Hi I’ve been struggling with getting off to sleep. Plus waking up and can’t get back. It started when I had to come off amitriptyline 3 x10mg. I’d been on it for more than 10 years to help with chronic pain. I had to come off it due to low sodium. I got down to 2x 10mg easily. I tapered gradually by a quarter of a tablet every 4 weeks as advised..This medication had an effect on my serotonin and brain chemicals. I’ve joined an NHS online CNBTI course .I’m doing all they say but nothing is improving.
My doctor prescribed mortazipine and a antihistamine but I only took them for 2 days as the mirtazapine made me spaced out. The antihistamine wasn’t helpful . Plus I was concerned I would have to wean myself off them. I didn’t want that.
I’ve tried all the sleep hygiene tips recommended plus limiting te in bed getting up at the same time every day etc.
Hi Maureen. I have recently come off of Amitriptyline after 20 years and definitely experienced what you describe. I am working with a functional medicine doctor who put me on a high protein, high fiber diet that is definitely helping with sleep onset. Complete protein has all nine essential amino acids that your body and brain need that you can only get from food-your body does not produce them. Your brain needs these amino acids for the processes involved in the sleep wake cycle. Read about complete proteins-it is basically meat/chicken/fish and byproducts not plant based. (It’s possible to get complete protein from plant based sources but it requires very specific combinations of foods). I consume 30 grams of protein at each meal, which is difficult for a woman. I have to do whey protein shakes daily to get enough protein. (An egg has 5 g of protein). It took a few weeks of strict adherence to the diet to start feeling the effects. I also added iodized salt back into my diet because it contributes to thyroid function which plays a part in sleep as well. People with high blood pressure should check with physician before increasing salt. Sleeping in a cold room (67-68 degrees) is considered to be good for sleep maintenance. Some Post-menopausal women also benefit from taking progesterone - lots of information about this that you can read. There is a ton of information now about the detrimental effects of Amitriptyline. It is associated with memory problems, cognitive deficits and Alzheimer’s, so it is good that you are off of it. I hope this information is helpful.