Amitriptyline vs Nortriptyline experiences anyone?
I was diagnosed with vestibular migraines last month with 24/7 symptoms of dizziness, head pressure, fatigue, nausea, anxiety etc etc. My first preventative med was Amitriptyline. I took 10mg for 2 weeks with no effect, so upped to 20mg. It made my migraine symptoms worse tenfold. Every single day i took 20mg i felt worse and worse. I couldn't stand it after 4 days so came off it. It was the worst i've ever felt with VM and i've had it for six years now. So the gp has given me Nortriptyline to try. So i would like to ask if any of you have taken Ami but found it really bad, or of no help, and tried Nort instead. Did it produce the same effect or did it make you feel better?
Thanks for your time.
Hi Kayeff,
Thank you for your question and being part of the Migraine.com discussion forum!
First a word about taking new medications if I may. When we start new medications it can take up to 90 days (very frustrating) before we see a reduction in our migraine attack symptoms and frequency. During this time potential side effects may lessen as we adjust to the new medication. Some medications (for some of us) may take a slower, longer upward titration. And each time we up the dose, the time frame changes.
Now, having said that I've been on a number of medications over the years I've had to stop after a week or two due to nasty side effects. I've taken amitriptyline but not nortriptyline. I took amitriptyline for a few months but it didn't do much for me. The thing about medications is we're all different and therefor may not share the same experience. If it were me, I'd give it a go!
Hopefully others will be along shortly to share their experiences with you.
Nancy
I have had debilitating migraines that left me in bed for days. Then I had to have my inner ear removed from infection and possible cancer. Glad to say I'm fine and have been taking 75 mg of Nortriptyline for years and feel 1000% times better. Have not had a migraine since, it does take a few months for med's to work. And I had to be patient. But I was able to play tennis for a few years, I now go to the gym, and living my life normally. Good luck, hope you feel better.
That's great Eydie! Thank you for sharing your success with us!
We love hear this!
Nancy
I have taken Nortrip, but not Amitrip. Nortrip didn't really do anything for me migraine wise (although was very helpful with anxiety and sleep), but had side effects, so after a few years, I was taken off it. Sorry that's not a more helpful answer.
Hi GardensatNight,
Thank you so much for your wonderful contributions~!
Nancy
