VM and cymbalta/elavil

New here, let me introduce myself 🤝
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Hi
Im new to this site. So far Loving all the information that is shared!!!
I was finally diagnosed with vistubular migraines after a year. Doesn’t make my symptoms any better but I feel better than I know what I have and I’m not crazy lol.
My neurologist started me on Elavil 10mg.
I’ve been on it for two weeks now it’s helping just a little. I was wondering if anybody is on amitrictylin
And how long it took to see results?
I also have anxiety and depression, mostly in the winter. At one point in my journey, I did take Cymbalta and I’ve been reading that Cymbalta does help also with VM. Has anyone found this to be true?
Thxs

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I think we had one member who did very well with Cymbalta, you could use the search facility at the top of the page to find their experience. I dont think its commonly prescribed but as its actually one of the few Cochrane reviewed antidepressants that is effective for chronic pain then its entirely logical that it should help. Its an SNRI antidepressant and these are often more effective for VM than an SSRI.

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Thank you! Im considering it❤️

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Welcome, Lindamarie. I also felt some relief when I got a VM diagnosis (years ago, and confirmed more recently.) I felt a wee bit less crazy (!). I took an SSRI (Lexapro; escitalopram) for about 4 years, then tapered off. I then got Covid and symptoms returned and haven’t abated. I started Lexapro again but after 2 years it clearly isn’t doing much of a job. The SNRIs do seem to have better results, statistically. I am tapering off and then considering what to do next.

I am finding this community very helpful and hope you will too. All good wishes to you

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Share with us what you try. I know its hit and miss but its good to hear when people have a success story.
Best of luck🙏

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Hi, I sure understand knowing what you have makes you feel better. I was in the same boat (felt like I was crazy) until my diagnosis.
For anxiety/depression, you mention winter; have you looked into light therapy (one brand is happy light)? When we lived in Central NYS with gloomy cloud cover like clockwork my depression got worse. We moved to New Orleans where there is more winter sun, amazingly my winter depression is manageable.I tried all sorts of meds, antidepressants caused weight gain, adding to depression; I landed on Wellbutrin. For the migraines, standard migraine meds, Emgality, Qulipta & Botox.
American Headache Society new treatment recommendation is use anti-CGRP meds as first line of treatment. These are Aimovig,Emgality, Qulipta, etc. Qulipta has been a miracle for many, including me; maybe 1 migraine a month. Rescue, I use Maxalt (triptan) and Nurtec; I found the combo eliminates the “hangover”. Wishing you the best in finding the combo to help you.

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Thanks!
Yes NJ winters are dreary. Have tried everything and will always go back to some kind of antidepressant for 3 to 4 months. The lights, the homeopathy you name it never 100% did it for me.
The amitriptyline seems to be helping with the depression…. Seeing some mild improvement in VM symptoms. Doc says it takes 2-3 months.
Im Hopeful :pray:

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Yes, Amitritptyline is the only medicine that has helped me with my VM symptoms. The dizziness/sleepiness goes away after a few days. I’m on 10mg

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Thank you! Have you tried others?

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Hi! I started Ami 2 weeks ago (10mg) and I actually feel worse, more dizziness and anxiety. I don’t know if it is normal as people relate almost immediate relief. I am so confused and sad. I thought that this pill was going to be the miracle.

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I feel the same. I was very excited and had a very hard time with it disturbing my sleep and making me tired. I’m three weeks in and I really don’t see any difference in my symptoms.:smiling_face_with_tear:i also feel more dizzy and spacey than ever. But I was told to give it 4 to 6 weeks. I don’t know if I’m going to.

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