Amitriptyline long term use

[Acerr]

Hi, i am a 30 year old male, slim and with good blood pressure. I suffer from migraine with aura. I was prescribed Citalopram 9 years ago for stress. My attacks were always widely spaced with gaps of 9mths not unusual and this did not alter on Citalopram.

However, on withdrawal the attacks suddenly became worse and more frequent. They would stop as soon as i resumed the Citalopram, even in doses as low as 2.5mg. So my body clearly hated the withdrawal. I am now taking 5mg amitriptyline at night and it is going well + this medicine is far less agitating than Citalopram, which is one of the reason's for the switch, that and the fact it is actually known to prevent migraines.

Anyway i am between a rock and a hard place now but i just wanted to know if it is safe for me to take a very low dose of Amitryptiline indefinitely as that is the way it is looking to be honest. I am not prepared to suffer the pain or stress of migraines interrupting my life. I am aware this medicine is used in much higher doses to treat depression, fibromyalgia and cystitis.

I don't seem to be getting any side effects at this time.

Would appreciate a doctor's opinion.

[Acerr]

Ok, thanks for the advice. I am on such a low dose that i was assuming hypotension wouldn't be an issue. Seems fine at the mo, also i don't drink or smoke so no issues there.

[JainMD]

Hi,
I think taking Amytryptiline for long term should not be a concern.
You should check out with your prescribing physician regarding regular monitoring of cardiac, renal and liver functions.
While you are on medicine, you should be aware that it can cause drowsiness; alcohol decreases the threshold for drowsiness.
It can also cause postural hypotension.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.