Holistic Healing with Pixie: What has been your experience of Amitriptyline as an aid to M.E. symptom management?

Tuesday, 20 November 2018

What has been your experience of Amitriptyline as an aid to M.E. symptom management? | 20 November 2018

Dr Charles Shepherd, Hon. Medical Adviser, ME Association.

The current information leaflet.

I am currently in the process of updating the ME Association information leaflet that covers all aspects of the use of low dose amitriptyline in the management of M.E.

Amitriptyline is a long-established drug that affects brain chemical transmitter systems and was initially used to treat depression.

Can help relieve pain and provide for better sleep…

Q17 Pain Management 2010 MEA Survey.

At much lower doses than used for depression, amitriptyline has been found to be helpful.

For some people it can reduce pain (muscle, joint and nerve and IBS type pain) and improve disturbed sleeping patterns.

These symptoms can occur in a wide range of medical conditions – including M.E.

…and for migraine relief.

Q18 Sleep Management 2010 MEA Survey.

Amitriptyline has also been used to help prevent migraine-type headaches occurring. Migraine-type headaches are more common in M.E.

The 2010 MEA Management Report indicated that some people do find it helpful for pain relief and/or sleep disturbance.

But others do not, and it can cause unpleasant side-effects. So, this is another ’try it and see’ approach to symptom management.

If you have any experience – positive or negative – of using amitriptyline for pain, sleep, or any other symptoms, please let us know using either the comments section below or via the MEA Facebook page.

Thank you.

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