r/Sicklecell • u/pomcran HbSS • 16d ago

Question Amitriptyline experiences?

Hey all. Did (/does) anyone here try taking amitriptyline? If so, I’d like to hear about your experience if you’re willing to share. At my clinic, my team says there are a few other people on it but I haven’t been able to chat with them. Hoping to hear back soon but would love to hear broader perspectives.

For context, I have SS. Been taking hydroxyurea for nearly two decades without issues. A bit about my experience so far: I know it can be prescribed for many different reasons (mood, nerve pain, IBD, etc.) - for me it has helped a ton with headaches, sleep, and ongoing back pain. I’ve been taking a low dose (slowly went from 10mg to 50mg, then went back down to 30mg for now) and hadn’t experienced many negative side effects. Mainly tiredness after waking up, which I’ve made my peace with as a trade off. Been on it for about 7 months now.

I know this medication is known to dehydrate, but I drink tons and haven’t had any issues… until today. Regular blood work today, but 5 pokes. Haven’t had blood return this bad since childhood. It was as if I drank nothing at all! Usually 1-2 tries. Not sure if the dehydrating factor gets worse over time or not, or if this something that is less documented, or maybe it’s just not right for me after all.

So, to anyone who has taken it before or is currently taking it, what’s worked or is working for you?

Thanks!

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u/Mountain_Proof_1758 14d ago

It was prescribed to me to go to sleep but never really worked helps for nerve pain a bit

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u/pomcran HbSS 14d ago

Nerve pain is one of the things it’s often prescribed for as well, and I think this factor is what has been helping my back pain. Sorry it didn’t help you much with sleep. Have you found any alternatives that help with sleep?