[Hcarmen]

Hi all,
My neurologist is wanting me to take Amitryptaline for post concussion syndrome and what he thinks are silent migraines.
Have any of you tried this drug? What were the first few weeks like? Did it work for you?

[Eowyn]

Originally Posted by Hcarmen

Hi all,
My neurologist is wanting me to take Amitryptaline for post concussion syndrome and what he thinks are silent migraines.
Have any of you tried this drug? What were the first few weeks like? Did it work for you?

This was the first headache preventive medication I used. It made me VERY sleepy at first, but that improved over time. It did help reduce my headaches, though that took a little while as well.

Ultimately, I had to go off it because it made me too dizzy at the dose I needed to fully eradicate the headaches, but it was the first thing that actually helped get my headaches under control.

[Mark in Idaho]

Amitriptyline is a very common prescription for PCS head aches and insomnia. It is usually prescribed in small doses, 10 mgs or so.

What are silent migraines ?

[Hcarmen]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

Amitriptyline is a very common prescription for PCS head aches and insomnia. It is usually prescribed in small doses, 10 mgs or so.

What are silent migraines ?

From what I understand (I was just finally diagnosed with PCS and silent migraines yesterday .....had my injury in 2003 and found NUCCA chiropractic that helped get my life back....until now when I have another concussion...)
anyway, silent migraines are ones without headaches. They can mimic symptoms as severe as a stroke. They can also mimic panic-like symptoms, dizziness, etc.
I have been trying to read up on it, as it's been like having them every day for me (maybe even multiple times a day). Even after I felt better with my NUCCA treatment, some of the lingering symptoms of PCS that I had were anxiety and lightheadedness. I found when I didn't sleep enough, drank caffeine or alcohol, menstruation and sometimes unexplained reasons the anxiety or lightheadedness reared it's ugly head. Maybe that was the silent migraines?
I tried to post a link here but it won't let me, try and google silent migraines there will be a better explanation than what I'm giving.

[Mark in Idaho]

You said,
"I didn't sleep enough, drank caffeine or alcohol, menstruation and sometimes unexplained reasons the anxiety or lightheadedness reared it's ugly head."

Those are all common triggers for the symptoms you mention. Anxiety is a very common symptom of PCS.

Who knows. You may be having silent migraines or just common PCS anxiety and lightheadedness. Over-stimulation and mental fatigue can lead to both.

[SuperElectric]

If you are intolerant to amitryptaline then you might want to try nortryptaline which is said to have less side effects.

[Hcarmen]

So far the drug has helped with a few symptoms but I spent yesterday feeling very dark and crying a lot which is not natural for me. I didn't take any last night and feel like myself today but didn't sleep well and physically don't feel as good as when on the drug. I'm going to try 5mg tonight and see how it goes. I'm always so sensitive to medication. I really hope this doesn't make me feel sad again.

[SuperElectric]

AD's can make you feel depressed at first, after 2 to 3 weeks it passes from what I've heard.

[Hcarmen]

Well after 3 nights on 5mg I was very anxious and hallucinating. I'm so sensitive to medications I hate it! This one worked for my physical symptoms but the side effects were too much. Back to the beginning I guess.

[Mark in Idaho]

Maybe you can ask your doctor for a prescription for Klonopin or another anti-anxiety drug. Small dose Klonopin (.125 mgs or less, .5 is a normal dose) may be just enough to take the edge off your anxiety so you can sleep.