I have just been prescribed amitriptyline 10mg for neuropathic pain. Is it unsafe to drink any alcohol when on this or is one drink ok as it is such a low dose? I am very confused so haven't even started taking it yet!
I drunk alcohol when I started as helped to relax me knowing I was taking new meds!.. I also take methotrexate. Alcohol just makes me tired quicker... Just in moderation I'm sure you'd be fine. We have to live too :-)
Thank you snowcat! I don't drink much at all, just the occasional one with friends or a glass of wine with a meal. I have given so much up in my life recently because of my health and can't face not having a life., I know the pills can make you drowsy so shall take them at night. Hopefully it'll be the best night's sleep I've had in years! :-)
P.s where is yr pain... Mine is mainly s.I joint
I have nerve damage due to diabetes which I have managed to cope with until recently. It is all over but particularly intense in my hands and feet at bedtime. It is weird as it is not always in the same place.
If I drink more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks (less than 300ml each drink) then I will contimue to take Amitryptaline that evening, but if I have more to drink I will not take amitryptaline at all or I will halve my dose so that I have something in my system
That's useful. Thank you. I think I will have to get settled on the meds and then it's a bit of trial and error. I guess the information leaflets always give you the worst case scenario. :-)
not a good idea to mix that medication with alcohol... if ur taking any medication its good sense surely medication and alcohol dont mix ...amitriptyline and alcohol is not good mix ... causes giddyness dizziness and nausea and yes of course ..the reason why ppl DO drink wen on it... it makes u much more drowsy... if ppl tell you its ok.. well hahaha you for takin it as medical advice if u want ur meds to work effectively no alcohol..if u like the feelin those meds ur on make u FEEL more than nueropathic remedy..u still choose to drink more fool you.... mental health and alcohol dont mix well generally and that NOT taking into regard medications you may be taking...if the amitryptiline is working for ur pain...there are other options other than resorting back to what u may have tried in past more often than not ..most prescribed is that of the Opiate family from codiene , tramadol oral morphine.. Fact: Opiate Medication Is Not A Real Option When Neuropathic Pain Is Involved... I Got Told After 20yrs Of Different Levels Of Using Ora-morph To Codiene ,,tramadol.. Now!!! I Have A Good Gp....an Honest Gp..and There Are Other Options Gabapentin Pregablin Are 2 Drugs That Can Be Prescribed To Treat Neuropathic Pain.. Both Are Well Known Anti-epileptic Drugs, Used In Head Trauma Pain And Spinal Or Main Nerve Pain...since Ive Started On One...i Need To Tell My Gp It Works Well ..i Feel Less Pain Now Than Ever..
good morning kate
i am only new to this discussion and what brought me to it was exactly the same as you ...i was prescrubed Amitriptline as I have very bad bowel problems many operations and left with extreme nerve ending pain in my back passage ...... what was said to me was yes you can have a few drinks ( i was heading off on holidays) if I had toooooo many best to not take a tablet for that night but to start back
i have had a few drink most weekends and i am now on the tablets 3 months
on a side note .... i ran out of tabs and had to renew the script so i did not have any meds for over a week and the pain came right back 100% .... but when you start taking them for the first time your body is slugish but this does go after a week or two ............ you'll be fine they have given me a new lease of life by taking the pain away .........cheers
Firstly, I never said it was a good idea and
Secondly I merely said what I do. I do not go out and get wasted, I only have a glass or 2 at family get to gethers and other special occasions.
This site is based on opinions and personal experiences, I told Kate my personal experience with it, in no way id I tell her it is perfectly fine to drink on it, and I even said the amounts that I do allow myself on occasions. I take Amitryptaline for back pain not as an antidepressant and it doesn't make me particularly tired
Thank you Claire. I totally understood your message and I too do not go out and get mashed ever! My confusion is because the medication leaflet I have only talks about the meds as an antidepressant which is a dose if 150mg+ and not as a pain killer which is a 15th of this dose at 10mg.
I have several occasions to go to in the next few months where it would be nice to toast the bride etc.
I have consulted a GP now and have advice.
thank you all for your opinions.
I have been on Amitriptyline and Gabapentin for the last couple of years. Both medications say to avoid alcohol but I have found that I can enjoy a drink. I have had more than a couple on occassion with no ill effects, I may just be a tough old bird! I wanted to share my experience as, like you, I asked around and made a decision that was good for me. If you do decide to have a drink I would advise caution as we are all unique and it would be awful if you were out and had an adverse reaction or fell asleep in your meal. I have Fibromyalgia and am told it's for life & I was not ready to sign the pledge so had my first drink with meds at home with people I trust. I hope this has helped you and given you a smile and that your meds work for you :-)
Thank you. That really helps! :-)
That's good to hear. I forgot to tell you that I'm on 50mg at night for pain. I hasten to add that my poor memory is due to a mixture of Fibro-fog and a recent rise in my Gabapentin dosage and not down to alcohol consumption he he he 
Absolutely, I also have fibromyalgia, a lifelong condition. Am on Amitriptyline too. Enjoy a drink, a few glasses of wine on nights out and special occasions, and even at home when I have had a difficult day. Always aware of how much I drink, but find it helps with a frankly difficult condition.
Hi Kate16158
I note on your post (10 months ago) that you consulted your GP for advice regarding taking Amitriptyline with the odd glass of wine. Did the GP say it was OK? I've been on this med for just over a month and have been not been drinking alcohol at all, however I am going to a wedding next week and would like to know if a glass or two of wine is OK. Thanks in advance for your reply.
I have been just prescribed Amitriptyline for pain and was supprised to find out that it is licenced for depression! I was also looking at the site to find out more about taking it with alcohol, I have been prescribed 10mg a night. I don't get wasted either but I do have quite a stressful job working with students that have special educational needs and challenging behavior and I just like to get home at night, put my feet up, relax and have a glass or two of cider or beer - not even strong stuff - just enjoy it! A lot of people that I know doing this work do the same thing and after all, doctors have always been notorious for going home and having a couple of strong drinks at the end of the day!
I take 25mg every night. I did have a glass of wine on Friday about 2 hours before I took the meds and I felt fine. I would only do this now and again though and I wouldn't overdo it.
Thanks, wouldn't overdo it, just like to get home and have a drink whilst relaxing. Going to start taking them tomorrow as it is my birthday today and have been bought some Old Speckled Hen and have been enjoying it! What the hell it is my birthday!! Thinking maybe one will be okay?
Happy Birthday for yesterday! I think you just need to monitor how the alcohol affects you with the meds as everyone is different. I didn't drink any alcohol for the first month to let my body get used to the drug.