My doctor has prescribed me amitriptyline tablets for my restless leg. Directions state to take one at night time.
Has anyone else been on this medication or does anyone know of anyone who had been on it??
Amitriptyline?? Is this ok??
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ViewsAskew
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Joe, there are some important posts about this drug on this board. Please read them before taking it. It is an older anti-depressant that often helps people fall asleep, but makes RLS worse for many who take it. Many doctors do not know that, however. When a doctor presribes this, is usually means they are not up to date and current about how to treat RLS. That may mean educating the doctor, or finding a new one.
http://www.restlesslegs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1102
http://www.restlesslegs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=883
http://www.restlesslegs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1214
These are a few posts that talk about it or other ADs. You can also do a search on amitriptyline or elavil (the brand name). Also, please read the list of medicines to avoid.
http://rls.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=252
Reading these posts may make a huge difference in your treatment. Some of us aren't readers, but taking the time and effor to do it will make a big difference to you.
Ann
http://www.restlesslegs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1102
http://www.restlesslegs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=883
http://www.restlesslegs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1214
These are a few posts that talk about it or other ADs. You can also do a search on amitriptyline or elavil (the brand name). Also, please read the list of medicines to avoid.
http://rls.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=252
Reading these posts may make a huge difference in your treatment. Some of us aren't readers, but taking the time and effor to do it will make a big difference to you.
Ann
Ann - Take what you need, leave the rest
Managing Your RLS
Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.
Managing Your RLS
Opinions presented by Discussion Board Moderators are personal in nature and do not, in any way, represent the opinion of the RLS Foundation, and are not medical advice.
Hi Joe
Welcome to the group.
I've been on, off and back on amitriptyline since April last year. I seem to be one of the few who can tolerate it; also I am only on a fairly low dosage 25-50mg/nite.
A lot of people thought it would make my RLS worse since I have it chronically, but after trialling it for an extended period it had no effects on my RLS symptoms.
Thats just my take on the drug ... Ann is right about it being one of the AD's that most RLS'ers should avoid at all costs.
Take care of you!
Welcome to the group.
I've been on, off and back on amitriptyline since April last year. I seem to be one of the few who can tolerate it; also I am only on a fairly low dosage 25-50mg/nite.
A lot of people thought it would make my RLS worse since I have it chronically, but after trialling it for an extended period it had no effects on my RLS symptoms.
Thats just my take on the drug ... Ann is right about it being one of the AD's that most RLS'ers should avoid at all costs.
Take care of you!
Nadia
My philosophy is simply this: Life is too short to be diplomatic. Your friends should not care what you do, or say; and for those who are not your friends ... their loss!!!
My philosophy is simply this: Life is too short to be diplomatic. Your friends should not care what you do, or say; and for those who are not your friends ... their loss!!!
Joe,
Have only been diagnosed with RLS a very short time. This is my experience. The first doctor I went to prescribed amitriptyline 10mg. At the time my legs and arms were giving me daily fits, and it was the typical 10pm-3am leg sensations/pain so I was not getting more than a few hours sleep.
Took the amitriptyline that night and my RLS exploded into full body pain only my nose and ears were not affected. It was not a pretty sight. If I could have found my glasses I would have driven myself to the ER 40 miles away. If I could have thought clearly I would have called 911. It is possible that I had an allergic reaction. Though back in the 70s I was given amitriptyline to help me sleep, it made me feel worse so I never took the full prescription, but nothing like this episode.
Each persons treatment is individually unique. What works for some does not help others.
There is excellent information on RLS treatment etc that the *Angels of RLS* have gathered and posted for us newcomers. In my humble opinion The NUMBER ONE place to begin is the list of drugs which have been shown to aggravate RLS symptoms.
Hugs to you and Ann & sardsy75... Hazel
Have only been diagnosed with RLS a very short time. This is my experience. The first doctor I went to prescribed amitriptyline 10mg. At the time my legs and arms were giving me daily fits, and it was the typical 10pm-3am leg sensations/pain so I was not getting more than a few hours sleep.
Took the amitriptyline that night and my RLS exploded into full body pain only my nose and ears were not affected. It was not a pretty sight. If I could have found my glasses I would have driven myself to the ER 40 miles away. If I could have thought clearly I would have called 911. It is possible that I had an allergic reaction. Though back in the 70s I was given amitriptyline to help me sleep, it made me feel worse so I never took the full prescription, but nothing like this episode.
Each persons treatment is individually unique. What works for some does not help others.
There is excellent information on RLS treatment etc that the *Angels of RLS* have gathered and posted for us newcomers. In my humble opinion The NUMBER ONE place to begin is the list of drugs which have been shown to aggravate RLS symptoms.
Hugs to you and Ann & sardsy75... Hazel