Question 1

is elavil (amitriptyline) good for stopping nightmares? i have ptsd and was prescribed it

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Elavil (amitriptyline) or Amitriptyline can help for insomnia, depression and some pain conditions. There has not been much data to suggest that it helps for nightmares. Prazosin may be a better choice for ptsd related nightmares.

Question 2

couldthe medicine amitriptyline cause vivid dreams/nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Although, usually it's just the opposite. Amitriptyline is what is known as a tricyclic antidepressant (tca). In general, tcas are known to inhibit or diminish rem sleep. Rem sleep is when dreaming occurs. A person may commonly have "rem rebound, " when stopping or reducing their tca medication then and dream more. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule in the practice of medicine.

Question 3

i am on endep 25mg for pain and having constant nightmares is it normal its helping with the pain.  i cant take lyrica (pregabalin).

Accepted Answer

Go back to PCP.: While Endep (Amitriptyline) helps with your pain, one of the side-effects include nightmares and vivid dreams which can be very distressing. Please go back to your doctor and see if he can prescribe something else.

Question 4

besides remeron, (mirtazapine) what other med is good for sedation and anxiety? trazodone gives me terrible nightmares & elavil is evil to get used to.

Accepted Answer

Anxiety/sedation: Other alternatives can include sedating ssri's such as paxil, (paroxetine) or antihistamines such as vistaril, both at night. Discuss with your primary care doc.

Question 5

is amitriptyline a benzo?

Accepted Answer

No: Amitriptylene is a tricyclic antidepressant, not a benzodiazapine.

Question 6

what is amitriptyline prescribed for?

Accepted Answer

Many: This is the first antidepressant (after maos) and is used for depression, anxiety, but also pain, sleep, urinary incontinence.

Question 7

what is elavil (amitriptyline)

Accepted Answer

Amitriptyline: It is a tricyclic tertiary antidepressant that is also used for a myriad of pain conditions.

Question 8

is amitriptyline used to help sleep?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but...: Yes, it may be prescribed just as a sleep aid, but there are many better choices.  Melatonin, Trazodone, Benadryl are safe alternatives. Restoril, Ambien, and Sonata (zaleplon) are alternatives as well but are riskier given potential for abuse, withdrawal, dependence, and daytime sedation the following day.

Question 9

why prescribe titrate amitriptyline?

Accepted Answer

Useful medication.: Amitriptyline can be helpful for many medical conditions, including migraines, insomnia, and depression. Side effects such as sleepiness, dry eyes, dry mouth, and constipation may occur. Side effects tend to be less if the medication is started at a low dose and gradually increased (titrated).

Question 10

how do you wing off 25mg amitriptyline?

Accepted Answer

Elavil (amitriptyline): can be weened over a period of a few weeks at this dose. 
Be sure to discuss this with your prescribing doctor. If you have it in tablet form you can break it into quarters and take away one quarter every 5 days. Consider replacing it with Pamelor (nortriptyline) which is less anticholinergic (dry mouth blurred vision etc)

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Amitriptyline nightmares

A member asked:

Is elavil (amitriptyline) good for stopping nightmares? i have ptsd and was prescribed it

A member asked:

Couldthe medicine amitriptyline cause vivid dreams/nightmares?

A member asked:

I am on endep 25mg for pain and having constant nightmares is it normal its helping with the pain. i cant take lyrica (pregabalin).

A member asked:

Besides remeron, (mirtazapine) what other med is good for sedation and anxiety? trazodone gives me terrible nightmares & elavil is evil to get used to.

A member asked:

Is amitriptyline a benzo?

A member asked:

What is amitriptyline prescribed for?

A member asked:

What is elavil (amitriptyline)

A member asked:

Is amitriptyline used to help sleep?

A member asked:

Why prescribe titrate amitriptyline?

A member asked:

How do you wing off 25mg amitriptyline?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?