Amitriptyline ??? Lexapro ?????

This is kinda a weired question..
But I have been taking this med for over 3 yers they just upped my does and added lexapro to it..

I have been having spells where I get so tired in the afternoon that i have to lay down and take an hour to two hour nap??? is this normall ???

<font color=purple>The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
- G.K. Chesterton
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Fair Lady - This is not a weird question at all. I agree with your doc that adding anymore amitriptyline (Elavil) would be counter-productive, as I usually consider 25mg to 30mg to be a maximum dose to treat migraines. With any higher doses I tend to find that there is not much (if any) more migraine relief and then the side effects of the amitriptyline become more prominent.

Are your migraines "classic" in nature. That is, do you get the prodromal symptoms like halos around things and that sorta "it's coming" feeling? Are you getting migraines more often and are they more severe since starting the Lexapro and increasing the amitriptyline dose? Are you getting enough sleep at night?

I doubt that the Lexapro (escitalopram) is adding to the problem (but it is possible). One of the start-up side effects of Lexapro is headaches, but I usually do not consider these to be headaches, by any classical definition. What can be experienced is more of a pressure in the frontal part of the head (esp. forehead or what would equate to the frontal lobe area of the brain) and this side effect usually disappears within the first month of taking the SSRI.

If I had to guess I'd say that the sleepiness is being caused by the increase in amitriptyline dose. TCAs, like amitriptyline, are excellent antidepressants; the problem with them is that, when used at antidepressant they can cause heart problems in those who are suseptible and can be toxic in overdose (compared with the SSRIs). A normal antidepressant dose for amitriptyline is 150mg to 250mg per day.

Drowsiness is, in my opinion, is the most annoying side effect of amitriptyline. At one time it was thought that the tiredness never went away, and people just use to the side effect. Recent studies have shown that the tiredness does eventually fade in most people, but this can take 8 to 12 months in some.

In the meantime, naps are an excellent way to get any energy at all, and I do recommend them to those who are able to take them. You may have to replan your day around naps for a month or two, but this tiredness should resolve itself.

Have you tried Inderal (propranolol) for your migraines? If so, did you have any relief from it?

I hope this helps. I can't stay online too long. I am in Florida, again and am paying $12/hour on a slow machine. Could you pass along a message on General that I will only be checking in intermittently for the next week or so.

Thanks - Cam

Yes i will copy and paste that in general..
I will respond later on what you asked..
I am on Imatrex for my migranes,, the ohter I hve never heard of???

If you think it might work better than I will ask my doc about it

<font color=purple>The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
- G.K. Chesterton
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Lady - Inderal (propranolol) is a heart medication called a beta-blocker. Low doses (10mg - 20mg) a day help some people with migraines. Nothing work for my mother-in-law and she was having month-long migraines. She now takes 20mg of propranolol a day and has only one or two short (relatively) migraines a month. The dose to decrease blood pressure is usually 80mg to 160mg per day (or higher).

This therapy is not for everyone, but it is relatively safe in the long run. BTW, 20mg - 30mg of propranolol are used by people who are very nervous public speakers; it calms them down. I never had the nerve to try it, and if I'm not nervous before a presentation, the whole evening flops.

Just a little more info. I can find studies if your doc wants. - Cam

oh ok..
Thank you that helps me out a great deal..

Oh I posted that you would not be on very much in Gen, in here and on the Admin side too. ok.
I hope that wil take some stress of you

<font color=purple>The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
- G.K. Chesterton
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interesting to see inderal mentioned. knocked me out, as did elavil. oddly enough, inderal is used by classical pianist and other performers the night before a concert. good to hear someone putting in a good word for TCAs---they work---trazadone is more cardiac-friendly, but seems to make my heart race a few minutes later. i've found both it and the TCAs have led to wealth and one heck of a dry mouth. i've yet to see a dr. warning about increased dental care for anti-d clients, pharmacies stock special toothpastes for such.

pirate

special toothpaste..
AM I missing something, does anti-D make my teeth worse or something..

FIll me in eihter of you please ???

Now I am worried.. my pdoc has not told me anything,but than again I hve never asked.. So now I am asking ???

<font color=purple>The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
- G.K. Chesterton
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The reason for special toothpastes or mouthwashes, one common and good one is Biotene, it is used for "dry mouth" which when the saliva production is altered by medications as mentioned, hormones, and decongestants like ones for sinusitis, etc. can contribute to tooth decay.
This happens with many of us just from menopause and hormonal changes during that "time of month", digestive problems, and diabetes can cause gum and tooth problems due to chemical changes within our bodies, so this is not just confined to the us of AD's. I used Biotene and still do to rinse my mouth, helping to keep the right balance, anyone can use these products, little pricey but excellent for our gums and teeth. An added note here, everyone should brush and floss their teeth daily for best oral care, regardless if on certain medications or no medications, good oral hygiene is important. LD, I wouldn't get all upset over this, just keep this in mind, oh, and another thing chewing a sugarless gum or Biotene gum will help reduce the effects of "dry mouth" so you may consider adding that if you experience this problem.
I keep with my regular visits to the dentists, besides the usual cleanings they check for any receding of the gums, treatment for that often requires scaling if there is any receding happening, I've had those treatments, they are painful but terrific in returning the gum/tooth back to a healthy status, but that is a whole other issue. . .don't worry about all of this, just keep up with brushing, flossing and rinses, you'll be fine

"darkeyes"

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

Perhaps you haven't "hit" on the right doctor? Also the MSDS that come with prescriptions when you pick them up mention this potential dental problem.
Other things besides AD's can cause dry mouth too.
Just my little 2 cents.

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

see since I only have Medicade, there are very few dentits that will tkae me..
so I do bursh and floss daily, but i hvae not been to a good dentist since I was 21..

<font color=purple>The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
- G.K. Chesterton
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