Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Persistent Dizziness And Headaches
Question: Hello,
I have been having constant dizziness and headches (on and off) .. for which neurologist did all sorts of tests.. which came up normal. Except chronic sinusitis everything came normal. So he wanted me to try Amitriptyline.
I was very concerned about using Amitriptyline, Is it true that body will get used to it once started and I might need to continue it life long.. since I am only 30. And also is it true I need to use it for minimum of 3 months once started.
Please suggest doctor. Thanks
I have been having constant dizziness and headches (on and off) .. for which neurologist did all sorts of tests.. which came up normal. Except chronic sinusitis everything came normal. So he wanted me to try Amitriptyline.
I was very concerned about using Amitriptyline, Is it true that body will get used to it once started and I might need to continue it life long.. since I am only 30. And also is it true I need to use it for minimum of 3 months once started.
Please suggest doctor. Thanks
Brief Answer:
Few weeks are needed to see full effects of amitrptyline.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
It depends on what purpose amitrptyline is prescribed by your Doctor.
If it is prescribed to treat any signs of depression, it is true that long term use is needed.
If it is prescribed to prevent migraines associated with dizziness, there is need for few weeks (2-3) to see the full effect of amitrptyline.
It is true also that a partial tolerance is developed in long term use of amitrptyline and increase in dose probably will be needed.
But there is also the possibility to start other drugs to treat and prevent migraines, or depression, if these issues with amitrptyline use become cause of concern.
I agree with your Neurologist, you should use initially low doses of amitrptyline (10mg/day) at least for few weeks.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Few weeks are needed to see full effects of amitrptyline.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
It depends on what purpose amitrptyline is prescribed by your Doctor.
If it is prescribed to treat any signs of depression, it is true that long term use is needed.
If it is prescribed to prevent migraines associated with dizziness, there is need for few weeks (2-3) to see the full effect of amitrptyline.
It is true also that a partial tolerance is developed in long term use of amitrptyline and increase in dose probably will be needed.
But there is also the possibility to start other drugs to treat and prevent migraines, or depression, if these issues with amitrptyline use become cause of concern.
I agree with your Neurologist, you should use initially low doses of amitrptyline (10mg/day) at least for few weeks.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks Doctor. The doctor prescribed this medication to prevent migraines and dizziness.
I have dizziness almost everyday but headaches once in a while ... but I do have headpressure more than headaches. But since all reports came normal, he wanted me to try this medicine to see if helps in dizziness.
But he is not sure if it would help .. because I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.
I have dizziness almost everyday but headaches once in a while ... but I do have headpressure more than headaches. But since all reports came normal, he wanted me to try this medicine to see if helps in dizziness.
But he is not sure if it would help .. because I was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis.
Brief Answer:
If migraine related symptoms, amitrptyline should work.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Amitrptyline is one of first line drugs used to prevent migraines.
If dizziness is a conseguence of migraine it will improve by using amitrptyline.
You should use it to be sure if it works or not.
In my opinion, amitrptyline could ease some of the symptoms related to sinusitis such headaches.
In conclusion, start using amitrptyline, if no sufficient improvement after few weeks, other possible treatment ways and drugs are available.
Hope I helped you. Take care.
If migraine related symptoms, amitrptyline should work.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
Amitrptyline is one of first line drugs used to prevent migraines.
If dizziness is a conseguence of migraine it will improve by using amitrptyline.
You should use it to be sure if it works or not.
In my opinion, amitrptyline could ease some of the symptoms related to sinusitis such headaches.
In conclusion, start using amitrptyline, if no sufficient improvement after few weeks, other possible treatment ways and drugs are available.
Hope I helped you. Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
