Alternatives to Amitriptyline? Fibro & PA

soph

Hello,

I've been prescribed amitriptyline by my GP for chronic fatigue and by my rheumy to deal with fibro (Pain, poor sleep, unexplained crying, depression etc.) Unfortunately, I'm lactose intolerant so the tablets aren't suitable and the suspension brings me out in hives!

I was wondering if anyone had been prescribed another drug for similar symptoms that might do the trick? Also, I have PA which has flared up recently and was wondering if anyone found that the DMARDs etc cleared up these symptoms as well?

Thanks!

traluvie

Sorry Soph, can't help, but i am sure someone can may help you a bit more than i can.
I hope you manage to find an alternative.
Take care

dreamdaisy

Hello soph, it's nice to meet you and I am glad you have found us. I have PsA (psoriatic arthritis) in multiple joints and have been taking sulphasalazine for years - that usually keeps the skin part of it at bay but does little for the joint pain. I don't have fibro (just OA in both knees and ankles) and have so far resisted the temtpation of amitryp. I take citalopram to help with my depression and my rheumatologist recommended I stay on it to help with pain relief. I think the best person to ask about this is your GP as he/she will know your medical history and circumstances: I hope they can help because there is nothing worse than trying to cope with so many troubles. I wish you well. DD

barbara12

Hi Soph
And welcome to the forum, sorry I cant offer any help...its such a shame you cant take the amys...I would ask at the chemist, they can be really helpful...good luck x

CJHunter

Hiya, I have both too and am now taking Pregabalin. It has really helped, the extreme fatigue could be to to with th fibro, it hits ya like a sledgehammer. Not sure of ami alternatives , have u asked ya doc or haed a look online for alternatives??

all the best and good luck.xx.

Wonkylegs

I'm sorry to hear that you have trouble with the amitriptyline, as it has really helped my fibro since I started taking it.

However, I believe that although Amitriptyline is the most usual med to be prescribed, it certainly isn't the only one in that class of meds. In fact I was already taking Dosulepin when the Amitriptyline was added, and I have lost track of the times that the pharmacists check that I really should be on both! I have absolutely no idea if this would help you - or indeed if it has any of the nasty stuff in it.

I tend to ask the Pharmacist if i have concerns with meds, as they are the ones who deal with them every day - and your query is a very specialist one so not all doctors may know.

good luck!
Wonky

soph

Thanks very much for all your replies and for welcoming me so nicely! It's very nice to know I'm not alone!

Thanks very much for letting me know about your experiences with the alternatives to deal with the fibro & depression, that's the bit I'm finding most tricky to manage (I can't take NSAIDs either). It's so good to hear that you've found relief with some of the other medications.

My pharmacist hasn't been particularly helpful, but I'm headed back to see my rheumy later this month so hopefully he can sort me out.

Best wishes,

Folara

Hi Soph and welcome to the forum.

I've been given Baclofen for my fibro. They are a muscle relaxer and certainly knock you out.

I don't know if you could take them ok but it's worth asking.

Fols x

macri

Hi Soph
I was once on Amitriptyline but had to come off them as I couldnt stay awake. I was given Pregabalin as a replacement. My problems are different to yours though, mine is OA so I dont know if it would suit you, you could ask and find out, good luck, keep your chin up
Chris x

woodbon

Hi, nice to meet you!
I'm so sorry the amitriptyline has brought on your allergy, my late Mum was allergic to most anti biotics and had some awful rashes, until they found the ones she could take! I think I'd ask to see the pharmasist at the local Chemist, as they are very good recommending meds and then go along to your GP and ask if they can prescribe the new drug for you or something similar.
If you don't like going to the docs and telling him what you want, ask him about alternatives and explane fully the problems the OA and Fibro are causing in your life.
I hope you soon get it sorted. I have Amotrip and after the first couple of weeks, when it knocked me out, I find it helpful now.
Love Sue xxx