregular heart palpitations and night terrors. But overall, I am extremely happy and am so thankful that life is back to normal. I can now function and go about my daily activities without constant pain."