I have taken Amtriptyline for 20 years started on it for insomnia. I then developed burning skin pain, and no one ever thought it was the Amit. I wouldn't have either, except, I was put on Remeron an other anti-depressant , and first developed numb feet, and the the itching skin and then after a few weeks the burning skin pain. I am no off the Remeron, and the pain is back to the normal level. Now what to do about going off Amit is very scary. It helps the pain, but yet is causing the pain. does that make any sense. Wouldlove to hear from anyone else .

I am not a fan of amitriptyline. I was on it a long time ago, and am no better off for being on it. All my problems started after I took that drug. That doesn't mean it caused it....but, I haven't ruled it out either.

I used to take this drug in the mid-1980's. I think it was prescribed a lot back then... may still be. I was on a hefty dosage of 100 mg.

I agree with Cyclelops statement:

"That doesn't mean it caused it....but, I haven't ruled it out either."

Mere

i take amitriptylene at night. it has helped with the stabbing pains and keeps me asleep once i get asleep. the only side effect i have noticed is its hard to stay awake for a while once i get up.

This drug has some mixed history. It appears on lists from neuropathy sites as a "cause" of axonal neuropathy.

Here is an example:
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/t/toxi...line/intro.htm

However, I couldn't quickly find the studies that support this yet.
I'll look later in more detail.

Recently there have been studies showing amitriptyline actually enhances peripheral nerve regeneration.
Here is the link to that article:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...=amitriptyline

This might be dose dependent or a factor in those who do not metabolize this drug well. I do think this is very confusing.

Edit to add:
It appears that amitriptyline is being used as an injected anesthetic in some situations. So I found some neurotoxic in vitro (no in living subjects) on this subject. This would place the drug in high concentration near neurons:

from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17437653

and this one :
and this one:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16717317

All involving injection as an anesthetic.

I am still looking for oral studies...

There are studies about SSRIs causing neuronal cell death...these have been around for few years. This paper includes amitriptyline with prozac (which has been most studied so far):
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11996893

Now what do I do. Is there a doctor some place that knows about this link. I am decreasing the Remeron, and the depression is increasing, but the burning pain is less. This is such a catch 22 situation.


Janet

Typically amitriptyline is used in small doses for PN. It may be long term high dose for depression is more problematic. That is just my take on it.

I would not expect a regular doctor to know the details about this drug. Perhaps some neurologist or anesthesiologist might if they work in a teaching hospital.

Most doctors don't know that amitriptyline is on neuropathy lists as "toxic".

When I try to decrease it even by 10 mg the burning gets worse. I take 85 mg at night. I always new when I went higher my skin would burn more, and when I took 75mg my skin would burn more. 85 mg seemed to be the right dose for me.


Janet

You know Brian here, used it in I think 100mg and he didn't have any problem.

I don't know how often he visits now, that he is so much improved.

I see you are a new member with a low post count, so your PM privileges are not active yet. I'll PM him to come to this thread.

How's that?

Thank you , you are so kind

I tried to get an appt with my neurologist who I haven't seen in 8 years, and I need a new referral and he is booking into October. Is 85 mg considered a small dose, maybe I wouldn't have to go off of it ?


Sincerely,
Janet