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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 89
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Afternoon everybody,
the past few weeks i have been feeling extremely tired which i know my ra does cause/affect but recently it has felt different so thought i might be aneamic again. However the blood results have come back with all ok and no action needed which has surprised me. It has got to the point where i can't even be bothered to get dressed, put shoes on etc... just to even go to the shops or even just making a drink seems hard, which just isn't me. Maybe it is just the ra and things will improve soon.
The doctor did suggest i think about starting a drug called amitriptyline to help with sleep, anyone else on this?
Thanks
emilyXXX.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/18/2010 Posts: 45 Location: Barnsley
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Hi Emily I'm on amitriptyline and have been before I was diagnosed with RA when we thought it was Fibromyalgia. I started on 20mg, now on 30mg and I noticed a difference really quickly. It doesn't help me get to sleep but it keeps my sleep really deep. I rarely wake up in the night, not even for the toilet so I guess it's doing what it's supposed to and keeping me in a nice deep sleep. The only side effect I noticed was a dry mouth but that disappeared after a month or so. Gem x Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010
Posts: 576
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Me too Emily. I have to say that this would be the last drug I would give up. Like Gem says. it stops all the awful waking in pain and not getting back to sleep. I find it really helps me get to sleep too, though I'm on 75mg at night.
If you are suffering more with fatigue, it would be worth a try to see if it improves the quality of your sleep over a few weeks. I think at the dose I'm on, it also has anti-depressant qualities (it was originally used for this) - and that's fine by me! Good luck - let us know how you get on XX Ailsa
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Oh Emily - really hope it's not the anaemia again. I'm sure the doc will keep an eye on your bloods. Do hope you soon feel better
(lovely to hear from you today) xxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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oh emily, how rotten.
I wonder if in fact you are feeling a bit low- I know that the blues can effect RA sufferers and sleep is one of the indicators.
Much love to you
Jenni how to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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PS If it could be the blues, please make an appointment and see a dr. it should not be "put up with" and is often VERY treatablehow to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/5/2010 Posts: 364 Location: mid glamorgan
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Hi Emily
Sympathise with you, I get really really tired for 2-3 days after I inject my methotrexate to the point where I literally cant keep my eyes open! When I mentioned this to rheummy nurse tho he said it was probably the RA causing it, but im not convinced. I have got amitryptiline that I take when my shoulders are too painful to sleep, like Gem said they do give you a lovely deep sleep but I sometimes still feel tired the next day so I only take when desperate.. I agree with Jenni though might be worth seeing your dr. Hope things get better for you xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Emily
Sorry you not too good at the moment. It horrible being so tired and then not
being able to sleep.
I was put on amitryp when they were trying to find out what was wrong with me
so over 3 yrs ago. I take 30 or 40mg and at least an hour before I go to bed it apppears
to let me relax and then able to sleep as the others said - deeply. Side effect is the
horrid dry mouth. Without them not sure how I would cope as still need a sleep during
the day.
Good luck might be worth given GP a ring
Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/19/2010
Posts: 88
Location: Saddleworth, UK
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Hiya!
I too have been prescribed Amitrip for my sleeping patterns and have to say its brilliant. Takes a few weeks to work but when it does its wonderful.
You don't get addicted to it (so I'm told) but it gets you back in to a routine. It worked for me - and my dad!
Good luck
Lxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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interesting to see how many on you take Amatripyline,
i go for my review next Tuesday and one of the things on the top of my list is that my sleep hasn't been good since being on Methotrexate. i can get comfy at night so it's not the pain causing my lack of sleep. i really feel it's to do with the drug although i know it's not listed as one of the side affects but as my Rheumy Nurse said we are all different.
i'm not sure what they are going to suggest as the Methotrexate hasn't worked for me ( well my CRP has come down but not enough ) so i guess it was to add another drug with it.
whereas i feel i want to come off the Methorexate because my sleeping pattern has changed but i also feel scared in coming off it and trying something else my inflammation will shoot up.
so going to ask about Amitrip,
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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They may just add something else in, Suzanne. I had plaquenil added to the mtx when it wasn't quite enough to bring my levels down and it seems to be doing the trick. xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Jean,
thanks for the info that's good to know that the two drugs are working for you.
will report back next week after appointment.
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 1,035
Location: in a house
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yes i have been on it years ago . i would say go on it .As a good nights sleep is vital and its used for other things it might help with the blues as its also mild anti deppesant and a bladder calmer . its also used for itching if you have a derm promlem as first it helps you to sleep then calms you down so there for helps with the itching . yes go on it think it would help a lot . Takes i think 3 weeks to get into you before works well . Also see an O.T she can help with a rotine which if you follow you will rest at the right time so there for lot less triedness and pain and they can teach you how to do it sitting say if you where out for a coffee or lunch .And show you how too support joints so you rest compleatley so there for little more enjey . christine The chocolate eating housewife ...The washer woman .....naughty lady
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 89
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Many thanks for your all your replies, i will defo think about starting the amatripyline, sounds like it certainly helps. You could be right Jen about the 'blues', i am tring to eat lots of the foods that naturally help increase levels of serotoning but if things dont improve will go and and see dr again and discuss taking something to help. Managed to stay out of bed for most of the day yesterday and got some fresh air, this did seem to help. Let us know how you get on Suzanne at your appointment. Thanks again ladies Keep warm  emilyXXX.
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