Hi again,

I have a question about anti depressants. I am currently prescribed Amitriptyline for tension headaches. I have been on them in a take when I need them set up. When the headaches cleared up I stopped taking them.

When I was diagnosed with Neuropathy my doc said to start taking them daily and up the dose as they were also good for nerves. I did not last long on the new dosage as I had side effects so was put on Pregablin. The doc told me to keep taking the original dosage as well.

I have been a bit lax as I still enjoy a drink and you cant drink while on them. I have however recently stopped drinking and started taking them everyday again.

All this leads to my question. I am on a anti depressant but am not depressed. How will they affect my moods and emotions? I will admit I was having an emotional time and feeling sorry for myself due to women problems. Now though I am looking at that situation better and not moping about as much as I was.

Is this the amitriptyline getting in my system? Will it affect my moods even if I'm not depressed? How good are they for the neuropathy?

I look forward to your intelligent, helpful and educated responses?

Thanks, Hemse.

Amitriptyline in low doses is used in headache management and chronic pain. Many people with peripheral neuropathies are offered it and use it well.

In doses below 50mg a day it has little antidepressant effects.
When it was used for depression the doses were much higher daily.

This drug is not typically used in high doses today, because of its tendency to cause cardiac side effects when mixed with other drugs that do the same thing. This is called prolonged QT

and you can read about it here:
http://www.azcert.org/

Some people find side effects even from low doses, but others tolerate it well.

the amitrpityline maybe geting into your system improving your mood - great to the not drinking anymore not easy to do.

you could have depression and not be depressed EVERYDAY
but its ok depression can be treated.

sue dyas