HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is Fatigue A Side Effect Of Stopping Gabapentin Or Starting Amitriptyline?

My father has taken gabapentin for nerve pain for several years. He seemed to be having more severe neropathy pain so his Dr. weaned him off and changed to amitriptyline which has helped the pain but he is now very tired, no energy etc. Is this a side effect of coming off the gabapentin or the new RX? He is 94 so I don t want to mess around.
Tue, 25 Sep 2018
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Fatigue is a very common side effect of amitriptyline, that occurs due to its anticholinergic effects. The fatigue and sedation will subside to an extent once your system gets used to the medication. However, this can be bothersome and persistent especially in the elderly. If the fatigue persists after a few weeks of taking Amitriptyline, then follow up with his treating physician to switch to another neuropathic pain medication like Tegretol which does not cause much sedation.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal,
General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Is Fatigue A Side Effect Of Stopping Gabapentin Or Starting Amitriptyline?

Hello, Fatigue is a very common side effect of amitriptyline, that occurs due to its anticholinergic effects. The fatigue and sedation will subside to an extent once your system gets used to the medication. However, this can be bothersome and persistent especially in the elderly. If the fatigue persists after a few weeks of taking Amitriptyline, then follow up with his treating physician to switch to another neuropathic pain medication like Tegretol which does not cause much sedation. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician