Nortriptyline and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Gra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2014

For Pain "I have been taking nortriptyline 10mg capsules (6 capsules for 60 mg) every night before I go to bed for over 3 months now. I was involved in a MVA collision by a drunk driver and I now suffer constant head pain. I now have Post Concussive Head Syndrome. I was taking narcotics constantly because of the head pain, I do not have migraines. I was able to be seen by a neurologist and because of the frustration and anger I had against the drunk driver, well the nortriptyline has helped considerably in my head pain and also feeling depressed. The only side effect I am experiencing is dry mouth and sleeplessness. I am now taking it 2 to 3 hours before I go to sleep. There were a couple of times I missed the doses and the pain was there again."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2014

For Migraine Prevention "10 mg at night for chronic tension headaches. The first few days were horrible: extremely fatigued, grumpy, felt like a really bad hangover. But by the fourth or fifth day, all of that was gone, and my headaches went too. I'm glad I stuck it out, because I had had headaches that interfered with my daily life. It made me very drowsy at first, and still does act as a bit of a sedative, so I only take it if I plan to sleep very soon. Also, it really lowered my alcohol tolerance, so watch out for that."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2012

Nortriptyline for Pain "I have calf pain (mainly when sitting) due to small fiber neuropathy. I tried Neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta...without any luck. Tramadol provided limited relief, but not nearly enough. Finally, I tried Pamelor and after a few weeks, the calf pain started to dissipate. I take 100mg/day, and the side effects have been pretty mild. The drowsiness tapered off after a few days, but the dry mouth and constipation go with the territory. I get occasional tinnitus as well."

• Mik...
• April 10, 2017

For Pain "Have suffered with back pain for 22 years. I'm 60 years old now. Started taking nortriptyline 4 days ago. While I know that's not very long, I can say back pain is much better. Depression is much better. Overall feeling is much better. Sleeping better and longer. I have noticed some drowsiness but not a lot. I hope things continue in the direction I'm currently headed. Good luck!"

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2009

Nortriptyline for Migraine Prevention "I had taken almost everything for migraines and came up with a combination of Topamax and Elavil. I work in intensive care and started having memory problems. I also started sleeping almost constantly. I scheduled an appointment with the neurologist at my hospital and started on nortriptyline. This is the first time I've had total control. I'm not sleepy and I have more of my old self back. It feels good not to have any pain."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 17, 2013

For Migraine Prevention "I've been on nortriptyline for close to 15 years now for migraine treatments after a significant head injury. Before being put on the medicine, I'd get migraines that would put me out for days at a time. After starting out at a low dose, it helped control my migraines and has continued to do so over the past 15 or so years (though with increased dosage). The most common side effects have been drowsiness, dry mouth, quivers in my hands, along with an adverse reaction to prolonged periods of being in the sun. I've also put on a few pounds over the past few years, but that may be the result of moving from an active job to a more sedentary one and not the medication. Overall, nortriptyline has been great at controlling my migraines without too many negatives."

• Anonymous
• March 25, 2011

For Depression "After some serious life events I became depressed - while I didn't truly realize it - my house became overly cluttered, work went from great to average, got behind on things... after attempts at Lexapro, we figured out that I was having a reaction to the Lexapro. We started on nortriptyline. The first winter I worked up to 75mg/day - then went off for a few months during the summer - this year I've worked from 25mg then to 50mg/day. It's amazing how much better I'm performing. I do have issues with the drowsiness but I try to work through that. Work is now improving after about 14 months of treatment and the home is slowly getting better."

• Bax...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2019

For Pain "I have been struggling with progressively worsening nerve pain for 10 years. I cannot lift up on my toes on either leg due to nerve damage (slipped disc on one leg and some kind of impact arthritis on the other). The nortriptyline has virtually eliminated the nerve pain! I've been taking 25 mg for one month. The so-called 'side effects' are virtually all positive. Constipation? Great! Now I can have just one bowel movement per day instead of 5 or 6. Sleepiness? Great, I sleep much better now! I used to take a half dozen ibuprofen and acetaminophen and 2 naproxen almost every day... now one ibuprofen some mornings and that's all I need. Cannot say enough good things about this product!"

