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Amitriptyline or Duloxetine

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Tee P

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Type 2
As I am more anxious and worried than usual due to the Coronavirus my neuropathy has been quite bad, I also have a pulsing heart. GP has today prescribed me Duloxetine, which after reading side effects, I think I should stay on amitripline 30mg as this is what I am used to, I am using meditation tapes to help me relax and switching off news, only listening to what we need to know to help with anxiety, also have one short walk with hubby daily. Is anyone else suffering badly with neuropathy at night or has used these drugs before? Would welcome any advice.
 
There are side effects to all medications I'm afraid and the only way to know for sure is to try them, if we were all to read the "possible" (as that's all they are to begin with) side effects and decide against taking it then there would be a lot of unnecessary suffering going on in the world, I'm sorry if that's not what you want to hear but there will be loads that have had no side effects and a few that possibly have but that doesn't determine what effects it would have on you xx
 
As Kaylz says every drug has side effects and everyone reacts differently to drugs. I was a zombie on amitriptyline so have gabapentin instead, which in theory causes the same side effects but for me has completely changed my life. Is the dulozetine as well as amitriptyline or instead of?

Were you checked for anaemia by any chance?

I would give the new drug a try and see how you are in two weeks. If it doesn’t suit you there are other meds that may be better but often it’s a case of try and see how it suits individuals. Something like pregablin or gabapentin might help more with your neuropathy and something like propanalol might be good for your anxiety. But all have some side effects and if you read the leaflet you can convince yourself you’re dying.
 
Can't give advice, thats down to your HCP. Can relate my experiences. Tried them all for neuropathy and none of them had any lasting positive effects, let alone side effects . Coming off amitriptyline was interesting. I got amazing technicolour dreams, really wild hippie stuff, but fortunately that did not last long.
 
Thebearcametoo said:
As Kaylz says every drug has side effects and everyone reacts differently to drugs. I was a zombie on amitriptyline so have gabapentin instead, which in theory causes the same side effects but for me has completely changed my life. Is the dulozetine as well as amitriptyline or instead of?

Were you checked for anaemia by any chance?

I would give the new drug a try and see how you are in two weeks. If it doesn’t suit you there are other meds that may be better but often it’s a case of try and see how it suits individuals. Something like pregablin or gabapentin might help more with your neuropathy and something like propanalol might be good for your anxiety. But all have some side effects and if you read the leaflet you can convince yourself you’re dying.
Click to expand...
Thebearcametoo said:
As Kaylz says every drug has side effects and everyone reacts differently to drugs. I was a zombie on amitriptyline so have gabapentin instead, which in theory causes the same side effects but for me has completely changed my life. Is the dulozetine as well as amitriptyline or instead of?

Were you checked for anaemia by any chance?

I would give the new drug a try and see how you are in two weeks. If it doesn’t suit you there are other meds that may be better but often it’s a case of try and see how it suits individuals. Something like pregablin or gabapentin might help more with your neuropathy and something like propanalol might be good for your anxiety. But all have some side effects and if you read the leaflet you can convince yourself you’re dying.
Click to expand...
No blood test for anaemia done.☹️ I was the other way around I was a zombie on gabapetin so amitriptyline was better for me. Yes GP prescribing Duloxetine instead of amitriptyline so going to give it a go, like you say I can always change if it doesn’t suit. After looking at side effects of amitriptyline ( which I didn’t check before) it also says may give some heart rhythm disorders so it might be the tablets all along thats been making me ill as I’ve just increased dosage to 30mgs. Thank you for your support knowing people who are going through similar.
 
Hope it works for you. If you’re still getting symptoms it might be worth a check for anaemia but that’s just based on my experience and the symptoms I had. I’d put them down to either my fibro or my meds when it turned out I was in need of a blood transfusion 😱
 
Just a quick update. I have now been taking Duloxetine for about 2 weeks for the neuropathy and pins and needles/tingling have now been eased at night and the drug seems to be working. I am glad I changed medication as I am feeling much better for having a better nights sleep. Diabetic nurse very pleased with weight loss and my hba1c is down to 52. I am still taking a small amount of humilin I so she said this will come down once I start reducing my dosage. I have lost just over a stone in weight I’m walking everyday, doing yoga and the heart racing/ palpitations seem to have eased too. The yoga instructor is also a therapist trained in helping the nervous system so breathing techniques are also helping with my anxiety. I’d like to thank you all for your continued support and hope you are all doing okay during lockdown. Keep safe everyone X
 
Oh @Tee P just came across this thread, head must have been in the clouds.
Well done on the Duloxetine a good choice, Neuropathy can be very painful especially in the lower legs and feet.,

Believe me I know and quite a few others on the forum do too, glad its all coming together for you keep on with your yoga
we are all rooting for you, enjoy your life x
 
Thanks so much for giving us an update. I am sure it will be helpful to others in the future to read of your success in changing medication but also the fantastic weight loss and HbA1c result. Sounds like you have made some great lifestyle changes and actually you have just given me the inspiration to look into these meditation and yoga techniques, so thanks for that.
 
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