celexa and amitriptyline hcl

[tia77]

Hi I started to take celexa about a month ago for my anxiety.  I have been having health problems and just alot going on.  I do notice the diffrence now.  Feeling better not 100% but nothing to complane about.  I have sleeping problems with the health problems and the anxiety doesn't help.  The doctor prescribed amitriptyline at bed to help sleep.  I read that there is a chance of seritonin? syndrom (syndrome) for this.  She only prescirbed 10 mg.  How much of a chance is there?  I asked while in the office and she said it was safe to take with all my medicines.  Any comments would help in my decision to take the new medicine and help myself start getting better by getting some much needed sleep.  Thanks in advance.  

[Salyrgan]

"She only prescirbed 10 mg.  How much of a chance is there?"

^quote

For Serotonin Syndrome? None at that dosage. Ten milligrams of Elavil is peanuts. The average Elavil dosage ranges from 75-150 milligrams daily. At these higher (therapeutic) dosages, Elavil would increase the plasma level of Celexa, and you would then need to worry about the possibility of SS. At the dosage you were prescribed, it will serve as a mild sedative. Elavil has antihistaminic effects, which gives it a sedative quality. 10 - 25 milligrams is adequate for most.

Three other choices are Sinequan (Doxepin) at the same dosage, Desyrel (Trazodone) at a dosage of 50 milligrams, or Vistaril (Hydroxyzine), at a dosage ranging from 25-50 milligrams. All of these produce comparable effects. Ditto for Elavil (Amitriptyline).

--Salyrgan

[tia77]

Thanks for the info.  Didn't know anything about that drug.  Makes me feel better about taking it.  

[Salyrgan]

The drug is an old school Tricyclic antidepressant. Up until the late 1980's (when Prozac hit the shelves), it was the #1 selling antidepressant. No worries, it has an excellent track record. It is used off-label in lower dosages for insomnia, pain and migraines.

[Paxiled]

You can also try good old melatonin or homeopathic remedies like Calm's Forte.  If they work, cuts down on the medication.  If they don't, you can still try the medication.