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 25, 2016

For Pain "I've had a lot of pains over the past few years due to a computer-centric lifestyle. My rear shoulder/shoulder blade pain started to become unmanageable with my Lyrica + Tramadol. Most of my pains are nervy/burning. I decided to try Nortriptyline. Started with 10mg and worked up to 100mg after months (started working at 25mg). It saved my life at that time when I was miserable. It wasn't 100%, and had a bunch of mild side effects, but made things manageable. Side effects: weight gain (huge appetite), urinary retention, dry nose/mouth, some drowsiness (bad at first but got better), reduced motor control (jerks), orthostatic hypotension. Trying to stop to see if pain comes back, and so far so good (side effects have reduced, especially appetite)."

• Nig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2016

For Pain "I took the first dose at night because my doctor said it may cause sleepiness. I woke up in the middle of the night with a terrible headache and insomnia. I decided to try a second night. This time, no headache, but still insomnia. Last night I took my tenth dose, and I am awake two hours after falling asleep, then having a horrible, horrible nightmare about sexual situations, being part of murders, and my son being kidnapped by a killer clown. I know that sounds dumb, but it was extremely realistic, and now I can't go back to sleep. I will call my doctor in a few hours to discuss tapering off and quitting this medication altogether. My pain has not been relieved at all (even if it had, I could continue with the insomnia and graphic nightmares)."

• Heg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2013

For Pain "I have had acute neurological (atypical) pain for 10 weeks. The GP put me on Nortriptyline, which I am not sure whether it helped the pain or not, but it turned me into a zombie capable of sleeping all day and all night. It was nice at first but became a bit of a hassle in the end, so I have started to wean myself off it."

• Hap...
• February 12, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "Miracle drug. After I started exercising almost every day, I got a migraine that lasted four or five months. I had a migraine every day with dizziness, trouble speaking, reading, writing, thinking. I thought I was going on disability. I tried Topamax, but it didn't make any difference. I started on nortriptyline, and on the third day, I noticed an improvement. Three months later, I have zero symptoms. Now my current dosage of 20 mg is making me drowsy. So I think I am going back to 10 mg. I have stopped exercising completely. I wish I could go back to running and weight lifting."

• Suz...
• April 21, 2016

For Pain "I just started on this drug 2 weeks ago. My doctor prescribed it to me to help deal with my concussion headaches and to help me sleep. The pain-free aspect is quite lovely, however, 2 weeks in, and I'm super groggy. It doesn't help me sleep, but I didn't have a problem with that - it was just the post-concussion headaches. My doctor's main goal seemed to just send me back to work. I'm glad I didn't have to drive into work today because I'm not sure I'd be up for morning rush hour traffic. She only prescribed one month's worth (10 mg pills), and I can't wait to be finished with it. I have noticed a large increase in 'chubbiness' around my midsection. I notice that some weight gain is one of the side effects as well."

• LMH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2016

For Pain "I suffer from interstitial cystitis and have tried all the medications to keep the burning pain and heaviness in my bladder tolerable. I was given amitriptyline first (5 mg), and I was like a zombie the entire next day. I tried it a few times to give it a chance, but without any change. A specialist that I saw a couple of months ago suggested that I try nortriptyline because, even though it is in the same family as amitriptyline, sometimes it has a different effect. I have taken it for 4 nights now and have noticed a huge difference in the way my bladder feels. Spasms are gone, and the heaviness and burning have gone as well. I haven't slept well since taking it but was having trouble sleeping through the night anyway. No day grogginess though."

• Oop...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2015

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have had post-infectious IBS for about 9 months. I couldn't go to work, I couldn't eat, and I had severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea several times a day. I lost about 10 lbs (I'm underweight to begin with, so this was troublesome). My gastroenterologist prescribed nortriptyline and Bentyl (Bentyl for intestine cramping, which I was able to stop taking once the nortriptyline kicked in), and I was back to nearly normal within a week. After several months of thinking I was healed, I stopped taking nortriptyline, and my symptoms returned almost full-blown within a few days. Now I'm back on it, and I feel fine again. I have had no side effects, except a little drowsiness when I take it (though I take it before bed, so it's not a problem)!"

• Moj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2018

For Migraine Prevention "I have had crushing migraines since an auto accident in 2004. On average, between four and six debilitating episodes per month. I have tried dozens of treatment modalities and many different drugs. I recently saw a headache specialist. She mentioned Nortriptyline. I was skeptical but agreed to try it, starting at 30 mg (taken at night). I kept a journal and returned a month later. I had fewer episodes, but I still had some very bad days. My doctor increased the dosage from 30 mg to 40 mg and finally to 50 mg. 40 mg turned out to be the appropriate dosage for me. I still get headaches, but they are far less frequent. I haven't had a crushing migraine for over two weeks. This is a first in over nine years! I am hopeful now, and it has drastically improved my family life and work life. My doctor also recommended taking the medication before bedtime so I wouldn't experience daytime drowsiness. So far, I would say this is the best I've felt in years."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 8, 2014

For Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy "My personal experience was that this medicine worked very well for my nerve pain. I did not have full motion of my neck on my right side and had severe pain in my arm and shoulder area. The medicine took a few weeks to build up in my system, but I no longer have any pain and now have full motion in my neck. The downside is that I am a little groggy when I wake up. This medicine has allowed me to return to work without pain."

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

For Migraine Prevention "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."

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

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• Atc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2025

For Panic Disorder "This drug pulled me out of a two-year anxiety cycle. It’s great! I tried at least six other drugs to stop the panic and a bunch of natural ways, and nothing helped. This is the only drug that worked for me other than a benzo. At first, I didn’t have much faith in taking it. But then I noticed starting at 10 mg that I was having to take my panic benzo less and less and thought, hey, we might be on to something. My doctor gradually increased the nortriptyline to my current 50 mg dose. The side effects I have are dry mouth in the morning and some grogginess as well. Nothing compared to the panic attacks and anxiety dread every day for two years. Not only did it help my anxiety, it has helped with motivation. I just feel more motivated and happy to do things. I’m so glad that I’m feeling better, my life was hell. Oh, I also suffered from bad headaches daily, and the nortriptyline has gotten rid of them as well. 10/10 great medicine!!"

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

For Migraine Prevention "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."

• KKi...
• March 29, 2016

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I developed chronic diarrhea in 2014 that started suddenly and never went away. After extensive tests, I was given the diagnosis of IBS. The stomach upsets were so frequent, sometimes up to 6 times a day, that it was affecting the quality of my life. I could barely make it to the toilet on bad days. I have been taking Allegron/nortriptyline 20 mg for 4 nights now, and for the first time in years, symptom-free! It can make me drowsy in the evening and morning, but I am willing to put up with side effects as I feel so much better. Pain-free. I have also started a FODMAP diet, and in conjunction with the medication, have had quick results."

• Mis...
• November 20, 2016

For Migraine Prevention "I'm taking Pamelor (that's the generic name) primarily for migraine prevention, but it also helps my depression. It's been about three months since I started this, and my migraines have reduced a lot. I rarely get them now. I'm also feeling much better since my depression. The only side effect I have is sleepiness in the mornings. Other than that, it's a charm."

• Jac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2016

For Pain "I have a 'band' of the 'fuzzies' crossing the top of my head, down on each side of my head. 'Tinglies' on the left of my forehead. Given Nortrip, 25 mg, take 2x per day. Really, NO change. Have lived with these problems for almost 30 years. Maybe by making me drowsy, then I won't notice nerve pain so much? Whatever."

• Bik...
• May 7, 2020

"Nortriptyline improves my sleep more than anything (physical exertion is the natural remedy, but due to spine surgeries that has not always been an option). I digress... Nortriptyline doesn't knock me out but makes me a little drowsy, which helps, but what it does for me that has improved my life is I am able to STAY asleep, and if/when I wake to go to the restroom, I am able to go back to sleep. Glorious! Seriously, for 20-25 years, I struggled with sleep, now it is decent to good, which I will take all day, every day. Bike riding, waves, and Nortriptyline!"